Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._ 11391

Introduced by Akbayan Representative Percival Cendafia

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge globally, with the Philippines
being no exception. Despite efforts to control the disease, TB cases continue to increase
annually in the Philippines, posing a threat to public health and socioeconomic development.
In light of this escalating crisis, the implementation of a Comprehensive Plan of Action to
Eliminate Tuberculosis is imperative to address the growing burden of TB and prevent further
spread of the disease.

The rationale for filing the bill stems from several key factors. Firstly, the increasing number
of TB cases in the Philippines is a clear indication of the urgency to take decisive action. TB
not only causes significant morbidity and mortality but also places a heavy burden on
healthcare systems and the economy. Filing this bill demonstrates the government's
commitment to prioritizing public health and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.

Moreover, a comprehensive plan of action is essential to coordinate efforts across multiple
sectors and stakeholders involved in TB control. By formalizing a structured approach through
legislation, the government can ensure that resources are effectively allocated, programs are
implemented efficiently, and progress is monitored systematically.

Establishing a timeframe of six years for the Comprehensive Plan of Action provides a clear
roadmap for achieving measurable outcomes within a specified period. This time-bound
strategy promotes accountability, fosters a sense of urgency, and mobilizes stakeholders to
work collaboratively towards the common goal of TB elimination.

Furthermore, the provision for periodic review every three years enables the government to
assess the effectiveness of the plan, identify gaps or challenges, and recalibrate strategies as
needed. This iterative process of evaluation and adjustment is crucial for ensuring that the plan
remains responsive to evolving epidemiological trends, emerging challenges, and best
practices in TB control.

By enacting this legislation, the Philippines demonstrates its commitment to fulfilling

international obligations and meeting targets set forth in global TB elimination strategies, such
as the Sustainable Development Goals and the End TB Strategy of the World Health

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Organization. This alignment enhances the country's credibility in the global health community
and strengthens its partnerships for TB control efforts.

The filing of the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Eliminate Tuberculosis Act is a critical step
towards addressing the escalating TB crisis in the Philippines. By institutionalizing a time-
bound, coordinated, and periodically reviewed strategy, the government can enhance its
capacity to combat TB effectively, protect public health, and ultimately achieve the goal of TB
climination. This legislative initiative underscores the government's commitment to
prioritizing health as a fundamental human right and promoting the well-being of all its
citizens.

Hence, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Cl ‘CENDANA
AYAN PARTYLIST


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._11391

Introduced by Akbayan Representative Percival Cendatia

AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR THE
ELIMINATION OF TUBERCULOSIS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSES OF
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10767 OR THE COMPREHENSIVE TUBERCULOSIS
ELIMINATION PLAN ACT

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SEC. 1. Sec. 2 of the same act is hereby amended to read as follows:
“Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy.

a) The State is mandated to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health
development. Towards this end, the State shall support and expand efforts to eliminate
tuberculosis as a public health problem by increasing investments for its prevention,
treatment and control, and adopting a multisectoral approach in responding to the disease.

b) POLICIES AND PRACTICES THAT DISCRIMINATE BASED ON ACTUAL
OR PERCEIVED TB STATUS, AGE, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER
IDENTITY, ECONOMIC STATUS, DISABILITY, AND ETHNICITY HINDER
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TB RESPONSE AND ARE DEEMED INIMICAL
TO PUBLIC INTEREST.”

SEC. 2. Sec. 4 of the same act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“Sec. 4. Comprehensive Philippine Plan of Action to Eliminate Tuberculosis - The
Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) shall establish a Comprehensive Philippine
Plan of Action to Eliminate Tuberculosis in consultation with appropriate public and private
entities, including BARANGAY COUNCILS, SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN (SK),
BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS (BHWs), CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS
(CSOs) WORKING ON TB, INCLUDING ORGANIZATIONS OF TB PATIENTS
AND SURVIVORS.

THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION TO ELIMINATE TUBERCULOSIS
SHALL COVER A PERIOD OF SIX (6) YEARS FROM THE DATE OF
ENACTMENT OF THIS ACT. FOLLOWING THE INITIAL SIX-YEAR
TIMEFRAME, THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION TO ELIMINATE

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TUBERCULOSIS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO PERIODIC REVIEW EVERY THREE
(3) YEARS THEREAFTER. THESE REVIEWS SHALL ASSESS THE
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PLAN, IDENTIFY ANY CHALLENGES OR
SHORTCOMINGS, AND PROPOSE AMENDMENTS OR ENHANCEMENTS AS
NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF TB ELIMINATION.

The Philippine Plan of Action shall consist of the following:
Xxx”
SEC. 3. Section 8 of the same Act is amended to read as follows:

“Sec. 8. EDUCATION PROGRAMS - THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED), IN COORDINATION WITH
THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH), SHALL
ENCOURAGE THE FACULTY OF SCHOOLS OF MEDICINE, NURSING, OR
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, AND ALLIED HEALTH INSTITUTIONS, TO
INTENSIFY INFORMATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS, INCLUDING
THE DEVELOPMENT OF CURRICULA, TO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS AND FOR PRACTICING PROVIDERS TO
LEARN THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF PREVENTING, DETECTING,
MANAGING, AND CONTROLLING TUBERCULOSIS.”

