1 
Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10453
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTING A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR THE PREVENTION, EARLY 
DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH AUTISM 
SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that impacts how 
individuals interact, communicate, and behave. Termed a "spectrum" disorder 
due to its varying degrees of severity, some may experience mild symptoms, 
while others face more significant challenges. 
ASD is a lifelong condition that can hinder individuals' ability to connect 
with others, communicate effectively, and adapt to different situations. In the 
Philippines, approximately 1 in every 100 people has ASD, equating to roughly 
1.2 million Filipinos dealing with it. 
Presently, there is a pressing need to support children with ASD by 
implementing a program encompassing early identification, appropriate 
treatment, and assistance with daily tasks. This approach aims to enable them 
to become positive contributors to our community. 
One commendable aspect of this proposed bill is its focus on monitoring 
the prevalence of ASD and identifying affected individuals. This data would 
enable the government to allocate resources more effectively. Additionally, the 
bill would provide much-needed assistance to parents of children with ASD. 
Caring for a child with ASD is challenging due to their additional needs for 
May, 21, 2024
9:03 am


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attention and specialized care. Juggling these responsibilities alongside other 
concerns can be overwhelming for parents. 
The bill aims to establish a Council that would unite various government 
entities and organizations to support individuals with ASD and their families. 
This Council would offer guidance, support, and opportunities for families to 
connect with one another. 
This proposed legislation is crucial to ensuring that individuals with ASD 
receive the necessary help and support nationwide. Despite increased 
awareness of ASD, resources are still insufficient to meet the needs of everyone 
affected. Through this legislation, the government can ensure that individuals 
with ASD have access to the support they require to lead fulfilling lives and 
contribute to society. 
In light of the aforementioned reasons, the approval of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
LORDAN G. SUAN 
Cagayan de Oro City – 1st District 
From awareness to action. (n.d.). Autism Society 
Philippines.https://www.autismsocietyphilippines.org/p/autism-is-lifelong-developmental.html


