Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HousEBILLNo.   9799
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Introduced bv ReD. Ray T. Reves
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Tuberculosis (TB) was declared a public health emergency in 1993.  However,
over   three   decades   later,   it  continues   to   be   the   most   non-emergent   medical
emergency.  This  is  in  stark  contrast to  how funding  poured  in,  and  how  response
shifted   to   decentralized,   patient-centric   care   for   HIV   eradication   when   it   was
announced as the number 1  cause of death due to an infectious agent in 2015.
Currently,  there  are  only  eight  countries  that  account  for  2/3  of  the  global
cases  of  Tuberculosis,  with  the  Philippines  contributing  7%  of  the  global  cases.
Despite  being  a  curable  disease,  Tuberculosis  is  still  one  of the  leading  causes  of
death in the Philippines, averaging at 70 deaths daily.
These  numbers  prove  that  there  is  a  need  to  revisit  the  existing  legislation
regarding  the  Philippines'  response  to  Tuberculosis.  There  is  a  need  to  beef  up
education-driven campaigns and TB notification and monitoring.  Stigma surrounding
the disease,  availability of funds and medication,  as well as  places where treatment
and medicine are easily procured must be addressed.
The  COVID-19  pandemic  also  set  back  the  eradication  efforts  of  TB  by
roughly ten years.  Community quarantine, shift of medical efforts and assignment of
medical workers and resources to COVID-19 response impacted primary healthcare
services.  This,   unfortunately,   put  a  considerable  amount  of  strain  on  an  already
struggling healthcare system.  Pandemic response required a shift in focus from other
disease treatment,  including TB monjtoring and eradication, to curbing transmission,
treatment  of  those  afflicted  with   COVID-19,   and   minimizing   its   impact  on   public
health. The decline in case notification and restricted access to TB programs has cut
the continuum of care. In effect, deaths due to TB are predicted to increase by 170%
in the coming years due to the effects of the previous pandemic.
However, COVID-19 response also provided a model of public health action in
an  emergency.  From  multinational  collaboration  to  innovations  in  service  delivery,


pandemic   response   provided   the   framework   that   nations   can   adapt   for   TB
eradication.  The  initial  failures  in  response  highlighted  the  cracks  that  need  to  be
addressed such as gaps in prevention and care of prevalent conditions, including co-
morbidities   that   complicated   COVID-19   treatment,   and   raised   the   number   of
fatalities.  Substantial  gaps  in  response  to  other  diseases  also  paved  the  way  for
pathways to resiliency in existing  health  programs,  as well as a  need to revamp the
framework to be implemented.
The previous global pandemic has highlighted that a lot of healthcare policies
need to be updated and future-proofed.  Our experience with COVID-19  brings forth
universal healthcare truth that we have always known but have failed to achieve:  no
one is safe until everyone is safe. Tuberculosis has been a public health emergency
for over three decades, yet we are nowhere close to its eradication. This bill aims to
improve healthcare delivery systems that are continuous and can withstand external
threats.
This  measure  was  filed  by  then-Representative  Helen  Tan  during  previous
Congresses,  with  its  iteration  in  the  18th  Congress  passing  the  third  reading  and
being transmitted to the Senate.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
Represen


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HoUSE BILL No.   9799
Introduced bv ReD. Rav T. Reves
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE NATloNAL PROGRAM FOR THE ELIMINATION OF
TUBERCULOSIS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO.10767
0R THE COMPREHENSIVE TUBERCULOSIS ELllvIINATION PLAN ACT
Be it enacted by the  Senate and the  House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
SECTION  1.  Section  8  of  Republic  Act  No.  10767  is  hereby  amended  to  read  as
follows:
"SEC.   8.   Educafi.on  Programs.  -  The  [Secretary  of  Health]
CHAIRPERSON OF  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  HIGHER EDUCATION  (CHED),  in
ccordination  with   the   [Commission   on   Higher   Education   (CHED)I
SECRETARy oF "E DEPARTMENT 0F HEALTH (DOH),  shall encourage
the facufty of schcols of medicine, nursing or medical technology and
allied   health   institutions,   to   intensify   information   and   education
programs,   ineluding   the   development  of  curricula,   to   significantly
increase the oppertunities for students and for practicing providers to
learn the principles and practices of preventing, detecting,  managing,
and controlling tuberculosis."
SECTION 2. Section 9 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SEC.  9.   Inclusion   in   Basic   Education.  -  The  Secretary  Of
[Hea!th]  THE  DEPAR"ENT  oF  EDuCATloN  (DEPED),  in  coordination
with  the  Seoretary  of the  [Department  of  Education  (DepEd)]  DOH
shall [`,A,`crk fcr] ENsuRE the inclusion of medules on the prineiples and
practises    of    preventing,    detecting,    managing,    and    controlling
tuberculcrsis   in  the   [health  curriculum  of  every  public  and   private
elementary and high school] BASIC EDuCAiioN cuRR]cuLUM."