SEC. 4. Section 9 of the same Act is amended to read as follows:

“Sec. 9. INCLUSION IN BASIC EDUCATION —- THE SECRETARY OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DEPED), IN COORDINATION WITH THE
SECRETARY OF THE DOH, SHALL ENSURE THE INCLUSION OF MODULES
ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF PREVENTING, DETECTING,
MANAGING, AND CONTROLLING TUBERCULOSIS, THE RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PEOPLE AFFECTED BY TUBERCULOSIS, AND
TUBERCULOSIS RELATED STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION REDUCTION
EDUCATION IN THE BASIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM. TEACHERS SHALL
UNDERGO TRAINING TO EQUIP THEM WITH INFORMATION ABOUT
TUBERCULOSIS, AND INFORMATION ABOUT TUBERCULOSIS SHALL BE
INTEGRATED INTO SUBJECTS SUCH AS MUSIC, ARTS, PHYSICAL
EDUCATION, AND HEALTH (MAPEH).”

SEC. 5. Section 10 of the same act is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 10, Media Campaign — The Director-General of the Philippine Information Agency
(PIA), in coordination with the Secretary of the DOH, shall mandate local media outlets
to launch a massive, nationwide, consistent, and sustained media campaign on tuberculosis
control, treatment, and management, using all forms of multimedia and other electronic
means of communication. THIS CAMPAIGN SHALL ALSO INCLUDE
INFORMATION ABOUT MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS (MDR-
TB).”

SEC. 6. Sec. 13 of the same act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“Sec. 13. Philhealth TB Package -The Philhealth Health Insurance Corporation, otherwise
known as Philhealth, shall, as far as practicable, expand its benefits package for TB patients


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to include new, relapse, and return-after-default cases [and extension of treatment]
MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS (MDR-TB) AND DRUG
SENSITIVE TB (DS-TB).

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT FOR ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS FROM THE
TB MEDICINES SHALL ALSO BE COVERED, WITH SUCH MEDICINES
AVAILABLE IN THE TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF
PATIENTS.

THE DEVELOPMENT OR EXPANSION OF ANY PHILHEALTH BENEFIT
SHALL UNDERGO A TRANSPARENT AND STANDARDIZED
PRIORITIZATION SETTING PROCESS, SUCH AS HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
ASSESSMENT AND ACTUARIAL FEASIBILITY STUDY, TO AVOID
INEQUITABLE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES.

THE PHILHEALTH COVERAGE SHALL APPLY UNTIL THE PATIENT HAS
COMPLETED ALL NECESSARY TREATMENT, REGARDLESS OF ITS
DURATION.

PHILHEALTH COVERAGE FOR TB PATIENTS SHALL BE EXPANDED TO
COVER THE FOLLOWING:

1. ALL LABORATORIES OF PATIENTS: IT Is HEREBY MANDATED THAT
ALL LABORATORY SERVICES REQUIRED FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND
MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS, INCLUSIVE OF BUT NOT LIMITED TO X-
RAY AND SPUTUM EXAMINATIONS, SHALL BE COVERED UNDER
PHILHEALTH. THIS PROVISION AIMS TO ENSURE COMPREHENSIVE
ACCESS TO DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS ESSENTIAL FOR THE EFFECTIVE
MANAGEMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS (TB) AND OTHER HEALTH
CONDITIONS.

2. MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-UPS AND TREATMENT: PHILHEALTH
COVERAGE SHALL EXTEND TO MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-UPS AND
TREATMENT SERVICES, INCLUDING COUNSELING, THERAPY, AND
MEDICATION, TO ADDRESS THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF
PATIENTS AFFECTED BY TB AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH
CONDITIONS. THIS INITIATIVE AIMS TO INTEGRATE MENTAL
HEALTH SUPPORT INTO THE HOLISTIC CARE OF PATIENTS AND
ENHANCE OVERALL TREATMENT OUTCOMES.

3. OPHTHALMOLOGIST REFERRAL, CHECK-UPS, AND TREATMENT:
PHILHEALTH COVERAGE SHALL ENCOMPASS OPHTHALMOLOGIST
REFERRALS, CHECK-UPS, AND TREATMENT SERVICES FOR PATIENTS
EXPERIENCING OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS OR COMPLICATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH TB AND OTHER HEALTH CONDITIONS. THIS
PROVISION ENSURES ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED EYE CARE TO
PREVENT, DIAGNOSE, AND MANAGE OCULAR COMPLICATIONS
EFFECTIVELY.


4, AFTERCARE FOR TB SURVIVORS: PHILHEALTH COVERAGE SHALL

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2 INCLUDE AFTERCARE SERVICES FOR TB SURVIVORS, ADDRESSING
3 ONGOING AND IRREVERSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS RESULTING FROM TB
4 MEDICATIONS. THIS PROVISION AIMS TO SUPPORT PATIENTS IN
5 MANAGING AND MITIGATING LONG-TERM ADVERSE EFFECTS,
6 ENSURING THEIR OVERALL HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE POST-
7 TREATMENT.

