FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
8 'CP 
>.,I 
Second Regular Session 
1 
S E N A T E  
Y 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Every day, more than 5 million people worldwide struggle with the often 
debilitating health consequences of lupus, a potentially fatal autoimmune disease 
capable of damaging virtually any part of the body, including the skin, heart, lungs, 
kidneys, and brain. Nine out of ten people with lupus are women. Eighty percent of new 
lupus cases are diagnosed among women ages 15 to 44, striking at the peak of their 
reproductive and career potential. A merciless predator, lupus permanently disables 
many young women. 
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can 
be fatal, though with recent medical advances, fatalities are becoming increasingly rare. 
As with other autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body's cells and 
tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. Lupus can affect any part of the 
body, but most often harms the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, 
and nervous system. The course of the disease is unpredictable, with periods of illness 
(called flares) alternating with remissions. Lupus can occur at any age, and is most 
common in women. Lupus is treatable symptomatically, mainly with corticosteroids and 
immunosuppressants, though there is currently no cure. 
Clinically, lupus can affect multiple organ systems, including the heart, skin, 
joints, kidneys, and nervous system. Generally, when the word "lupus" alone is used, it 
refers to systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE. SLE is one of several diseases known 
as "the great imitators" because its symptoms vary so widely, it often mimics or is 
mistaken for other illnesses because the symptoms come and go unpredictably. 
Diagnosis can be elusive, with patients sometimes suffering unexplained symptoms and 
untreated SLE for years. Common initial and chronic complaints are fever, malaise, joint 
pains, myalgias, fatigue and temporary loss of cognitive abilities. Because they are so 
often seen with other diseases, these signs and symptoms are not part of the diagnostic 
criteria for SLE. 
As lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease with no known cure, treatment is 
restricted to dealing with the symptoms. Essentially, this involves preventing flares and 
reducing their severity and duration when they occur. There are several means of 
preventing and dealing with flares, including drugs, alternative medicine, and lifestyle 
changes. Due to the variety of symptoms and organ system involvement with lupus 
patients, the severity of the SLE in a particular patient must be assessed in order to 
successfully treat SLE. Mild or remittent disease can sometimes be safely left untreated. 
If required, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antimalarials may be used. 
Many people with lupus are unable to maintain employment or attend school 
because of extended lupus-related absences and hospitalizations. A majority of those 
affected must live with debilitating pain and profound fatigue which greatly affects their 
quality of life. For some, memory and mental processing may be impaired, rendering 


simple tasks such as recalling names or balancing a checkbook, as significant 
challenges. There is always the ever-present threat of a flare -- the sudden onset of 
more serious symptoms. 
Despite its enormous public health implications, lupus remains a dangerously 
under-recognized and under-appreciated health issue. 
This proposed measure seeks to increase public awareness about this disease 
and provide proactive government support for lupus disease research and treatment. By 
creating a national program for health providers about lupus, it is hoped that this 
proposed measure will help more people recognize the disease. This will lead to early 
identification and intervention, which is critical for afflicted persons. 
By passing this landmark piece of legislation, our government recognizes the 
daily plight of our thousands of families struggling every day with lupus disease, and 
once and for all acknowledge lupus disease as a health issue in the country. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
up"c--j 
MANUEL %ITOW M. U P l D  
Senator 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
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Second Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTING A COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL HEALTH PROGAM TO 
COMBAT SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (LUPUS) DISEASE, 
IMPLEMENTING 
A 
NATIONWIDE 
AWARENESS 
PROGRAM, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION I. 
Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the “Comprehensive 
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) Disease Prevention Act of 2Q08”. 
SEC. 2. 
Dedaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to protect and promote the right to health of the people, including the rights of persons 
with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) disease to full, healthy and holistic 
development and the right to self-determination. As such, the State shall promote an 
environment conducive to the development of persons with §LE (lupus) disease to 
become, to the best of their potentials, independent, self-reliant and productive 
members of society. 
Towards this end, the State commits itself to the establishment of institutional 
and social mechanisms to support persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) 
disease and their families. As such, the State shall institutionalize a holistic program for 
persons with lupus disease for purposes of empowering and providing them quality of 
life. 
SEC. 3. 
Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the term below 
shall be construed to mean, except where explicitly indicated or where the text clearly 
indicates otherwise , as follows: 
1 


SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERMHEMATOSUS (SLE - LUPUS) - It is a chronic 
autoimmune disease that can be fatal. As with other autoimmune diseases, the immune 
system attacks the body's cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. 
Lupus can affect any part of the body, but most often harms the heart, joints, skin, 
lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. The course of the disease is 
unpredictable, with periods of illness (called flares) alternating with remissions. Lupus 
can occur at any age, and is most common in women. 
SEC. 4. 
Epidemiological Surveillance Programs. - The National Institute 
of Health (NIH) of the Department of Health (DOH) is hereby mandated to conduct an 
annual epidemiological survey program to determine the extent and total incidence and 
prevalence of persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) disease in the country 
in order for the government to provide the neceesary health interventions to address the 
needs faced by persons with lupus disease. 
The NIH is mandated to coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) in the 
conduct of epidemiological research on the issues concering systemic lupus 
erythematosus (lupus) disease. The NIH is mandated to strenthen its research focus 
concerning lupus, including a renewed investment into basic and clinical research, 
expanded research into the link between environmental factors lupus, and continued 
investigations into causation, diagnosis, early detection and treatment for SLE. Such 
factors that will be studied shall also include, among others, infection and immune 
function, hormones and reproductive factors, genetic factors, gastro-intestinal factors, 
socio-demographic factors, and others. 
SEC. 5. 
Prevention of Conflict of Interest in the Research Process. - 
Within six (6) month from the date of effectivity of this Act, the DOH shall issue the 
necessary standards, guidelines and regulations in order to ensure that there is no 
conflict of interest between the research agenda of the researchers and the drug 
manufacturers or government agencies promoting the widespread usage of a particular 
vaccine or medicine for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with systemic lupus 
~ 
erythematosus (lupus) disease. 
The DOH shall ensure the timely publication and dissemination of information of 
these guidelines and regulations in order to ensure that the various health providers and 
stakeholders all over the country are adequately informed. 
SEC. 6. National Program of Lupus' Prevention and Rehabilitation. - The 
Department of Health (DOH) is hereby mandated to implement a comprehensive and 
2 


nationwide program on systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) disease prevention and 
rehabilitation. 
Towards this end, the DOH is hereby mandated to implement the following 
objectives: 
a) 
to promote public awareness, education and information on issues 
concerning the disease; 
b) 
to establish sustainable networks of support group for families of persons 
with the disease: 
c) 
to provide referral services to patients and identify appropriate educational 
and medical expertise and facilities suited to the needs of the patients; 
screening, education, early intervention, prompt referrals for treatment and services; 
d) 
to combat the spectrum of disorders related to the disease through 
e) 
activities regarding the disease in the Philippines; 
9 
to receive donations and grants from local and international donor 
institutions, foundations, and multilateral and bilateral foreign donor agencies involved in 
the prevention, cure and rehabilitation of afflicted persons; 
to promote the advocacy against theoretical and psychological bias and 
stereo-typing against afflicted persons, eliminating discrimination and misconceptions 
with the end in view of opening the doors of productive economic opportunities to 
afflicted persons; 
h) 
to provide the avenue for exchange of information, exchange programs 
and sharing of best practices on issues relating to the early detection, prevention, cure, 
treatment and rehabilitation of afflicted persons; and 
to network with other organizations, institutions and professionals working 
to undertake research andlor Collaborate with other entities on research 
g) 
i) 
for the promotion of legislation and public programs for afflicted persons. 
SEC. 7. 
Programs and Services for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 
(Lupus) Disease Prevention. - The programs and services that will be provided by the 
Department of Health (DOH) shall include, among others, the following: 
a) 
Orientation and Counseiing Services for families of newly diagnosed 
persons: 
b) 
Establishment of Family Support Networks and Sibling Program for 
families of afflicted persons to seek psycho-social support for the various problems 
faced by the patients; 
C) 
Establishment of National and Regional Referral Services where the DOH 
will update a list of health care institutions concerned with the care and rehabilitation of 
patients; 
3 


