Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _________
Introduced by: Rep. Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROGRAM TO PREVENT AND TREAT
PSORIASIS AS A PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
According to The Lancet, a peer-reviewed general medical journal that is considered as
among the world's oldest and best-known general medical journals:
“Psoriasis is a common, chronic papulosquamous skin disease occurring worldwide,
presenting at any age, and leading to a substantial burden for individuals and society. It is
associated with several important medical conditions, including depression, psoriatic arthritis,
and cardiometabolic syndrome. Its most common form, chronic plaque or psoriasis vulgaris, is a
consequence of genetic susceptibility, particularly in the presence of the HLA-C*06:02 risk allele,
and of environmental triggers such as streptococcal infection, stress, smoking, obesity, and
alcohol consumption. There are several phenotypes and research has separated pustular from
chronic plaque forms. Immunological and genetic studies have identified IL-17 and IL-23 as key
drivers of psoriasis pathogenesis. Immune targeting of these cytokines and of TNFα by
biological therapies has revolutionised the care of severe chronic plaque disease. Psoriasis
cannot currently be cured, but management should aim to minimise physical and psychological
harm by treating patients early in the disease process, identifying and preventing associated
multimorbidity, instilling lifestyle modifications, and employing a personalised approach to
treatment.”
Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014 recognized psoriasis as
a serious noncommunicable disease (NCD) in the World Health Assembly resolution WHA67.9.
“The resolution highlighted that many people in the world suffer needlessly from psoriasis due to
incorrect or delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment options and insufficient access to care,
and because of social stigmatization.”1
The 2016 Global Report on Psoriasis shows that the “prevalence of psoriasis in
countries ranges between 0.09% and 11.43%, making psoriasis a serious global problem with at
least 100 million individuals affected worldwide.” In the Philippines, “there is about one or two
percent Filipinos with psoriasis”.2
In this light, and consistent with the recommendations of the Global Report on Psoriasis
to (1) ensure that people suffering from psoriasis have access to professional medical care as
well as comprehensive, individually adapted treatment; (2) provide psoriasis patients with drugs
included on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, including systemic therapies; (3) cover
the costs of psoriasis treatments through universal health coverage schemes; (4) make
available the optimum treatment of psoriasis and its comorbidities; (5) allow psoriasis patients
access to health services that are provided in a way that responds to their preferences, are
coordinated around their needs and are safe, effective, timely, efficient and of an acceptable
quality; (6) urge governments and nongovernmental organizations to facilitate the provision of
education
on
common
chronic
skin
conditions
to
health-care
professionals,
including
undergraduate medical and nursing curricula and in-service training for physicians in primary
care; and (7) call on governments to have a role in supporting psoriasis research and in
reducing stigma and discrimination - this bill seeks to address the unmet needs of Filipinos
suffering from psoriatic disease through the establishment of a national integrated program to
prevent and treat psoriasis as a public health problem.
1 From the Foreword of Dr Oleg Chestnov, Assistant Director-General, Noncommunicable Diseases and
Mental Health, World Health Organization, Global Report on Psoriasis, WHO 2016
2 Digna Banzon, Gov't, private group tie up for massive psoriasis info campaign, Philippine News Agency,
October 26, 2018 (https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052277) Accessed on 29 March 2022
July 4, 2022
3:42 pm
1106


It is hoped that through this measure, Filipinos with psoriasis can be re-integrated as
productive members of society and meaningfully contribute in the continuing task of nation
building.
Hence, early approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan
4th District, Quezon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _________
Introduced by: Rep. Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROGRAM TO PREVENT AND TREAT
PSORIASIS AS A PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “National Integrated Psoriasis
Prevention and Treatment Program Act”.
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the
right to health of the people, including the right of persons suffering from psoriasis to survival
and full and healthy development as individuals through access to timely health information and
adequate professional medical care. In pursuit of such policy, and in recognition that psoriasis is
a serious noncommunicable disease (NCD) with no clear cause or cure, the State shall
institutionalize a system that is people-centered, comprehensive, integrative and sustainable
and shall facilitate collaboration among government and non-government agencies and
organizations at the national and local levels, private sector, professional health organizations,
academic institutions, communities and families towards the provision of early and sustainable
care of persons afflicted with psoriasis. The State recognizes the crucial role of research in
defining health programs and activities to address the needs of patients with psoriasis. The
State also recognizes that an effective public education program is vital in helping ensure the
early diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis and in preventing those afflicted with them from being
the subject of ridicule and stigmatization.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act:
(a) Carer refers to anyone who provides care for psoriasis patients and family members;
(b) National Integrated Psoriasis Prevention and Treatment Program refers to the
program of the national government for the prevention and treatment of psoriasis in the country;
and
(c) Psoriasis refers to an immune-mediated, genetic disease manifesting in the skin or
joints or both.