1 
Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10453 
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTING A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR THE PREVENTION, EARLY 
DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH AUTISM 
SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as "Autism Care Act." 
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Principles. — It is hereby declared the policy of the 
3 
State to protect and promote the right to health of the people, including the 
4 
rights of persons with autism to full, healthy and holistic development. As such, 
5 
the State shall promote an environment conducive to the development of 
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autistic persons to become, to the best of their potentials, independent, self-
7 
reliant and productive members of society. Towards this end, the State commits 
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itself to the establishment of institutional and social mechanisms to support 
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children and adult persons with autism and their families. In this light, the State 
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shall institutionalize a holistic program for persons with autism in the country 
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that will be sensitive to their needs for purposes of empowering and providing 
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them quality of life. 
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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms shall 
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mean: 
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4 
a) 
"Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder" refers to a range of 
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conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, 
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speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and 
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differences. It includes autism disorder, Asperger syndrome, Rett's syndrome, 
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and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified. 
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b) 
"Diagnosis" refers to medically necessary assessments, evaluations 
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including neuropsychological evaluations, genetic testing or other tests to 
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diagnose whether an individual has one of the autism spectrum disorders. 
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c) 
"Treatment" refers to those that are medically necessary, 
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appropriate, effective or efficient and shall include evaluation and assessment 
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services; behavior training and management and applied behavior analysis; 
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habilitative or rehabilitative care, including occupational, physical or speech 
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therapy; pharmacy care and medication; psychiatric care; psychological care; 
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and therapeutic care. 
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SEC. 4. Epidemiological Surveillance Programs. — The National Institute of 
22 
Health (NIH) is hereby mandated to conduct an annual epidemiological survey 
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to determine the extent and total incidence and prevalence of persons with 
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autism in the country in order for the government to provide the necessary and 
25 
appropriate interventions to address the needs faced by persons with autism. 
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The NIH is further mandated, in coordination with the Department of Health 
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(DOH), to strengthen its research focus on autism; to renew its investment into 
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basic and clinical research; to expand its research into the link between 
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environmental factors and autism; and to continue investigations into 
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causation, diagnosis, early detection, and treatment of autism spectrum 
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disorders. Such factors that will be studied shall include, among others, 
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infection and immune function, hormonal and reproductive factors, genetic 
34 
factors, gastro-intestinal factors, and sociodemographic factors. 
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SEC. 5. Prevention of Conflict of Interest in the Research Process. — Within 
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six (6) months from the date of effectivity of this Act, the DOH shall issue the 
2 
necessary standards, guidelines, and regulations in order to ensure that there is 
3 
no conflict of interest, whatsoever, between the research agenda of the 
4 
researchers and the drug manufacturers or government agencies promoting the 
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use of a particular vaccine or medicine for the treatment and rehabilitation of 
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persons with autism. The DOH shall ensure the timely publication and 
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dissemination of information of these guidelines and regulations in order to 
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ensure that the various health providers and stakeholders all over the country 
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are adequately informed. 
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SEC. 6. Autism Council of the Philippines. — There is hereby created an 
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Autism Council of the Philippines ("Council") under the DOH shall serve as an 
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inter-agency and multi-sectoral mechanism tasked to promote the 
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implementation of the National Autism Program of the government. The Council 
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shall endeavor: 
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a) 
to promote public awareness, education, and information on issues 
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concerning autism; 
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b) 
to establish sustainable networks of support groups for families of 
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children and adults with autism; 
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c) 
to provide referral services to patients with autism and identify the 
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appropriate educational and medical expertise and facilities suited to their 
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needs; 
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d) 
to combat the spectrum of disorders related to autism through 
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screening, education, early intervention, prompt referrals for treatment and 
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services; 
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e) 
to undertake research and/or collaborate with other entities on 
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research activities regarding autism in the Philippines; 
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f) 
to coordinate with schools in formulating individualized programs 
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for school children and young students with autism; 
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g) 
to receive donations and grants from international donor 
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institutions, foundations, and multilateral and bilateral foreign donor agencies 
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involved in the prevention, cure and rehabilitation of persons with autism; 
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h) 
to promote the advocacy against bias and stereotyping against 
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persons with autism thereby eliminating discrimination and/or misconceptions 
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of the notion of being autistic with the need in being autistic with the need in 
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view of opening the doors of productive economic opportunities to persons with 
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autism; 
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i) 
to provide the avenue for exchange for exchange of information, 
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exchange programs and sharing of best practices on issues relating to the early 
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detection, prevention, cure, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons diagnosed 
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with autism; 
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j) 
to network with other organizations, institutions, and professionals 
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working for the promotion of legislation and public programs for persons 
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diagnosed with autism; and 
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k) 
to assist in the creation of appropriate programs for individuals 
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diagnosed with autism. 
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SEC. 7. Composition of the Autism Council of the Philippines. — The 
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Council shall be headed by the Secretary of Health as the Chairperson. It shall be 
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composed of the following members: 
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a) 
The Secretary of Social Welfare and Development; 
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b) 
The Secretary of Education; 
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c) 
The Chairperson of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC); 
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d) 
The Chairperson of the National Council of Disability Affairs (NCDA); 
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e) 
The Head of the NIH; 
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f) 
The Head of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA); 
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g) 
One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of caregivers 
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in the Philippines; h) One (1) representative from the duly accredited association 
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of caregivers in the Philippines; 
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i) 
One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of nurses in 
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the Philippines; 
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j) 
One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of medical 
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doctors in the Philippines; 
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k) 
One (1) representative from the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) 
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involved in the advocacy for the prevention, cure and rehabilitation of persons 
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with autism; and 
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l) 
One (1) representative from Local Government Units (LGUs) through 
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Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP). 
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The five (5) members of the Council coming from the representatives of 
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the drug and vaccine manufacturers and distributors; caregivers; nurses; medical 
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doctors and non- governmental organizations shall be appointed by the 
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President of the Philippines, from a list of three (3) nominees from each sector, 
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who shall serve for a term of three (3) years, and renewable for another term: 
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Provided, That the person appointed shall be of good moral characters, of 
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unquestionable integrity, and with expertise and experience of at least six (6) 
12 
years in the field of autism, mental health, and other related fields: Provided, 
13 
further, That in the event of a vacancy, the successor appointed to fill the same 
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shall serve only the unexpired portion of the term of the member he/she 
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succeeds to. 
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The members of the Council from the government agencies and 
17 
institutions ay designate their permanent representatives who shall have a rank 
18 
not lower than an assistant secretary or its equivalent to attend meetings. 
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The members of the Council shall receive emoluments as may be 
20 
determined by the Council, in accordance with existing budget and accounting 
21 
rules and regulations. 
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SEC. 8. Meetings. — The Council shall meet at least once a month upon a 
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three-day notice signed by the Chairperson or as often as necessary upon the 
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written request signed by two-thirds (2/3) of its members. The presence of a 
26 
majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum in order for it 
27 
to conduct its business. 
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SEC. 9.  Programs and Services of the Autism Council. — The programs and 
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services that will be provided by the Council shall include, among others, the 
31 
following: 
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a) 
Orientation and counselling services for families of newly diagnosed 
33 
with autism; 
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b) 
Establishment of Family Support Networks and Sibling Program for 
1 
families of persons with autism to seek psycho-social support for the various 
2 
problems they face; 
3 
c) 
Establishment of National and Regional Referral Services wherein 
4 
the Council will update a list of professionals and child care institutions 
5 
concerned with the case and development of persons with autism; 
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d) 
Publication of reading materials, manuals, and easily readable 
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instruction materials for autism early detection, prevention, rehabilitation, and 
8 
care; 
9 
e) 
The conduct of continuing education, formation, and training 
10 
programs and lectures on the proper handling of persons with autism; 
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f) 
The establishment of a databank and information and monitoring 
12 
system (IMS) on the demographic, socio-economic, and incidence and 
13 
prevalence of persons with autism in the country; 
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g) 
The publication of a newsletter on current developments, resources 
15 
and research on autism; and 
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h) 
The conduct of continuing education/training of families, teachers, 
17 
therapists and caregivers of persons with autism through seminars, conventions 
18 
and other forms of tri-media educational tools. 
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SEC. 10. Early identification and Intervention for Children with Autism. —  
21 
The Council is hereby mandated to establish a program for early 
22 
identification, screening, and detection of autism, and to provide the 
23 
appropriate services to children and toddlers with developmental delays 
24 
associated with autism. The Council is tasked to monitor and update the list of 
25 
children diagnosed with autism in the country in its central registry so that such 
26 
persons may be referred to programs of the government, should the same 
27 
become available. 
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SEC. 11. Treatment as Persons with Disabilities. — All persons with autism 
30 
shall be treated persons with disability as defined under Republic Act No. 7277, 
31 
as amended. As such, they shall be entitled to all the rights, privileges and 
32 
benefits provided for persons with disabilities and existing laws. 
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1 
SEC. 12. Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage. — All persons with autism shall 
2 
be covered by the National Health Insurance Program of the Philippine Health 
3 
Insurance Corporation (PHIC). Funds necessary to ensure the enrolment of all 
4 
persons with autism who are not currently covered under any existing category 
5 
shall be sourced from the National Health Insurance Fund of PHIC earmarked 
6 
from the proceeds of tax collections as provided for in Republic Act No. 10351. 
7 
It shall likewise include the cost of early detection and screening programs as 
8 
one of the available benefits of its members. 
9 
 