SECTION 3. Section  10 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SEC.    10.   Met/.a   Campajgiv.   -   The   [Seoretary   of   Health]
DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE  PHluppINE  INFORMATION  AGENCY  (PIA),
jn    coordination   with    the    [Philjppine   Information    Agency   (PIA)I
SECRETARy  oF  THE  DOH,   shall  encourage  local   media  outlets  to
launch  a  MASsivE,  NATIONWIDE,  CoNSISTENT AND SusTAINED  medical
campaign on tuberoulosis control, treatment and management,  using
all     forms     of     multimedia     and     other     electronic     means     of
communication.
"x x x."
SECTION 4. A new section denominated as Section  12-A of the same Act is added
to read as follows:
SEC.    12-A.    TB    NOTIFICATION    C0IVIIVIITTEE.    -    ADULT    AND
CHILDl+OOD  TB  SHALL  BE  CONSIDERED  AS  A  NOTIFIABLE  DISEASE  IN
ALL  LEVELS  OF  "E  HEAL"CARE  SYSTEIvl.  ANY  HOSPITAL  OR  CLINIC
VVHICH   DIAGNOSES  A  PATIENT  VVITH  TB  SHALL  REPORT  THE  SAME  TO
THE  DOH. THE  DOH SHALL PROVIDE THE FORM AND MANNER FOR THE
REPORTING 0F TB CASES.
"T0  ENSURE  COMPLIANCE  THAT  THE  MANDATORY  NOTIFICATION
roLlcv    oF    TB    cASEs    ls    OBSERVED    AND    ENFORCED,    A    TB
NOTIFICAlloN   COMMITTEE   SHALL   BE   ORGANIZED   IN   ALL   PUBLIC   AND
PRIVATE   HEALTH   CENTERS,   HOSPITALS  AND  FACILITIES.   IT  SHALL  BE
cOMrosED OF iviEMBERs As  MAy BE  DETEF"iNED By "E  sECRETARy
OF THE  DOH.
"ALL TB  NOTIFICATION COMMITTEES  SHALL SUBIVIIT REGULAR TB
NOTIFICAlloN   COMPLIANCE    REPORTS   TO    THEIR   RESPECTIVE    DOH
REGIONAL     COORDINATING     COMMITTEES,     VVHICH     SHALL     MAKE     A
CONsOLIDATED TB  NOTIFICATION  COMPLIANCE  REPORTS  T0  THE  DOH
NATIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE."
SECTION 5. Section  13 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SEC.   13.   Ph/./Hea#h   TB  Package.   -  The   Philippine   Hearth
Insurance Corporation,  otherwise  known  as  the  PhilHealth,  shall,  as
far  as  practicable,  expand  its  benefit  package  for  TB  patients  to
include  new,  relapse,  and  retumafterLdefault cases,  [and  extension
of treatment]  MULTlimuG-REslsTANT TUBERcuLosls (MDR-TB),  FOFt
BOTH  ADULTS  AND  CHILDREN.  THE  DEVELOPMENT  0R  EXPANSION  OF
ANY  PHILHEALTH  BENEFIT SHALL UNDERGO A  PROPER,  TRANSPARENT,
AND    STANDARDIZED    PRIORITIZATION    SETTING    PROCESS,    SUCH    AS
HEAL" TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND ACTUARIAL FEASIBILITY STUDY


TO    AVOID    INEQUITABLE    ALLOCATION    OF    FUNDS    FOR    HEALTHCARE
SERVICES.
"x x x."
SECTION 6. A new section denominated as Section  14 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
SEC.14. TB  REGISTRY AND  MONITORING SYSTEM. -THE DOH,
IN       COLLABORATION      WITH       THE      APPROPRIATE      AGENCIES      AND
STAKEHOLDERS,  SHALL  ESTABLISH  A  TB  REGISTRY  AND  MONITORING
SYSTEM  WHICH  SHALL  COVER  ALL  FORMS  OF  TB  AMONG  ADULTS  AND
CHILDREN.   THE   POPULATION-BASED   TB   REGISTRY   SHALL   CONTAIN
DATA   ON   ALL   NEW   CASES   OF   TB   ACCORDING   TO   GEOGRAPHICAL
REGIONS,       PROVIDE       THE       FRAMEWORK       FOR       ASSESSING       AND
CONTROLLING   THE   IIVIPACT  0F  THE  DISEASE  AND  SHALL  SERVE  AS  A
REGULAR     FEEDBACK     OR     NOTIFICATloN     SYSTEM     TO     REFERRING
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. THE TB REGISTRY SHALL FORM  PART OF THE
ELECTRONIC    MEDICAL    RECORDS    REQUIREMENT    OF    THE     DOH     IN
ACCORDANCE   WITH   THE   NA"ONAL   HEALTH   DATA   STANDARDS   AND
REPUBLIC    ACT    NO.    10173,    OTHERWISE    KNOWN    AS    THE    "DATA
PRIVAcy ACT oF 2012".