SEC. 4. National Integrated Psoriasis Prevention and Treatment Program. - There
is hereby established a National Integrated Psoriasis Prevention and Treatment Program
(NIPPTP) under the Department of Health (DOH), which shall serve as the framework for all
psoriasis-related activities of the government. The program shall have the following objectives:
(a) Promote and provide mechanisms for early identification, screening, and diagnosis of
persons suffering from psoriasis;
(a) Establish an extensive and sustainable health care system integrated within the
public health care delivery system for early and sustainable care for patients
suffering
from
psoriasis
through
the
provision
of
comprehensive
care
from
multidisciplinary teams of specialists, including dermatologists, rheumatologists,
psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, cardiologists and others;
(b) Improve the access of psoriasis patients to professional medical care, and
comprehensive, individually adapted treatment;
(b) Provide referral services to patients for appropriate medical expertise and to identify
medical facilities suited to the needs of patients;
(c) Maintain an updated list of health care institutions and practitioners concerned with
the treatment of psoriasis;
(c) Facilitate the manufacture and importation of affordable drugs, especially those
included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, including systemic therapies;
(d) Provide regulatory and fiscal incentives to support research and development studies
1106


on psoriasis particularly on the epidemiology, etiology, treatment and ways to
improve health care for psoriasis patients and collaborate with other institutions for
the conduct of research activities pertaining to the disease;
(e) Provide an avenue for the sharing of best practices on issues relating to early
detection, prevention, cure, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons diagnosed with
psoriasis;
(f) Promote an advocacy discouraging bias against and stereotyping of persons afflicted
with psoriasis;
(g) Establish sustainable support networks and orientation and counselling services for
families of persons diagnosed with psoriasis;
(h) Network with other organizations, institutions, and professionals working on public
programs for persons diagnosed with psoriasis;
(i) Integrate public educational and informational campaigns in the current programs to
identify persons afflicted with psoriasis and help the public understand the special
needs of such persons;
(j) Facilitate the regular collaborative activities among stakeholders regarding the
realization of the objectives of this Act;
(k) Publish a newsletter on current developments and research on psoriasis, as well as
other reading materials on the early detection, prevention, and treatment of psoriasis,
and best practices for the care of diagnosed persons;
(l) Conduct of continuing education and training programs on the proper care of
persons with psoriasis; and
(m)Establish a databank, information, and monitoring system on local government unit
(LGU)-specific statistics pertaining to psoriasis.
SEC. 5. Strengthening of the National and Regional Coordinating Committees. –
The National Coordinating Committee (NCC) and the Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC)
of the DOH shall serve as the NIPPTP’s arm in strengthening and supporting nationwide
capacity for program operations and bridging collaborative efforts between the public and
private sector.
The Secretary of Health shall continue to improve the capability of the existing NCC and
RCC in ensuring efficiency in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the NIPPTP and
in the coordination of efforts of various sectors.
SEC. 6. Development of Medical Guidelines for Psoriasis Treatment. - The DOH, in
consultation with relevant agencies of government, psoriasis focused professional societies, and
patients’ organizations, shall spearhead the development of medical guidelines regarding the
diagnosis of psoriasis and its treatment and shall implement standards relating to medical care
for psoriasis patients such as establishment of objectives of care and treatment plan, adequate
assessment of progress of therapy, using uniform tools to assess the severity of the disease
and patient quality of life.
SEC. 7. Psoriasis Patients as Persons with Disabilities. - Persons living with
psoriasis, shall be considered as persons with disability (PWDs) in accordance with Republic
Act No. 7277, as amended, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons”.
SEC. 8. Rights and Privileges. - Persons living with psoriasis shall be accorded the
same rights and privileges as PWDs and the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) shall ensure that social welfare and benefits provided under Republic Act No. 7277, as
amended, are granted to them. Further, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall
adopt programs which promote work and employment opportunities for persons with psoriasis.
SEC. 9. Nondiscrimination. – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA), DOLE, and other relevant government agencies, shall ensure that people living with
psoriasis are free from any form of discrimination in school, workplace and community.
SEC. 10. Establishment of Psoriasis Assistance Fund. - There is hereby established
a Psoriasis Assistance Fund to support patients in their medical treatment. The DOH shall
manage the Fund in accordance with existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and
regulations and shall make a quarterly report to the Office of the President and Congress on the
disbursement of the Fund.
The DOH may solicit and receive donations which shall form part of the Fund and such
donations shall be exempt from income and or donor’s tax and all other taxes, fees and charges
imposed by the government. Likewise, fund raising activities may be conducted and the
proceeds of which shall accrue to the Fund and shall be exempt from any and all taxes.