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SEC. 13. Continuing Education and Training of Health Personnel and 
11 
Service Providers on Autism. — Ali DOH, DSWD, CWC, NCDA officers and their 
12 
staff in charge of providing various developmental and welfare services to 
13 
persons with autism are mandated to undergo a mandatory continuing 
14 
education and training program to sensitize and empower service providers to 
15 
become effective frontliners in the delivery of health services to persons with 
16 
autism. 
17 
 
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SEC. 14. Protection against Forcible Use of Cures and Vaccines. — The DOH 
19 
shall formulate the necessary guidelines, standards and procedures against the 
20 
forcible use of cures, vaccines, and therapies to persons diagnosed with autism 
21 
in order to uphold the right of every individual to give informed consent to 
22 
medical treatment administered to them as well as to protect their right to 
23 
determine for themselves the medical treatment to which they shall be 
24 
subjected. 
25 
The DOH shall promulgate guidelines and standards to ensure that the 
26 
interventions and programs being provided by the government for persons 
27 
diagnosed with autism do not violate their basic human rights, particularly as 
28 
regards their rights to determine their own decisions. 
29 
 
30 
SEC. 15. Protection against Discrimination in Schools. — The Department 
31 
of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the DOH, Department of Social 
32 
Welfare and Development (DSWD), and CWC, and the NIH, shall formulate the 
33 
necessary implementing rules and regulations to ensure that all educational 
34 
institutions shall be free from policies and regulations discriminatory to school 
35 
children and young students suffering from autism. Towards this end, the DepEd 
36 
shall conduct an annual staff to empower them to effectively handle school 
37 
children and young students suffering from autism. 
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SEC. 16. Non-Discrimination of Adults Suffering from Autism. — Within six 
1 
(6) months from the date of effectivity of this Act, the Council shall formulate the 
2 
necessary guidelines, standards, and regulations in order to ensure that adults 
3 
with autism are not discriminated against due to their condition. The Council 
4 
shall ensure the timely publication and dissemination of information of these 
5 
guidelines and regulations in order to ensure that the various stakeholders all 
6 
over the country in the early detection, prevention, rehabilitation, and care of 
7 
persons with autism are adequately informed. 
8 
 
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SEC. 17. Confidentiality of Medical Information for Persons with Autism.— 
10 
To ensure that the early detection, screening tests, vaccination, medical 
11 
treatment, and rehabilitation of persons suffering from autism are implemented, 
12 
the DOH, in consultation with the Department of Justice(DOJ), shall formulate 
13 
the pertinent implementing rules and regulations to ensure the confidentiality of 
14 
the medical records of persons suffering from autism in order to protect the 
15 
unwarranted intrusion into the privacy of the person, particularly in relation to 
16 
the medical condition of the patient. 
17 
 
18 
 
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SEC. 18. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the 
20 
provisions of this Act shall be included and incorporated in the annual general 
21 
appropriations of DOH. 
22 
 
23 
SEC. 19. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within six (6) months 
24 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DOH, in coordination with the DSWD, DepEd, 
25 
CWC, NIH, NCDA and PIA, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules 
26 
and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. 
27 
 
28 
 
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SEC. 20. Separability Clause. — Any portion or provisions of this Act that 
30 
may be declared unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of nullifying 
31 
other portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or 
32 
provisions can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety. 
33 
 
34 
SEC. 21. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
35 
orders, memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are 
36 
inconsistent with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 22. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
1 
its publication in the Official Gazette, in a newspaper of general circulation, or 
2 
on a website provided for by law.
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Approved,