d) 
Publication of reading materials, manuals and easily readable instruction 
materials for the disease’s early detection, prevention, rehabilitation and care; 
and lectures on the proper handling of afflicted persons; 
The establishment of a databank and information and monitoring system 
(IMS) on the demographic, socio-economic and incidence and prevalence of afflicted 
persons in the country; 
g) 
The publication of a newsletter on current developments, resources and 
research on systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) disease; and 
h) 
The conduct of continuing education/training of families, teachers, 
therapists and caregivers of persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) disease 
through seminars, conventions and other forms of tri-media educational tools. 
e) 
The conduct of continuing education, information and training programs 
9 
SEC. 8. 
Early Identification and Interwention for Persons 
with 
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) Disease. - The DOH is hereby mandated to 
establish ‘a program for early identification, screening and detection of persons with 
systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) disease. 
SEC. 9. 
Lupus Early Detection and Screening Fees. - The Philippine 
Health Insurance Corporation (PI-IIC) shall include the cost of early detection and 
screening programs for systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) disease as one of the 
available benefits to its members. 
The early detection and screening tests fee shall be applied to, among others, 
testing costs, education, follow-up and readable overhead expenses. These early 
detection and screening are designed to identify persons who should receive more 
intensive diagnosis or assessment in order to improve the health and well-being of the 
patient. 
National Awareness Week for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 
(Lupus) Disease Prevention. - In order to mainstream the issues and concerns of 
patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) disease, the first week of May of 
every year is hereby declared as the “Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) 
Awareness Week”. This week shall be celebrated nationwide so that stakeholders all 
over the nation can celebrate and increase public awareness on the advantages 
prevalence and incidence of the dreaded disease. The week-long activity will be 
spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Department 
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Information Agency 
(PIA). 
SEC. 40. 
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SEC. 11. 
Creation of a National Website for Persons with Lupus. - The 
DOH is hereby mandated to establish a national website on this National Health 
Prevention Program for Lupus in the Philippines. The website shall highlight the various 
programs, interventions, services and advocacy channels being provided by the 
Government on the issue so that parents and relatives of persons with SLE can avail of 
the information and services provided by the State. 
This website shall contain all the information on the variety of medical, 
psychological, psycho-social and research interventions available in the Philippines. 
The website shall also include information on the various DOH-accredited health 
service providers who can provide therapy and treatment to patients. 
The website is envisioned to be an avenue where people can express their views 
regarding the disease and network to address the various needs and concerns of 
patients. 
It will also be an avenue to clear misconcenptions and incorrect information on 
the mental state of patients. 
SEC. 12. 
Continuing Education and Training of Health Personnel and 
Service Providers on Lupus Prevention and Rehabilitation. - All DOH staff and 
health providers providing various health services to persons with lupus disease are 
mandated to undergo a mandatory continuing education and training program to 
sensitize and empower them to become effective frontliners in the delivery of health 
service to afflicted persons. 
SEC. 13. 
Profection Against Forcible Use of Cures and Waccines. - The 
DOH shall formulate the necessary guidelines, standards and procedures against the 
forcible use of cures, vaccines and therapies to afflicted persons in order to protect the 
rights of patients to informed consent and right to self-determination. 
The DOH shall promulgate guideines and standards to ensure that the 
interventions and programs being provided by the government towards patients with 
lupus disease do not violate their basic Constitutional, Human Rights and inalienable 
rights towards self-determination and self-development. 
SEC. 14. 
Confidentiality of Medical Information for Persons with 
Systemic Lupus Etyfhernatosus (Lupus) Disease. - To ensure that the early 
detection, screening tests, vaccination, medical treatment and rehabilitation of afflicted 
persons is implemented subject to all other rights guaranteed by the Constitution, the 
Department of Health (DOH), in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ), shall 
formulate the pertinent implementing rules and regulations to ensure the confidentiality 
5 


of the medical records in order to protect the unwarranted intrusion into the privacy of 
the patient. 
SEX. 15. 
Appropriation. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions 
of this Act shall be included and incorporated in the annual general appropriations of the 
Department of Health (DOH) and the National Institute of Health,(NIH). 
SEC. 16. 
implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within six (6) 
months from the date of effectivity of this Act, the DOH, in consultation with the QWSD 
and DOJ shall promulgate necessary implementing rules and regulations to implement 
the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 17. 
Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof not consistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 18. 
Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act, or the 
application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held unconstitutional or invalid, the 
remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby. 
SEC. 19. 
Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
from the date of its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
6