"EVERY   PuBLIC   AND   PRIVATE   HEALTH   CENTER,   HOSPITAL  AND
HEALTH  FACILITY,  INCLUDING  CLINICS,  SHALL ESTABLISH  AND MAINTAIN
THEIR OWN INTERNAL TB REGISTRY WHICH SHALL COVER ALL TYPES OF
TB. THE TB REGISTRY SHALL RECORD THE PERSONAL INFORMATION 0F
TB PATIENTS, TB TYPE,  TREATMENT RECEIVED AND  THE  RESULTS, AND
OTHER    DATA    THAT    THE    DOH    MAY    PRESCRIBE.    THE    REGIONAL
COORDINATING    COMIVIllTEES    SHALL    ENSURE    THAT    ALL    FACILITIES
WITHIN  THEIR  RESPECTIVE  JURISDICTloNS  HAVE  A  TB  REGISTRY.  ALL
INFORIVIATloN  IN  THE  TB  REGISTRY  SHALL  BE  TREATED  VVITH  UTMOST
CONFIDENTIAUTY  AND  SHALL  NOT  BE  RELEASED  TO  THIRD  PARTIES,  lN
ACCORDANCE  WITH  THE  DATA  PRIVACY  ACT.  COWIPLIANCE  WITH  THE
REQUIREMENT TO MAINTAIN A TB REGISTRY AND SUBMISSION  SHALL BE
A   REQUIREMENT   FOR   THE   RENEWAL   0F   A   LICENSE   TO   OPERATE   A
HEALTH CENTER, HOSPITAL 0R HEALTH FAclulY."
SECTION 7. A new section denominated as Section  15 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.15. TB PATIENTS' RIGHTS AND  RESPONSIBILITIES. -
``A) A PERSON WITH TB SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS:


"(1)  THE  RIGHT  TO  BE  TREATED  HUMANELY  AND  WITH  RESPECT
FOR THE INHERENT DiGNirv oF THE HUMAN pERsoN iN THE DELlvERy oF
SERVICES WITHOUT STIGMA,  PREJUDICE OR DISCRIMINATION;
"(2)  THE  RIGHT  TO  FREE  AND  EQUITABLE  ACCESS  TO  TB  CARE
FROM THE TIIVIE OF DIAGNOSIS TO COIVIPLETION OF TREATMENT;
"(3)  THE   RIGHT  TO   RECEIVE  MEDICAL  ADVICE  AND  TREATMENT
THAT IVIEETS INTERNATloNAL STANDARDS FOR TB CARE, CENTERING 0N
PATIENT   NEEDS,   INCLUDING   THOSE   0F   PATIENTS   WITH   XDDR-TB,
MDR-TB,        OR       TB-HUMAN       llvIMUNODEFICIENcy       VIRUS        (HIV)
COINFECTION,  AND PREVENTIVE TREATMENT FOR YOUNG  CHILDREN  AND
OTHERS CONSIDERED TO BE AT HIGH RISK;
"(4)  THE  RIGHT  TO   BENEFIT  FROM   PROACTIVE   HEALTH  SECTOR
COMMUNITY  OUTREACH,  EDUCATION  AND  PREVENTION  CAMPAIGNS  AS
PART OF COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS;
"(5)  THE   RIGHT  T0   INFORMATION  ABOUT  THE  AVAILABILITY  OF
HEALTHCARE      SERVICES      FOR      TB      AND     THE      RESPONSIBILITIES,
ENGAGEMENTS AND DIRECT OR INDIRECT COSTS INVOLVED;
"(6)  THE  RIGHT  TO  CONFIDENTIALITY  RELATING  TO  THE  MEDICAL
CONDITION      WITHOUT      PREJUDICE      T0      THE      RESPONSIBTUTY      0F
HEALTHCARE   PROVIDERS   TO   NOTIFY   TB   CASES   AS   PROVIDED   FOR
UNDER THIS ACT;
"(7)   THE    RIGHT   TO    PARTICIPATE   AS   STAKEHOLDERS    IN   THE
DEVELOPMENT,   llvIPLEIVIENTATI0N,   lvIONITORING   AND   EVALUATION   OF
TB      POLICIES      AND     PROGRAMS     WITH     LOCAL,      NATIONAL,      AND
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES;
"(8)    THE    RIGHT    T0    JOB    SECURITY    AFTER    DIAGNOSIS    OR
APPROPRIATE  REHABILITATION AND UPON COMPLETION OF TREATMENT;
"(9)      THE      RIGHT      T0      NUTRITIONAL      SECURITY      OR      FOOD
SUPPLEMENTS NEEDED TO MEET TREA"ENT REQUIREMENTS;
"(10)  THE  RIGHT  T0  EXERCISE  ALL  CIVIL,  POLITICAL,  ECONOMIC,
SOCIAL   AND   CULTURAL   RIGHTS   RESPECTING   INDIVIDUAL   QUALITIES,
ABILITIES       AND       DIVERSE       BACKGROUNDS       AND       WITHOUT       ANY
DISCRIMINATION  ON  GROUNDS  OF  PHYSICAL  DISABILITY,  AGE,  GENDER,
SEXUAL    ORIENTATION,    RACE,    COLOR,     LANGUAGE,    CIVIL    STATUS,
RELIGION    OR     ETHNIC     OR    SOCIAL    ORIGIN    OF    THE    TB     PATIENT
CONCERNED   AS   RECOGNIZED   IN   THE    UNIVERSAL   DECLARATION   OF
HUMAN     RIGHTS,    THE    INTERNATIONAL    COVENANT    ON    ECONOMIC,
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS;  AND


"(11)   THE   RIGHT   TO   EMPLOYMENT   WITHOUT   DISCRIMINATION,
REASONABLE  WORKING  ARRANGEMENTS  AND  RESTORATION  TO  WORK
UPON CERTIFICATI0N FROIVI THE COMPANY BY A TB-DOTS PHYSICIAN.