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9 5. FREE OR COVERED MEDICATIONS: PHILHEALTH SHALL PROVIDE
10 COVERAGE FOR FREE OR SUBSIDIZED MEDICATIONS, INCLUDING
i ANCILLARY DRUGS REQUIRED FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ADVERSE
12 REACTIONS RESULTING FROM TB MEDICATIONS. THIS INITIATIVE
13 AIMS TO ALLEVIATE THE FINANCIAL BURDEN ON PATIENTS AND
14 PROMOTE ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT REGIMENS, THEREBY
15 IMPROVING TREATMENT OUTCOMES AND REDUCING THE RISK OF
16 TREATMENT INTERRUPTION.”

17 __ SEC. 7. A new Section denominated as Section 14 is added to read as follows:

18 “Sec. 14. PATIENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES - A PERSON WITH TB
19 SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS:

20 1. ACCESS TO LIVELIHOOD AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT, EXTENDED
21 MEMBERS OF THE PATIENT’S HOUSEHOLD.

22 2. FREE X-RAY FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS.

23 3. FREE FOLLOW-UP EVERY SIX MONTHS FOR DSTB AND DRTB
24 PATIENTS.

25 4, ACCESS TO CASE MANAGERS.

26 5. RIGHT TO CONFIDENTIALITY OF MEDICAL RECORDS.

27 6. RIGHT TO INFORMATION REGARDING TB HEALTHCARE SERVICES.
28 7. RIGHT TO WORK:

29 A) PATIENTS CAN WORK DESPITE ONGOING
30 MEDICATION/TREATMENT AS LONG AS THEY SUBMIT A “FIT TO
EDT WORK” FORM FROM THEIR PULMONOLOGIST.

32 B) IF A PATIENT PRESENTS A NEGATIVE SPUTUM RESULT FOR TB
33 AND IS NO LONGER INFECTIOUS WITH A FIT TO WORK FORM FROM
34 THEIR DOCTOR, THEN THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO GO BACK TO
35 WORK.

36 ©) IF A PATIENT IS NEGATIVE ON THEIR SPUTUM RESULT FOR AT
37 LEAST 3 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS, THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO
38 GO BACK TO WORK BY THEIR PULMONOLOGIST.”

39 SEC. 8. A new Section denominated as Section 15 is added to read as follows:


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Sec. 15. SERVICE DELIVERY NETWORK (SDN) - THE DOH, THROUGH ITS
REGIONAL OFFICES AND IN COORDINATION WITH LGUS, SHALL
INTEGRATE AND STRENGTHEN THE PROVISION OF TB SERVICES INTO
ESTABLISHED SDNS FOR LOCAL HEALTH REFERRAL SYSTEM, WHICH
SHALL NOT BE RESTRICTED WITHIN THE GEOGRAPHIC OR POLITICAL
BOUNDARIES OF LGUS. COLLABORATION ACROSS LGUS SHALL BE
ENCOURAGED.

NON-REGISTRATION SHALL NOT BE A GROUND TO BE DENIED SERVICE.

THE SDN SHALL BE A NETWORK OF FACILITIES RANGING FROM
BARANGAY HEALTH STATIONS (BHS), RURAL HEALTH UNITS (RHUS),
DISTRICT AND/OR CITY HOSPITALS, TO THE PROVINCIAL AND/OR DOD-
RETAINED HOSPITALS. THE DOH AND LGUS MAY ENGAGE PRIVATE
HEALTH FACILITIES OR PROVIDES TO FORM PART OF THE SDN.”

SEC. 9. A new Section denominated as Section 16 is added to read as follows:

“Sec. 16. PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES FOR TB-DOTS. - IN ORDER TO
ENHANCE AND MAXIMIZE THE PARTICIPATION OF PRIVATE HEALTH
FACILITIES TB CONTROL, IT IS HEREBY MANDATED THAT ALL
PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES SEEK ACCREDITATION FROM
PHILHEALTH AS TB-DOTS PROVIDERS. ADDITIONALLY, AS A
PREREQUISITE FOR ACCREDITATION, ALL DOCTORS AND SERVICE
PROVIDERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TB CARE, WHETHER IN PUBLIC OR
PRIVATE SETTINGS, MUST UNDERGO COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING OR
RECEIVE UPDATED/RENEWED TRAINING TO ENSURE ACCURATE
DIAGNOSIS AND PRESCRIPTION PRACTICES.”

SEC. 10. A new Section denominated as Section 17 is added to read as follows:

“Sec. 17. MOBILIZATION - THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH), IN
COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUS), OTHER
RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, THE PRIVATE SECTOR, PUBLIC
SCHOOLS, CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS, AND ORGANIZATIONS
REPRESENTING TB PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS, SHALL LEAD THE
MOBILIZATION EFFORTS AIMED AT RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND
REDUCING STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH TUBERCULOSIS.

