TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1281
of tl)f
25 AUG 27 PI 48
RECEIVED BY.
Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE A. VILLAR
AN ACT
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM TO COMBAT SYSTEMIC 
LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) DISEASE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine Constitution, in Article II, Section 15, declares the State policy 
that - "The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill 
health consciousness among them".
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder for 
which no cure currently exists, characterized by the immune system mistakenly 
attacking healthy tissues and affecting various organs, including the skin, joints, and 
major body systems.1 According to a report, lupus affects over five (5) million people 
worldwide, with women being disproportionately impacted. In the Philippines, an 
estimated 30 to 50 individuals per 100,000 population live with this chronic illness, 
fighting with significant daily challenges. SLE represents approximately 70% of all 
lupus cases.2
Despite this burden, public awareness and understanding of lupus remain 
limited. Many patients endure prolonged suffering due to delayed diagnosis, high costs
1 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000435. htm
2 https://www.unitednews.net.ph/en/article.php?post=114567


of lifelong treatment, and lack of specialized care. The stigma associated with chronic 
illnesses further aggravates the difficulties faced by persons living with lupus.
This bill seeks to establish a National Health Program for Lupus to promote 
early diagnosis, raise public awareness, support research, and ensure accessible 
treatment.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly
sought.
CAMILLE A. VILLAR


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1281
,vC-
Senate
of ti)f fT'f [rt'i.U’p
25 AUG 27 PI :48
RECEIVED B>:
Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE A. VILLAR
AN ACT
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM TO COMBAT SYSTEMIC 
LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) DISEASE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Sec 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Comprehensive Lupus 
Prevention Act".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and 
promote the right to health of the people. As such, the State shall promote awareness 
of the health programs focusing on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) to empower 
citizens suffering therefrom to become, to the best of their potential, independent, 
self-reliant, and productive members of society.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purpose of this Act, "Systemic Lupus 
Erythematosus" (SLE) or "Lupus" shall be construed to mean a chronic autoimmune 
disease where the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissue, resulting in 
inflammation and tissue damage in different parts of the body, but most often 
affecting the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and nervous 
system, as diagnosed by a competent medical practitioner.


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Sec. 4. National Survey and Research. - The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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created under Republic Act No. 8503 shall conduct an annual survey to determine the
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extent and total incidence and prevalence of persons with SLE in the country for the
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government to provide the necessary health interventions to address the needs faced
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by persons with lupus.
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Sec. 5. Integrated Approach to Research in Cooperation with Concerned
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Research Agencies. - Within six (6) months from the date of effectivity of this Act, the
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DOH shall ensure that there is no conflict of interest between the NIH's research
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agenda and that of pharmaceutical corporations or other government agencies
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addressing the issue of lupus.
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Sec. 6. National Program for Lupus Prevention and Treatment - The DOH shall
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implement a comprehensive and nationwide program on lupus prevention and
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treatment with the following objectives:
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a) to promote and provide mechanisms for early identification, screening,
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and diagnosis of persons suffering from lupus;
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b) to promote public awareness, education, and information on issues
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concerning lupus;
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c) to establish sustainable support network for families of persons
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diagnosed with lupus;
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d) to provide referral services to patients for appropriate educational and
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medical expertise and to identify appropriate education or medical
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facilities suited to the needs of patients;
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e) to undertake research and collaborate with other institutions for the
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conduct of research activities pertaining to the disease;
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f) to promote an advocacy discouraging bias against and stereotyping of
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afflicted persons;
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g) to provide an avenue for the sharing of best practices on issues relating
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to early detection, prevention, cure, treatment, and rehabilitation of
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persons diagnosed with lupus; and


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h) to network with other organizations, institutions, and professionals 
working on public programs for persons diagnosed with lupus.
Sec. 7. Programs and Service for Lupus Prevention. -The programs and services 
that will be provided by the DOH shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a) orientation and counseling services for families of newly-diagnosed persons
with lupus;
b) establishment of national and regional referral services where the DOH shall 
maintain an updated list of health care institutions and practitioners concerned 
with the treatment of lupus;
c) publish a newsletter on current developments and research on lupus, as well 
as other reading materials on the early detection, prevention, and treatment 
of lupus, and best practices for the care of diagnosed persons with lupus;
d) conduct of continuing education and training programs on the proper care of 
diagnosed persons with lupus; and
e) establishment of a databank and an information and monitoring system on 
country-specific statistics pertaining to lupus.
Sec. 8. Lupus Eariy Detection and Screening Fees. - The Philippine Health 
Insurance Corporation shall include the cost of early detection and screening programs 
for lupus as one of the available benefits to its members. The early detection and 
screening fees shall be applied to, among others, testing cost, education, follow-up, 
and readable overhead expenses.
Sec. 9. Donations and Grants. - The DOH, NIH, and other departments of 
the DOH that may thereafter be tasked with the implementation of this Act shall 
have the power to receive donations and grants from local and international donor 
institutions, foundations, and foreign donor agencies, provided that pertinent laws 
and rules on the receipt, accounting, and disbursement thereof shall be complied 
with.


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Sec. 10. National Lupus Awareness Week. - In order to grow national interest 
and participation in the issues and concerns of lupus patients, the first week of May 
shall annually be celebrated as "Lupus Awareness Week." This week-long activity 
will be spearheaded by the DOH, in coordination with other concerned agencies, 
institutions, and stakeholders.
Sec. 11. Continuing Education and Training of Health Personnel and Service 
Providers on Lupus Prevention and Treatment - All DOH staff and health providers 
providing health services to persons diagnosed with lupus shall undergo a 
mandatory continuing education and training program to ensure the delivery of up- 
to-date and relevant services.
Sec. 12. Protection Against Forcible Administration of Medical Treatment or 
Enrollment in Programs. - All persons administering treatment, counseling, or 
medication as well as all persons involved in the implementation of the DOH 
programs as mandated in this Act shall respect the right of each patient to 
determine for himself or herself the medical treatment to be administered as well 
as the programs wherein he or she will participate, if any.
Sec. 13. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions 
of this Act shall be included in the annual general appropriations of the DOH.
Sec. 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within six (6) months from 
the date of effectivity of this Act, the DOH shall promulgate the necessary 
implementing rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 15. Repealing Clause - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.


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Sec. 16. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected 
shall remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 17. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,