"a)     A     PERSON     WITH     TB     SHALL     HAVE     THE     FOLLOWING
RESPONSIBILITIES:
"(1)    TO    PROVIDE    AS    MUCH    INFORIVIATION    AS    POSSIBLE    TO
HEALTHCARE  PROVIDERS  ABOUT  THEIR  PRESENT  HEALTH  CONDITION,
PAST ILLNESSES AND OTHER RELEVANT DETAILS;
"(2)    T0    PROVIDE    INFORMATION    TO    HEALTHCARE    PROVIDERS
ABOUT    CONTACTS    WITH    IMMEDIATE    FAMILY,    FRIENDS    AND    OTHER
PERSONS  WHO  MAY  BE  VULNERABLE  TO  TB  OR  WHO  MAY  HAVE  BEEN
INFECTED;
"(3)   TO   FOLLOW   THE   PRESCRIBED   AND   AGREED   TREATIVIENT
REGIMEN  AND  TO  CONSCIENTIOUSLY  COMPLY  WITH  THE  INSTRUCTIONS
GIVEN TO PROT4ECT THEIR HEALTH AND THOSE OF OTHER PERSONS;
"(4)  TO  INFORM  HEALTHCARE  PROVIDERS OF  ANY  DIFFICULTY OR
PROBLEM      UN      UNDERGOING     0R     COMPLETING     THE     PRESCRIBED
TREATMENT,   OR   IF   ANY   PART  0F   THE   TREA"ENT   IS   NOT   CLEARLY
UNDERSTOOD;
"(5)       TO       CONTRIBUTE       TO       COIVIMUNITY      WELL-BEING       BY
ENCOURAGING    THOSE    WHO    EXHIBIT    SYMPTOMS    OF    TB    TO    SEEK
MEDICAL ADVICE;
``(6)    TO   SHOW   CONSIDERATION    FOR   THE    RIGHTS   OF   OTHER
PATIENTS  AND HEALTHCARE  PROVIDERS,  UNDERSTANDING  THAT THIS  IS
THE    DIGNIFIED    BASIS    AND    RESPECTFUL    FOUNDATION    OF    THE    TB
COMMUNITY;
"(7)   TO   SHOW   MORAL   RESPONSIBILITY   AND   SOLIDARITY   WITH
OTHER PATIENTS WHO ARE ON THE WAY T0 RECOVERY AND CuRE;
"(8)  TO  SHARE  INFORMATION  AND  KNOWLEDGE  GAINED  DURING
TREATMENT   AND   T0   SHARE   THIS   EXPERTISE   WITH   OTHERS   IN   THE
COIVIIVIUNITY,  THUS EMPOWERING OTHERS;  AND
"(9)  TO  JOIN  IN  EFFORTS  T0  PROIVIOTE  HEALTHY  AND  TB-FREE
COMIVIUNITIES."


SECTION 8. A new section denominated as Section  16 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.16.  PRIVATE SECTOR  PARTICIPATION. -THE  DOH  SHALL
ENCOURAGE   THE    PARTICIPATION   OF   THE   PRIVATE   SECTOR   IN   THE
NATIONAL  TB  ELIMINATION  PROGRAM,  WHICH  SHALL  INCLUDE  PRIVATE
CORPORATIONS,     CIVIL     SOCIETY     ORGANIZATIONS      (CSOS),      NON-
GOVERNMENT  ORGANIZATIONS  (NGOS)  AND  SUCH  OTHER  GROUPS OR
ORGANIZATloNS,    BOTH    FOREIGN    AND    LOCAL,    THAT    IVIAY   WISH    TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE IMPLEIVIENTATION 0F THIS ACT.
"ALL   BuSINESS   ORGANIZATIONS   ESTABLISHED  AND  OPERATING
UNDER    PHILIPPINE    LAWS,    WHETHER    DOMESTIC    OR    FOREIGN,    ARE
ENCOURAGED   TO   CONTRIBUTE   IN   THE   GOVERNMENT'S   CONTINUING
EFFORTS   TO   REDUCE   THE   INC.DENCE   OF   TV   IN   THE   COUNTRY   BY
CONDUCTING  TB-PREVENTION  OR  OTHER  PROJECTS  THAT  ENCOURAGE
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND  EARLY  DETECTION OF  TB AS  PART OF  THEIR
CORPORATE   SOCIAL   RESPONSIBILITY   (CSR)   PROGRAMS.   THE   DOH
SHALL  GIVE  NATIONAL  RECOGNITloN  AND  REWORDS  TO  ALL  BUSINESS
ORGANIZATIONS   FOR   OuTSTANDING,   [NNOVAT[VE   AND   WORLD¢LASS
CSR-RELATED SERVICES FOR TB ELIMINATION."