FURTHERMORE, TO FACILITATE THE EFFECTIVE ENGAGEMENT OF
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) AND PEOPLE'S SUPPORT
GROUPS (PSGS) IN THE MOBILIZATION PROCESS, ADEQUATE
BUDGETARY ALLOCATIONS SHALL BE PROVIDED OR MECHANISMS
SHALL BE ESTABLISHED TO ENSURE THAT THESE ENTITIES HAVE
ACCESS TO FUNDS WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE LGUS. ADDITIONALLY,
ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTING TB PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS SHALL
BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION,
MONITORING, AND EVALUATION OF POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT
DIRECTLY IMPACT THEM. THEY SHALL ALSO BE CAPACITATED AND
SUPPORTED BY THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL TB PROGRAMS TO CONDUCT
COMMUNITY-LED TB PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.”


Section 11. A new Section denominated as Section 18 is added to read as follows:

“Sec.18, INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF TB CASE FINDING IN BARANGAYS -
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH), IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL
GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUS), SHALL INSTITUTIONALIZE TB CASE
FINDING ACTIVITIES AT THE BARANGAY LEVEL. THIS SHALL INCLUDE
THE TRAINING AND DEPLOYMENT OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS
(BHWS) AND OTHER FRONTLINE HEALTH WORKERS TO ACTIVELY
SCREEN FOR TB SYMPTOMS, CONDUCT SPUTUM MICROSCOPY TESTS,
AND FACILITATE REFERRALS TO HEALTH FACILITIES FOR DIAGNOSIS
AND TREATMENT. LGUS SHALL ALLOCATE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
TO ENSURE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF TB CASE FINDING EFFORTS IN
BARANGAYS, WITH THE AIM OF DETECTING AND TREATING TB CASES
AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE STAGE TO PREVENT TRANSMISSION AND
IMPROVE TREATMENT OUTCOMES.”

SEC. 11. A new section denominated as Section 19 is added to read as follows:

“Sec. 19, PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT - TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH)
SHALL ENSURE THAT THERE IS AN ADEQUATE COMPLEMENT OF
COMPETENT AND QUALIFIED STAFF AND ALLIED PROFESSIONALS WHO
SHALL EFFECTIVELY CARRY OUT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TB
ELIMINATION PROGRAM. IN ADDITION TO CONVENTIONAL STAFFING,
(COMMUNITY MEMBERS, INCLUDING SURVIVORS AND MEMBERS OF TB
KEY POPULATIONS, SHALL BE ACTIVELY ENGAGED AND EMPLOYED
WHERE APPROPRIATE TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND
OWNERSHIP OF TB SERVICES.

THE FORMULATION OF QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR THE STAFF
COMPLEMENT MUST ADHERE TO CIVIL SERVICE RULES AND
REGULATIONS. THE SECRETARY OF THE DOH SHALL SUBMIT PROPOSED
ORGANIZATIONAL AND STAFFING MODIFICATIONS TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT (DBM) FOR REVIEW AND
APPROVAL.

FURTHERMORE, ALL DOH EMPLOYEES AND STAFF INVOLVED IN THE TB
ELIMINATION PROGRAM SHALL PARTICIPATE IN CAPACITY-BUILDING
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES AIMED AT BOOSTING COMPETENCE AND
SKILL PROFICIENCY. THESE PROGRAMS SHALL INCLUDE
SENSITIZATION COURSES ON _ TB-RELATED STIGMA AND
DISCRIMINATION AND THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE AFFECTED BY TB.”

SEC. 12. A new Section denominated as Section 20 is added to read as follows:

“Sec, 20. TUBERCULOSIS MEDIUM TERM PLAN - THE DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH (DOH), IN COLLABORATION WITH LGUS AND RELEVANT
STAKEHOLDERS, SHALL FORMULATE AND IMPLEMENT A MEDIUM-
TERM PLAN FOR THE CONTROL AND ELIMINATION OF TUBERCULOSIS.
THE PLAN SHALL COMPREHENSIVELY OUTLINE STRATEGIES,
OBJECTIVES, AND INDICATORS AIMED AT REDUCING THE BURDEN OF TB
IN THE MEDIUM TERM.


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THE MEDIUM-TERM PLAN SHALL INCLUDE A DETAILED BUDGET
ALLOCATION FOR IMPLEMENTING ACTIVITIES OR PROGRAMS STATED
THEREIN, SPECIFYING THE FUNDING SOURCE AND THE RESPONSIBLE
ENTITY FOR PROVIDING IT. MOREOVER, IT SHALL DELINEATE THE
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
AND STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
PLAN, ENSURING SEAMLESS COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION
ACROSS SECTORS.

FURTHERMORE, THE MEDIUM-TERM PLAN SHALL UNDERGO PERIODIC
REVIEW AND UPDATING TO ENSURE ITS ALIGNMENT WITH THE
EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL AND
ELIMINATION EFFORTS.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TUBERCULOSIS MEDIUM-TERM PLAN
SHALL BE FULLY AND PROMPTLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE FOLLOWING
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES:

1, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH): THE DOH SHALL BE THE PRIMARY
GOVERNMENT AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR HEALTH POLICY
FORMULATION, PLANNING, REGULATION, AND PROGRAM
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TB MEDIUM TERM PLAN.

2. NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL PROGRAM (NTP): THE NTP,
WHICH OPERATES UNDER THE DOH, SHALL BE PARTICULARLY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION,
MONITORING, AND EVALUATION OF TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL
ACTIVITIES IN THE COUNTRY. IT SHALL OVERSEE THE EXECUTION
OF THE MEDIUM TERM PLAN AND COORDINATION WITH VARIOUS
STAKEHOLDERS.

3. PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION (PHILHEALTH):
PHILHEALTH BE INVOLVED IN THE FINANCING ASPECT OF TB
CONTROL PROGRAMS FOR TB PATIENTS, INCLUDING PROVIDING
COVERAGE FOR TB-RELATED SERVICES.

4. LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUS): LGUS SHALL PLAY A CRUCIAL
ROLE IN IMPLEMENTING HEALTH PROGRAMS AT THE LOCAL
LEVEL. LGUS WOULD RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING TB
CONTROL ACTIVITIES WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTIONS, INCLUDING
CASE FINDING, TREATMENT, AND MONITORING.

5. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD):
DSWD SHALL BE INVOLVED IN PROVIDING SUPPORT TO
‘VULNERABLE POPULATIONS AFFECTED BY TB, SUCH AS THROUGH
SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE TO TB PATIENTS
AND THEIR FAMILIES.

6. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DEPED) AND COMMISSIO!
HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED): THESE AGENCIES SHALL BE INVOLVED

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IN TB CONTROL EFFORTS THROUGH EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
CAMPAIGNS IN SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES.

7. CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSOS) AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL
ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS): VARIOUS CSOS AND NGOS, IN
COORDINATION WITH THE DOH AND NTP SHALL BE INVOLVED IN TB
CONTROL EFFORTS, INCLUDING ADVOCACY, COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT, AND PROVIDING SUPPORT SERVICES TO TB
PATIENTS.

8. PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS: PRIVATE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS,
HOSPITALS, LABORATORIES, PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES, AND
OTHER PRIVATE SECTOR ENTITIES SHALL BE ENGAGED IN TB
CONTROL EFFORTS THROUGH PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS,
PROVISION OF SERVICES, AND SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.”

SEC. 13. A new section denominated as Section 21 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Sec. 21. OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDS. - THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
SHALL PRIORITIZE THE OUTSOURCING OF FUNDS FOR THIS ACT
THROUGH NEGOTIATION AND _ UTILIZATION OF LONG-TERM
CONCESSIONAL OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ODA), OTHER
SOURCES OF FUNDS SUCH AS GRANTS, DONATIONS, COLLECTIONS, AND
OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE FROM LOCAL AND FOREIGN DONOTS OR
OTHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ENTITIES. OTHER PRIVATE DOMESTIC AND
INTERNATIONAL SOURCES MAY BE TAPPED AND FACILITATED BY THE
DOH TO SUPPORT THE HEALTH SERVICES UNDER THIS ACT, SUBJECT TO
THE REGULAR ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING GUIDELINES AND
PROCEDURES: PROVIDED THAT IN CASE OF DONATIONS FROM FOREIGN
SOURCES, ACCEPTANCE THEREOF SHALL BE SUBJECT TO EXISTING
GOVERNMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS.”

SEC. 14. A new section denominated as Section 22 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 22. WORKPLACE POLICIES FOR TB PREVENTION - THE CIVIL
SERVICE COMMISSION (CSC) SHALL MANDATE ALL GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES/OFFICES, INCLUDING UNIFORMED SERVICES, TO ESTABLISH
COMPREHENSIVE WORKPLACE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS FOR
TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION. THESE POLICIES SHALL INCLUDE
MEASURES FOR THE IDENTIFICATION, PREVENTION, AND
MANAGEMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS IN THE WORKPLACE. THE CSC SHALL
WORK IN COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH)
TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF
THESE WORKPLACE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS.”

SEC. 15. A new section denominated as Section 23 of the same act is added to read as
follows:


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“Section 23. WORKPLACE POLICIES/PROGRAMS FOR TB IN PRIVATE
COMPANIES. - THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE)
IS MANDATED TO COMPEL PRIVATE COMPANIES TO ESTABLISH AND
EXECUTE WORKPLACE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS ADDRESSING
TUBERCULOSIS (TB). THESE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS SHOULD
ENCOMPASS MEASURES FOR TB PREVENTION, AWARENESS, AND
SUPPORT FOR AFFECTED EMPLOYEES, REGARDLESS OF THEIR
CONTRACTUAL STATUS (PERMANENT, REGULAR, JOB ORDER,
CONTRACTUAL). ALL TB PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS SHALL BE
ACCEPTED FOR EMPLOYMENT OR PERMITTED TO WORK, PROVIDED
THEY FURNISH A FIT TO WORK FORM FROM A QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE
PROFESSIONAL AND ARE PHYSICALLY CAPABLE OF FULFILLING THEIR
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES.

THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(DOH), DOLE SHALL ENSURE THAT PRIVATE COMPANIES ACTIVELY
CONTRIBUTE TO NATIONAL TB CONTROL EFFORTS AND FOSTER A
HEALTHY WORKING ENVIRONMENT.”

SEC. 16. A new section denominated as Section 24 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“SEC. 24. PROTECTION AND SUPPORT FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS
(OFWS) WITH TUBERCULOSIS (TB)

THE DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS (DMW) SHALL INSTITUTE
COMPREHENSIVE MEASURES TO PROVIDE PROTECTION AND SUPPORT
FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFWS) WHO ARE DIAGNOSED WITH
TUBERCULOSIS (TB), INCLUDING THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN REPATRIATED
DUE TO TB INFECTION.