Receipts from donations, whether in cash or in kind, shall be accounted for in the books
of the donee government agency in accordance with accounting and auditing rules and
regulations. The receipts from cash donations and proceeds from sale of donated commodities
shall be deposited with the National Treasury and recorded as a special account in the General
Fund and shall be available to the implementing agency concerned through a special budget
pursuant to Section 35, Chapter 5, Book VI of Executive Order No. 292. The cash value of the
donations shall be deemed automatically appropriated for the purpose specified by the donor.
Donations with a term not exceeding one (1) year shall be treated as trust receipts.
The donee-agency concerned shall submit the quarterly reports of all donations received,
whether in cash or in kind, and expenditures or disbursements thereon with electronic signature
to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), through the Unified Reporting System,
and to the Speaker of the House of the Representatives, the President of the Senate of the
Philippines, the House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Finance and the
Commission on Audit, by posting such reports on the donee-agency concerned websites for a
period of three (3) years. The head of the donee-agency concerned shall send written notice to
the said offices when said reports have been posted on its website which shall be considered
the date of submission.
SEC. 11. PhilHealth Benefits for Psoriasis. – The Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation (PhilHealth) shall expand its benefit packages to include primary care screening,
detection, diagnosis, treatment assistance, supportive care, management and follow-up care for
all types and severity of psoriasis. It shall also develop innovative benefits such as support for
community-based models of care to improve psoriasis treatment journey and reduce costs of
care. The development or expansion of any PhilHealth benefit shall go through a proper,
transparent and standardized prioritization setting process, such as the Health Technology
Assessment and actuarial feasibility study, to avoid inequitable allocation of funds for health
care services.
The Fund and PhilHealth benefits shall be made available in public and private DOH-
licensed facilities. The DOH and PhilHealth shall prescribe, in consultation with stakeholders,
the coverage rates and applicable rules on options to charge co-payment for services rendered.
Processes to avail of such funding shall be streamlined to ensure timely provision of psoriasis
care.
SEC. 12. Social Protection Mechanisms. – The DOH, in collaboration with the Social
Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Charity
Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), DOLE, DSWD, PhilHealth and LGUs shall develop appropriate
and easily accessible social protection mechanisms for psoriasis patients, their families and
carers. It shall aim to encourage the underprivileged and marginalized people living with
psoriasis to undergo the necessary treatment and care.
The Insurance Commission shall mandate the Health Maintenance Organizations
(HMOs) to cover counseling and testing, psoriasis screening, diagnostics and care as well as
certain therapeutics of all member employees.
The psoriasis-related absences from work of member employees as well as voluntary
members shall be covered and compensated by the Sickness Benefits of the SSS and Disability
Benefits of the GSIS.
The employees in the informal sector shall be prioritized in the psoriasis control
packages of PhilHealth while the employees in the formal sector shall be offered cost-sharing
PhilHealth benefit packages.
Children with Psoriasis shall be given free access to education or scholarship program
by the government through the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission of Higher
Education (CHED) until such time that he/she finishes college education.
SEC. 13. Psoriasis and Related Supportive Care Medicines. – The DOH, and other
concerned government agencies, shall implement reforms supporting early access to essential
medicines, innovative medicines and health technologies, to ensure highest possible quality of
life among people with psoriasis. The reforms include facilitating quick access to drugs for
compassionate use and developing a more responsive system for effectively addressing
emergency cases.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shall create a dedicated and streamlined
process, not exceeding one (1) year, for the licensing of innovator and generic psoriasis


medication, subject to appropriate quality checks and compliance with minimum standards,
such as, but not limited to, being approved and used for psoriasis treatment in other countries.
The DOH shall ensure sufficient supply of medicines for psoriasis-related care and
management that are available at affordable prices. Further, the DOH shall formulate a
monitoring system to check that psoriasis medications are safe and administered in correct
dosages.
SEC. 14. National Survey and Research. - The DOH shall conduct an annual survey to
determine the extent and total incidence and prevalence of persons with psoriasis in the country
for the government to provide the necessary health interventions to address the needs faced by
persons with psoriasis.
SEC. 15. Integrated Approach to Research in Cooperation with Concerned
Research Agencies. - Within six (6) months from the date of effectivity of this Act, the DOH
shall ensure that there is no conflict of interest between its research agenda and that of
pharmaceutical corporations or other government agencies addressing the issue of psoriasis.
SEC. 16. Division Chief for National Integrated Psoriasis Prevention and Treatment
Program. - A Division Chief for National Integrated Psoriasis Prevention and Treatment Control
Program shall be designated to provide operational, leadership, undertake coordination with
program stakeholders and ensure effective and sustainable implementation of this Act. The
Secretary of Health, in coordination with the Secretary of Budget and Management, shall create
the additional plantilla positions for health personnel required to effectively and efficiently
implement the Program.