SECTION 9, A new section denominated as Section  17 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.   17.   CONVERGENCE   OF  TB   SERVICES.   -   EACH   LOCAL
GOVERNMENT  UNIT  (Lou)  SHALL  HAVE  A  TB  STRATEGIC  PLAN  TO  BE
INITIATED    BY    ITS    LOCAL    HEALTH    BOARD    AND    APPROVED    BY    ITS
SANGGUNIAN.  FOR  THIS  PURPOSE,  THE  LOCAL  HEALTH  BOARD  AT  THE
PROVINCIAL,  CITY,  MUNICIPAL OR  BARANGAY  LEVEL  SHALL ASSIST  THE
CORRESPONDING     SANGGUNIAN    IN    THE    CRAFTING    OF    TB     LOCAL
ORDINANCE  AND  BUILDING  LOCAL  OWNERSHIP  FOR  TB  INTERVENTloNS
VVITHIN ITS TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION.
"THE    LGUS,    THROUGH   THEIR    LOCAL   SOCIAL   WELFARE   AND
DEVELOPMENT    OFFICES,    SHALL    COVER    ALL    INDIRECT    COSTS    OF
ACCESSING   TB   TREA"ENT,    INCLUDING    TRANSPORTATION,    MEALS,
ACCOMMODATING     OR     HALFWAY     HOUSE,     AMONG      OTHERS.     THE
DEPARTMENT OF  SOCIAL WELFARE AND  DEVELOPMENT (DSWD)  MAY
HELP  DEFRAY  THESE   EXPENSES   THROUGH   THE   CRISIS   INTERVENTION
UNIT.
"THE  DEPARTMENT OF  LABOR AND  EMPLOYMENT (DOLE) SHALL
REQUIRE  ALL  PRIVATE WORKPLACES  TO  DEVELOP THEIR OWN  POLICIES
ON  TB  PREVENTloN  WHICH  SHALL  BE  IMPLEMENTED  IN  ACCORDANCE
WITH     NATloNAL     IAWS     AND     POLICIES,     PREVENTION     STRATEGIES


THROUGH    ADVOCACY,    EDUCATION    AND    TRAINING.     IVIEASURES    TO
llvIPROVE   0CCUPATloNAL   SAFETY   AND   HEALTH   CONDITIONS   IN   THE
WORKPLACE SHALL BE  EMPHASIZED.
"THE   CIVIL  SERVICE   COMMISSION   (CSC)   SHALL  REQUIRE  ALL
GOVERNMENT  WORKPLACES  T0  DEVELOP  THEIR  OWN  POLICIES  ON  TB
PREVENTION,   WHICH   SHALL   BE   IMPLEMENTED   IN   ACCORDANCE   WITH
NATIONAL   LAWS   AND   POLICIES,   PREVENTloN   STRATEGIES   THROUGH
ADVOCACY,     EDUCATION    AND    TRAINING.     MEASURES    TO    IMPROVE
OCCUPATIONAL  SAFETY  AND  HEALTH  CONDITIONS  IN  THE  WORKPLACE
SHALL BE  EMPHASIZED.
"THE     TECHNICAL     EDUCATloN     AND     SKILLS     DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY     (TESDA)     SHALL     IMPLEMENT    A     NONDISCRllvIINATORY
APPROACH  IN  DEALING WITH  CLIENTS SuFFERING  FROM TB AND SHALL
INCORPORATE   TB   AWARENESS   IN   THE   TRAINING   PROGRAM   0F   ITS
TECHNICAL    AND    VOCATIONAL    EDUCATION    AND    TRAINING    (TVET)
INSTITUTIONS   THROUGH   THE   CONDUCT  OF   RELEVANT  SEMINARS   FOR
ALL ITS STUDENTS. THE TESDA SHALL ESTABLISH FOCUS GROUPS  FOR
CLIENTS WHO ARE AFFLICTED WITH THE  DISEASE.
"THE   DEPED,   CHED,   TESDA,   DOLE,   DEPARTMENT  OF   THE
INTERIOR     AND     LOCAL    GOVERNIVIENT,     AND    OTHER    APPROPRIATE
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SHALL  DEVELOP A  COMPREHENSIVE  PROGRAM
0F    SUPPORT    SERVICES    FOR    TB    VICTIMS    AND    THEIR    AFFECTED
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES."
SECTION 10. A new section denominated as Section 18 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.  18.  SERVICE  DELIVERy  NETWORK  (SDN).  -THE  DOH,
THROUGH  ITS  REGIONAL  OFFICES,  AND  IN  COORDINATION  WITH  LGUS,
SHALL  INTEGRATE AND STRENGTHEN  THE  pRovisioN  oF  TB  sERvrcES
INTO   ESTABLISHED   SDNS   0R   LOCAL   HEALTH    REFERRAL   SYSTEM,
WHICH    SHALL    NOT    BE    RESTRICTED    WITHIN    THE    GEOGRAPHIC    0R
POLITICAL  BOUNDARIES  OF   LGUS.   COLLABORATION   ACROSS   LGuS
SHALL BE ENCOURAGED.
"THE  SDN  SHALL  BE  A  NETWORK  OF  FACILITIES  RANGING  FROIVI
BARANGAY  HEALTH  STATIONS  (BHS),  RURAL  HEALTH  UNITS  (RHUS),
DISTRICT AND/OR  CITY  HOSPITALS,  TO  THE  PROVINCIAL  AND/OR  DOH-
RETAINED  HOSPITALS.   THE   DOH   AND   LGUS   MAY   ENGAGE   PRIVATE
HEALTH  FACILITIES OR PROVIDERS TO FORM  PART OF THE SDN."