THE DMW SHALL COLLABORATE WITH RELEVANT GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES, INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL
ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS
TAILORED TO THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF OFWS AFFECTED BY TB. THESE
PROGRAMS SHALL ENCOMPASS THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS:

A. PRE-DEPARTURE SCREENING: THE DMW SHALL WORK IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE PHILIPPINE OVERSEAS
EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATION (POEA) AND OTHER
RELEVANT AGENCIES TO ENHANCE PRE-DEPARTURE
SCREENING PROTOCOLS FOR OFWS, INCLUDING TB
SCREENING, TO PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION OF TB AMONG
MIGRANT WORKERS AND THEIR HOST COMMUNITIES.

B. ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES: THE DMW SHALL
FACILITATE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE SERVICES
FOR OFWS DIAGNOSED WITH TB, BOTH IN OVERSEAS HOST
COUNTRIES AND UPON REPATRIATION TO THE PHILIPPINES.
THIS INCLUDES ENSURING THAT OFWS HAVE ACCESS TO


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TIMELY DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND FOLLOW-UP CARE, AS
WELL AS PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES.

C, REPATRIATION ASSISTANCE: THE DMW SHALL PROVIDE
REPATRIATION ASSISTANCE TO OFWS WHO ARE UNABLE TO
CONTINUE WORKING ABROAD DUE TO TB INFECTION,
INCLUDING ARRANGING FOR THEIR SAFE RETURN TO THE
PHILIPPINES AND FACILITATING THEIR REINTEGRATION
INTO THEIR COMMUNITIES.

D. FINANCIAL SUPPORT: THE DMW SHALL EXPLORE
MECHANISMS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO OFWS
AFFECTED BY TB, INCLUDING ASSISTANCE WITH MEDICAL
EXPENSES, TRANSPORTATION COSTS, AND LIVELIHOOD
SUPPORT DURING THEIR PERIOD OF TREATMENT AND
RECOVERY.

E. ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS: THE DMW SHALL CONDUCT
ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS TO PROMOTE TB
PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION, AND TREATMENT
ADHERENCE AMONG OFWS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THIS
INCLUDES DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ABOUT TB RISKS,
SYMPTOMS, AND AVAILABLE SUPPORT SERVICES.

F. THE DMW SHALL ESTABLISH COORDINATION MECHANISMS
WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH), PHILIPPINE
HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION (PHILHEALTH), AND
OTHER RELEVANT AGENCIES TO ENSURE SEAMLESS
DELIVERY OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND SUPPORT TO
OFWS WITH TB.

G. THE DMW SHALL REGULARLY MONITOR AND EVALUATE THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE MEASURES, WITH THE AIM OF
CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS AND
RESPONSIVENESS OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR OF WS
AFFECTED BY TB.”

SEC. 16. A new section denominated as Section 25 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 25. INTEGRATION WITH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLAN. - THE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) SHALL ENSURE THE INTEGRATION OF
TUBERCULOSIS (TB) PROGRAMMING WITHIN THE DISASTER
PREPAREDNESS PLAN OF THE COUNTRY. THIS INTEGRATION AIMS TO
ENHANCE THE RESILIENCE OF THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND ENSURE
THE CONTINUITY OF TB SERVICES DURING AND AFTER NATURAL OR
MAN-MADE DISASTERS. THE DOH SHALL COLLABORATE WITH
RELEVANT AGENCIES TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT STRATEGIES THAT
ADDRESS TB CONTROL WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF DISASTER RESPONSE
AND RECOVERY.”

SEC. 17. A new section denominated as Section 26 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

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“Section 26. INCLUSION AND CONSULTATION OF TB AFFECTED
COMMUNITIES IN IEC MATERIALS. - THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(DOH) AND OTHER RELEVANT AGENCIES SHALL ENSURE THE ACTIVE
INCLUSION AND MEANINGFUL CONSULTATION OF TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
AFFECTED COMMUNITIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION,
EDUCATION, AND COMMUNICATION (IEC) MATERIALS RELATED TO TB.
THIS PROVISION AIMS TO INCORPORATE THE PERSPECTIVES AND
EXPERIENCES OF THOSE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY TB, PROMOTING
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, REDUCING STIGMA, AND ENHANCING THE
EFFECTIVENESS OF TB AWARENESS MATERIALS.

IEC MATERIALS MUST BE REGULARLY UPDATED AND PRODUCED.”