SEC. 17. Provision of Education and Training on Psoriasis Prevention and
Treatment for Health Professionals. - The DOH, in coordination with the Commission on
Higher Education and other appropriate agencies, shall facilitate the provision of education on
common chronic skin conditions to health professionals, including undergraduate medical and
nursing curricula and in-service training for physicians in primary care.
Health professionals, especially clinicians working in primary health care, shall be
provided with adequate education and training on the prevention and treatment of psoriasis, its
management and its co-morbidities.
SEC. 18. Psoriasis-Related Academic Curriculum. - The CHED, in collaboration with
the DOH, higher education institutions (HEIs), psoriasis focused professional societies,
accrediting institutions and patient support organizations, shall undertake an assessment of
current psoriasis-related academic curriculum and ensure that the curriculum meets local needs
and global practice standards. The CHED shall encourage HEIs to offer degree programs for
high priority psoriasis-related specializations and continuing education programs related to
psoriasis treatment and care.
The DOH, in collaboration with academic institutions, shall provide subsidies and
scholarships for training of medical professionals, such as dermatologists, rheumatologists, and
other specialized medical professionals related with the treatment and care of psoriasis.
SEC. 19. Continuing Education and Training of Health Personnel and Service
Providers on Psoriasis Prevention and Treatment. - All DOH staff and health providers
providing health services to persons diagnosed with psoriasis shall undergo a mandatory
continuing education and training program to ensure the delivery of up-to-date and relevant
services.
SEC. 20. Health Education and Promotion in Schools, Colleges, and Universities. -
The CHED and the DepEd, in coordination with the DOH, shall develop policies and provide
technical guidance to academic institutions and administrators to:
(a)
Promote and facilitate integration of age appropriate and gender sensitive key
messages on psoriasis risk factors, early warning signs and symptoms of
psoriasis including lifestyles and healthy diets in their curriculum, health and
wellness programs, and co-curricular activities;
(b)
Undertake mainstreaming of practical supportive care and psychosocial support
programs for people living with psoriasis, and their family members, especially
those who act as carers for psoriasis patients; and
(c)
Adopt initiatives that minimize or eliminate stigma and discrimination in schools,
colleges, and universities that are experienced by people with psoriasis, psoriasis
survivors and their families.


SEC. 21. Health Education and Promotion in the Workplace. – The DOLE, Civil
Service Commission (CSC), and TESDA, in coordination with the DOH, shall develop policies
and provide technical guidance to employers, employees associations, and unions to:
(a)
Promote and facilitate integration of gender sensitive key messages on psoriasis
risk factors, signs and symptoms of psoriasis, prevention and control of
exacerbation,
adoption
of
healthy
lifestyles
and
healthy
diets
in
their
communication
initiatives,
health
and
wellness
programs,
and
employee
development programs;
(b)
Undertake mainstreaming of practical supportive care and psychosocial support
programs for people living with psoriasis, their carers and family members;
(c)
Integrate appropriate psoriasis treatment services in their health services and
clinics; and
(d)
Develop programs, initiatives or mechanisms that shall minimize or eliminate
stigma and discrimination in the workplace that is experienced by people living
with psoriasis.
SEC. 22. Health Education and Promotion in Communities. – The Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG) and LGUs, in collaboration with the DOH central and
regional offices, local psoriasis focused patient support organizations and psoriasis focused
professional societies, shall lead the health education and promotion campaign in local
communities, including out-of-school youth. The DILG, in coordination with the DSWD, shall
conduct and promote age appropriate and gender sensitive psoriasis-focused health education.
SEC. 23. National Psoriasis Awareness Month. – The month of October of every year
shall be known as the “National Psoriasis Awareness Month” throughout the Philippines. The
DOH and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in collaboration with the LGUs, psoriasis
focused professional societies, and academic institutions, shall lead the observance of the
National Psoriasis Awareness Month and encourage local media outlets to launch a media
campaign to increase awareness about psoriasis; combat the issue of public myths about
psoriasis and social and work-related stigmatization and discrimination; and increase public
awareness that psoriasis is an NCD by using all forms of multimedia and other electronic means
of communication.
SEC. 24. Annual Report. – The Secretary of Health shall submit to the Committees on
Health of the Senate and the House of Representatives an annual report on the progress of the
implementation of this Act.
SEC. 25. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement the provisions of this
Act shall be charged against the appropriations of the DOH, DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DOLE,
DILG, CSC and the PIA under the General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the
approval of this Act, the Secretary of Health, in consultation with all stakeholders, shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 27. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional,
the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and
effect.
SEC. 28. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees or issuances, executive
orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules or regulations inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 29. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,