SECTION  11. A new section,  denominated  as  Section  19 of the same Act is  added
to read as follows:
"SEC.19.  COIVIPLETION  OF  TB  TREATMENT  AS  CONDITION  FOR
RETENTION    IN    THE    CONDITloNAL    CASH    TRANSFER    PROGRAM.    -
BENEFICIARIES  OF   THE   CONDITIONAL  CASH   TRANSFER   PROGRAM   OF
THE  GOVERNMENT  WHO  ARE  DIAGNOSED  WITH  TB,  INCLUDING   DRUG-
SuSCEPTIBLE    AND    DRUGRESISTANT   TB    SHALL    BE    REQUIRED   TO
UNDERGO   TB-DOTS   AS   ONE   OF   THE   ESSENTIAL   CONDITIONS   FOR
RETENTION IN THE  PROGRAM."
SECTION 12. A new section denominated as Section 20 of the same Act is added,
to read as follows:
"SEC.   20.   SCREENING   FOR   HIGH-RISK   POPULATION.  -  AS  A
POLICY,  TB  SCREENING  SHALL  BE  HIGHLY  RECOMIVIENDED  FOR  HIGH-
RISK POPULATI0NS AND MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
"A)  THOSE  THAT ARE  IN  CLOSE  CONTACT WITH  PERSONS  KNOWN
OR SUSPECTED T0 HAVE TB;
"a)     THOSE     INFECTED     WITH     HIV     AND     ACQUIRED     IIVIMUNE
DEFICIENCY SYNDR0lvIE (AIDS);
"C)  THOSE  WHO  ARE  SMOKERS  OF  CIGARETTES  AND  USERS  OF
ILLEGAL DRUGS;
"D)  THOSE  WHO  INJECT  ILLICIT  DRUGS  OR ARE  USERS  OF  OTHER
LOCALLY IDENTIFIED HIGH-RISK SUBSTANCES;
"E)    THOSE    WHO    HAVE    MEDICAL    RISK    FACTORS,    SUCH    AS
DIABETES  AND  OTHER  COMPARABLE  DISEASES,  KNOWN  TO  INCREASE
THE RISK FOR DISEASE WHEN INFECTION OCCURS;
"F)    RESIDENTS   AND   EMPLOYEES   OF   HIGH-RISK   CONGREGATE
SETTINGS;
"G)  HEALTHCARE WORKERS WHO SERVE HIGH-RISK CLIENTS;
"H)  INFANTS,  CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS  EXPOSED  TO ADULTS
IN HIGH-RISK CATEGORIES;  AND
"I)    SUCH    OTHER    PERSONS    AS    MAY    BE    IDENTIFIED    BY    THE
SECRETARY 0F HEALTH.
"THE  ROUTINE  TB  SCREENING  TEST  SHALL  FORM  PART  0F  THE
NORMAL STANDARDS OF CARE OFFERED IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER OR


NOT  THE  PATIENTS  EXHIBIT  SIGNS  AND  SYMPTOMS  OF  UNDERLYING  TB
INFECTION OR HAS OTHER REASONS FOR PRESENTING TO THE FACILITY.
"THE  DOH  SHALL  ENSURE  ACCESS  TO  ROUTINE  TB  SCREENING
TESTS  AS  PART  OF  CLINICAL  AND  MEDICAL  CARE  IN  ALL  HEALTHCARE
SETTINGS AND FACILITIES."
SECTloN 13. A new section denominated as section 21  of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.  21.  INTEGRATloN  0F  TB  SCREENING  IN  HIV  AND  AIDS
PREVENTION AND  CONTROL.  -SYMPTOMATIC  TB  SCREENING  AND  TB
PREVENTIVE  THERAPY  OF  ALL  PERSONS   LIVING  WITH   HIV  AND  AIDS
WITHOUT    TB    SYMPTOMS    SHALL    BE    PROVIDED    AS    PART    OF    THE
DELIVERY OF HIV AND AIDS RELATED SERVICES."
SECTION 14. A new section denominated as Section 22 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.  22.  PRIVATE  HEALTH  FACILITIES  FOR  TB-DOTS.  -  TO
ENHANCE    AND    MAXIMIZE    THE    PARTICIPATION    OF    PRIVATE    HEALTH
FACILITIES   IN   TB   CONTROL,   ALL   PRIVATE   HEALTH   FACILITIES   ARE
IVIANDATED TO  SEEK ACCREDITATION  FROM  PHILHEALTH  AS TB-DOTS
PROVIDER."
SECTloN 15. A new section denominated as Section 23 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.  23.  CONTACT TRACING  AND  PROPHYLACTIC  TREATMENT.
-   SCREENING    BY   CHEST   X-RAY   SHALL    BE    INITIATED    AMONG    ALL
CONTACTS  0F  AN  INDEX  CASE  WITH  BACTERloLOGICALLY  CONFIRMED
OR    CLINICALLY    DIAGNOSED    PULMONARY   TB   IN    ORDER   TO    OFFER
PREVENTIVE TREATMENT WHEN NECESSARY TO THOSE WITH LATENT TB
INFECTION, FOLLOWING PRESCRIBED GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS."