SEC. 18. A new section denominated as Section 27 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 27. POSTING OF TB MONITORING DATABASE AVAILABLE TO THE
PUBLIC. - THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) SHALL ESTABLISH AND
MAINTAIN A TRANSPARENT AND ACCESSIBLE TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
MONITORING DATABASE. THIS DATABASE SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE
TO THE PUBLIC, ENSURING THAT RELEVANT AND NON-CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION REGARDING TB CASES, TREATMENT OUTCOMES, AND
RELATED STATISTICS IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE. THIS MEASURE AIMS TO
ENHANCE ACCOUNTABILITY, FACILITATE INFORMED DECISION-
MAKING, AND FOSTER A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO TB CONTROL.
THE DOH SHALL REGULARLY PUBLISH COMPREHENSIVE
TUBERCULOSIS (TB) EPIDEMIOLOGY DATA, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO INCIDENCE RATES, PREVALENCE, TREATMENT SUCCESS
RATES, AND DRUG RESISTANCE PATTERNS, DISAGGREGATED GENDER
IDENTITY, AGE, OCCUPATION, BY IDENTIFIED KEY AND VULNERABLE
POPULATIONS, AND BY REGION. THE PUBLICATION SHALL BE MADE
ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH OFFICIAL CHANNELS AND
PLATFORMS. THIS INITIATIVE SEEKS TO PROMOTE TRANSPARENCY,
INFORM THE PUBLIC, AND FACILITATE EVIDENCE-BASED DECISION-
MAKING IN TB CONTROL EFFORTS.”

SEC. 19. A new section denominated as Section 28 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 28. COMPLIANCE WITH TUBERCULOSIS MANUAL OF
OPERATIONS (MOP) - ALL TUBERCULOSIS (TB) FACILITIES, WHETHER
PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, ARE MANDATED TO COMPLY WITH THE
TUBERCULOSIS MANUAL OF OPERATIONS (MOP) ISSUED BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH). THE MOP SHALL SERVE AS THE
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR THE PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION,
MONITORING, AND EVALUATION OF TB PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. THE
COMPLIANCE ENSURES STANDARDIZATION OF PRACTICES, QUALITY
ASSURANCE, AND THE ATTAINMENT OF THE GOALS SET FORTH IN THE
NATIONAL TB CONTROL PROGRAM.

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THE DOH SHALL CREATE AN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO ENSURE
COMPLIANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MOP.”

SEC. 20. A new section denominated as Section 29 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 29. ENSURING ACCESSIBILITY, AVAILABILITY, ACCEPTABILITY,
AND QUALITY (AAAQ) OF TB RESPONSE AND SERVICES. - THE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH), IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL
GOVERNMENT UNITS, SHALL ENSURE THAT TB RESPONSE AND
SERVICES ADHERE TO THE PRINCIPLES OF ACCESSIBILITY,
AVAILABILITY, ACCEPTABILITY, AND QUALITY (AAAQ). THIS INVOLVES
MAKING TB SERVICES PHYSICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY ACCESSIBLE
TO ALL, ENSURING THEIR CONTINUOUS AVAILABILITY, PROMOTING
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACCEPTABILITY, AND MAINTAINING HIGH
STANDARDS OF QUALITY IN DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND SUPPORT
SERVICES. REGULAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION MECHANISMS
SHALL BE ESTABLISHED TO ASSESS AND ENHANCE THE AAAQ
STANDARDS ACROSS ALL LEVELS OF TB SERVICE DELIVERY.”

SEC. 21. A new section denominated as Section 30 of the same act is added to read as follows:

“Section 30. PENALTIES FOR ACTS OF DISCRIMINATION. - ANY PERSON OR
ENTITY FOUND GUILTY OF DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES BASED ON
ACTUAL OR PERCEIVED TB STATUS, AGE, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION,
GENDER IDENTITY, ECONOMIC STATUS, DISABILITY, AND ETHNICITY,
HINDERING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TB RESPONSE, SHALL SUFFER
the penalty of not less than one (1) year but not more than six (6) years imprisonment or a
fine of not more than Five Hundred Thousand Philippine Pesos (PhP500,000.00), or both,
in the discretion of the court, and taking into consideration the circumstances and gravity
of the offense.

SEC. 22. A new section denominated as Section 31 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 31. PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS. - THE FOLLOWING PENALTIES
AND SANCTIONS ARE HEREBY ESTABLISHED FOR OFFENSES
ENUMERATED IN THIS ACT:

(A) ANY PERSON FOUND GUILTY OF VIOLATING SECTION 14 OF THIS
ACT SHALL SUFFER THE PENALTY OF ARRESTO MAYOR IN ITS MINIMUM
PERIOD AND A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS
(PHP100,000.00) BUT NOT MORE THAN THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS
(PHP300,000.00)

(B) ANY PERSON FOUND GUILTY OF VIOLATING SECTION 15 OF THIS
ACT SHALL SUFFER THE PENALTY OF ARRESTO MAYOR IN ITS MINIMUM
PERIOD AND A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS
(PHP100,000.00) BUT NOT MORE THAN THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS
(PHP300,000.00)


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(C) ANY PERSON FOUND GUILTY OF VIOLATING SECTION 22 OF THIS
ACT SHALL SUFFER THE PENALTY OF ARRESTO MAYOR IN ITS MINIMUM
PERIOD AND A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS
(PHP100,000.00) BUT NOT MORE THAN THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS
(PHP300,000.00)

(D) ANY PERSON FOUND GUILTY OF VIOLATING SECTION 26 OF THIS
ACT SHALL SUFFER THE PENALTY OF ARRESTO MAYOR IN ITS MINIMUM
PERIOD AND A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS
(PHP100,000.00) BUT NOT MORE THAN THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS
(PHP300,000.00)