SECTloN 16. A new section denominated as Section 24 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
``SEC.    24.    PERSONNEL    COMPLEMENT.    -    TO    ENSURE    THE
EFFECTIVE  IMPLEMENTATION  OF  THIS  ACT,  THE   DOH  SHALL  ENSURE
THAT  THERE  SHALL  BE  ADEQUATE  COMPETENT  AND  QUALIFIED  STAFF
AND ALLIED  PROFESSIONALS WHO SHALL EFFECTIVELY CARRY OUT THE
OBJECTIVES  OF  THE  TB ELIMINATION  PROGRAM.  THE  FORMULATION  OF
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS OF THE STAFF COMPLEMENT MUST BE DONE
PuRSUANT     TO     CIVIL     SERVICE     RULES     AND     REGULATloNS.     THE
SECRETARY      OF      THE      DOH      SHALL      SUBMIT      THE      PROPOSED


ORGANIZATIONAL  AND  STAFFING   MODIFICATION  TO  THE   DEPARTIVIENT
OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT (DBM)  FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL.
"ALL  DOH  EMPLOYEES AND STAFF INVOLVED  IN  TB ELIMINATION
PROGRAM  SHALL  PARTICIPATE  IN  CAPACITY  BUILDING  PROGRAMS  AND
ACTIVITIES TO BOOST COMPETENCE AND SKILL PROFICIENCY."
SECTION 17. A new section denominated as Section 25 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.  25.  IvloBILIZATION.  -THE  DOH,  lN  COORDINATION  WITH
THE   LGUS  AND  OTHER  RELEVANT  GOVERNMENT  AGENCIES,   PRIVATE
SECTOR,  CSOS  AND  TB  PATIENTS'  GROUPS,  SHALL  SPEARHEAD  THE
MOBILIZATION  OF  KEY AFFECTED  POPULATION  FOR PUBLIC  AWARENESS
CAMPAIGNS    AND    STIGMA     REDUC"ON    ACTIVITIES.    TB    PATIENTS'
GROUPS  SHALL  BE  INVOLVED  IN  THE  PLANNING  AND  IMPLEMENTATloN
OF THE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT AFFECT THEM."
SECTION 18. A new section denominated as Section 26 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC  26.  ALTERNA"VE  F.NANCING  SCHEMES.  -  THE  DOH  IS
HEREBY MANDATED  TO  EXPLORE  ALTERNATIVE  FINANCING  SCHEIVIES,  lN
CONSULTATION  WITH  THE   DEPARTMENT  OF  FINANCE  (DOF),  AND  TO
ENTER   INTO   CONTRACTS   WITH   ANY   PRIVATE   HOSPITAL   OR   HEALTH
FACILITY  UNDER  THE  PUBLIC-PRIVATE  PARTNERSHIP  (PPP)  APPROACH
TO  STRENGTHEN  AND  EXPAND  THE  PROVISION  OF  TB  E»AGNOSIS  AND
TREATMENT SERVICES NATIONWIDE."
SECTION 19. A new section denominated as Section 27 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.    27.    TAX    EXEMPTION.    -    ALL    GRANTS,    BEQUESTS,
ENDOWMENTS,  DONATIONS AND CONTR[BUT[ONS MADE TO THE  DOH TO
BE  USED  ACTUALLY,   DIRECTLY,  AND  EXCLUSIVELY  BY  THE   DOH  FOR
THE    PRllvIARY    PURPOSE    OF    CONTRIBUTING    T0    TB    ERADICATION
ACTIVITIES   SHALL   BE   EXEMPT   FROM   DONOR'S   TAX   AND   THE   SAME
SHALL  BE  CONSIDERED  AS  ALLOWABLE  DEDUCTloN  FROM  THE  GROSS
INCOME  OF  THE  DONOR  FOR  PURPOSES  OF  COMPUTING  THE  TAXABLE
INCOME  OF THE  DONOR IN ACCORDANCE VVITH THE  PROVISIous  OF THE
NATloNAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 0F 1997, AS AWIENDED."
SECTION 20. A new section denominated as Section 28 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.    28.    OTHER   SOURCES   OF   FUNDS.   -   THE   NATloNAL
GOVERNMENT SHALL PRIORITIZE THE OUTSOURCING OF FUNDS  FOR THIS


ACT     THROUGH     NEGOTIATION     AND     UTILIZATloN     OF     LONG-TERM
CONCESSIONAL  OFFICIAL   DEVELOPMENT  ASSISTANCE   (ODA),   OTHER
SOURCES  OF  FUNDS  SuCH  AS  GRANTS,  DONATIONS,  COLLECTIONS  AND
O"ER  FORMS OF ASSISTANCE  FROM  LOCAL AND  FOREIGN  DONORS  OR
OTHER  PUBLIC  0R  PRIVATE  ENTITIES.  OTllER  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   "EREOF   SHALL   BE   SUBJECT   TO   EXISTING
GOVERNMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS."