(A) ANY PERSON FOUND GUILTY OF CREATING AND SPREADING
FALSE INFORMATION ABOUT TB SHALL SUFFER THE PENALTY
OF ARRESTO MAYOR IN ITS MINIMUM PERIOD AND A FINE OF NOT LESS
THAN ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (PHP100,000.00) BUT NOT MORE
THAN THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (PHP300,000.00)

SEC. 23. A new section denominated as Section 32 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 32. CELEBRATION OF WORLD TB DAY - MARCH 24 SHALL BE
DESIGNATED AS WORLD TUBERCULOSIS (TB) DAY IN THE PHILIPPINES.
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) SHALL LEAD IN THE
ORGANIZATION OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS NATIONWIDE TO RAISE
AWARENESS ABOUT TB, PROMOTE PREVENTION AND CONTROL
MEASURES, AND HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING TB AS A
PUBLIC HEALTH PRIORITY. LGUS, SCHOOLS, CIVIL SOCIETY
ORGANIZATIONS, AND OTHER RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS ARE
ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN WORLD TB DAY ACTIVITIES TO
SUPPORT EFFORTS IN TB CONTROL AND ELIMINATION.”

SEC. 24. A new section denominated as Section 33 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 33. PRIVILEGES FOR TB PATIENTS - TB PATIENTS SHALL BE
ENTITLED TO A 12% VAT EXCEMPTION ON FOOD, MEDICATIONS,
VITAMINS, TRANSPORTATION IN CONSIDERATION OF THE TEMPORARY
LOSS OF INCOME WHILE ON TREATMENT, SUBJECT TO THE GUIDELINES
TO BE DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) AND
RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. THE DOH SHALL COORDINATE
WITH ESTABLISHMENTS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS TO ENSURE THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PRIVILEGES FOR TB PATIENTS.”

SEC. 25. A new section denominated as Section 34 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 34. FREE VACCINES AND VITAMINS FOR TB PATIENTS - TB
PATIENTS SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH FREE FLU AND PNEUMONIA
VACCINES, AS WELL AS ESSENTIAL VITAMINS, TO SUPPORT THEIR

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OVERALL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING DURING THE COURSE OF THEIR
TREATMENT. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) SHALL ENSURE THE
AVAILABILITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF THESE VACCINES AND VITAMINS
TO TB PATIENTS THROUGH DESIGNATED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND
PROGRAMS.”

SEC. 26. A new section denominated as Section 35 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 35. UTILIZATION OF SEPARATE FUNDS FOR TB TREATMENT IN
BARANGAYS - BARANGAYS SHALL ALLOCATE SEPARATE FUNDS
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED FOR THE TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
OF TUBERCULOSIS (TB) WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS.
THESE FUNDS SHALL BE UTILIZED TO SUPPORT TB PREVENTION,
DETECTION, TREATMENT, AND CONTROL PROGRAMS, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, THE PROVISION OF NECESSARY MEDICATIONS,
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, AND HEALTHCARE SERVICES FOR TB PATIENTS. THE
BARANGAY HEALTH COMMITTEES SHALL OVERSEE THE PROPER
ALLOCATION AND UTILIZATION OF THESE FUNDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
GUIDELINES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) AND
OTHER RELEVANT AUTHORITIES.”

SEC. 27. A new section denominated as Section 36 of the same act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 36. CONTINUOUS ENGAGEMENT IN DEVELOPMENT OF TB
VACCINES AND MEDICATIONS - THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH),
THROUGH ITS RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS AND UNITS, SHALL MAINTAIN
CONTINUOUS ENGAGEMENT IN THE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND
PROCUREMENT OF VACCINES AND OTHER MEDICATIONS FOR THE
PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS (TB). THIS
INCLUDES ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL
COLLABORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, AND INITIATIVES AIMED AT
ADVANCING SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE, INNOVATION, AND ACCESS TO TB
VACCINES AND MEDICATIONS. THE DOH SHALL ALLOCATE ADEQUATE
RESOURCES AND SUPPORT TO FACILITATE RESEARCH EFFORTS,
CLINICAL TRIALS, AND REGULATORY PROCESSES NECESSARY FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT AND APPROVAL OF SAFE, EFFECTIVE, AND ACCESSIBLE
TB INTERVENTIONS.”

SEC. 28. A new section denominated as Section 37 of the same Act is added to read as
follows:

“Section 37. ANNUAL REPORT. - THE DOH, IN COORDINATION WITH OTHER
RELEVANT NGAS AND LGUS, SHALL PREPARE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON
THE STATUS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM, AND
RECOMMEND NECESSARY POLICIES FOR THE EFFECTIVE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT.

THIS REPORT SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE
PHILIPPINES, THE SENATE PRESIDENT, THE HOUSE SPEAKER, AND THE
CHAIRPERSONS OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND DEMOGRAPHY OF

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THE SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH OF
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

SEC. 29. Sections 17, 18, 19 are hereby numbered as Sections a, b, and c, respectively.
SEC. 30. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or declared
unconstitutional, the other provisions which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in
full force and effect.

SEC. 31. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 32. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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