SECTION 21. A new section denominated as Section 29 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.  29.  JOINT  CONGRESSIONAL  OVERSIGHT  COMMITTEE  ON
THE ELIMINATION OF TB (JCOC-ETB). -THERE IS HEREBY CREATED A
JCOC-ETB   Wl+lcH   SIIALL   CONDUCT   A   REGULAR   REVIEW   OF   THE
llvIPLEMENTATION  0F  THIS  ACT.  THE  JCOC-ETB  SHALL  CONDUCT  A
SYSTEMATIC     EVALUA"ON    OF    THE     PERFORMANCE,     lMPACT,     AND
ACCOMPuSHMENTS   0F   "E   COMPREHENSIVE   PHILIPPINE    PLAN   OF
ACTION   T0   ELIMINATE  TUBERCULOSIS   AND  "E   VARIOUS   AGENCIES
INVOLVED   IN   "E   TB   ELIMINATION   PROGRAM,   PARTICULARLY   VVITH
RESPECT TO THEIR OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS.
"THE  JOINT  CONGRESSIONAL  OVERSIGHT  COMMITTEE  SHALL  BE
CoMposED  oF  FivE  (5)  MEMBERs  FROM  THE  SENATE  AND  FrvE  (5)
MEMBERs  FROM  THE  HOusE  OF  REPRESENTATivEs  ro  BE  AppOINTED
BY  "E  SENATE   PRESIDENT  AND  THE   SPEAKER  OF  "E   HOUSE  OF
REPRESENTATIVES,     RESPECTIVELY.     THE     JOINT     CONGRESSIONAL
OVERSIGHT     COMMITTEE     SHALL     BE     JOINTLY     CHAIRED     BY     THE
CHAIRPERSONS     OF    THE     SENATE     COMMITTEE     ON     HEALTH     AND
DEMOGRAPHY AND "E  HOUSE 0F  REPRESENTATIVES'  COMMITTEE ON
HEALTH."
SECTloN 22. Section 14 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 30.
SECTION 23. Section  15 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 31  and
amended to read as follows:
"SEC.  [15]  31.  Appriqprfefrons.  -The  amount  necessary  to
[implernent]  CARRy out  the  provisions  of this  Act  shall  be  charged
against the  CURRENT yEAR  appropriations  of the  [DOH,  the  DepEd,
the   CHED   and   the   Pl^   under  the   General   Appropriations   ^ct]
CONCERNED      GOVEFINMENT      AGENCIES.       IN      ADDITTON      TO,      AND
CONSISTENT      WITH      THE      COUNTRY'S      COMMITMENT      TO      ENSURE


SuFFICIENT  AND  SUSTAINABLE   FINANCIAL  SUPPORT  TO   END   THE   TB
EPIDEMIC,    PARTICULARLY    ON    THE    DEVELOPMENT    OF    A    NATIONAL
STRATEGIC  PROGRAIVI  TO  LOCATE  AND  TREAT  OVER  TWO  (2)  MILLION
FILIPINOS INFLICTED VVITH TB IN THE  NEXT  FIVE  (5) YEARS,  AN AMOUNT
TO  BE  DETERMINED  BY  THE   DOH,  lN  CONSULTATION  WITH  THE   DOE
AND THE  DBM,  SHALL BE  INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION  OF
THE   DOH:   PROVIDED,  THAT  THE  PROGRAM  SHALL  NOT  EXCEED  ONE
PERCENT (1%) OF THE PROGRAM COST."
SECTloN 24. A new section denominated as Section 32 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.   32.   SUNSET  PROVISION.  -  TWO  (2)  YEARS  AFTER  THE
EFFECTIVITY  0F  THIS  ACT,   CONGRESS,   "ROuGH  THE   JCOC-ETB,
SHALL      CONDUCT      A       "SUNSET      REVIEW"      OF      THE      MANDATED
APPROPRIATIONS  WHICH  SHALL  ENTAIL  A  SYSTEMATIC  EVALUATION  OF
SUCH      APPROPRIATION     TO      DETERMINE      Wl+ETHER     OR      NOT     ITS
PERFORMANCE,   lMPACT,   AND   ACCOMPLISHMENTS   WITH   RESPECT   TO
THE TB ELIMINATION GOAL MERITS CONTINUED EXISTENCE."
SECTION 25. A new section denominated as Section 33 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.    33.    PENALTIES.   -   THE    PROFESSIONAL    REGULATION
COIVIMISSI0N   (PRC)   SHALL   HAVE   THE   AUTHORITY   TO   SUSPEND   THE
LICENSE    TO   PRACTICE   OF   ANY   IWEDICAL   PROFESSIONAL   FOR   ANY
VIOLATI0N OF THIS ACT.
"THE   CSC   SHALL   HAVE   THE   AUTHORITY   TO   SUSPEND   FROIVI
PUBLIC OFFICE  A  CIVIL  SERVANT WHO  IS  FOUND  TO  BE  IN  VIOLATION  OF
THIS ACT.
``lF THE OFFENSE IS COMMITTED  BY A  PUBLIC OR  PRIVATE  HEALTH
FACILITY,  lNSITTUTloN,  AGENCY,  CORPORATION  0R  OTHER  JURIDICAL
ENTITY    DULY   ORGANIZED    IN    ACCORDANCE    WITH    LAW,    THE    CHIEF
EXECUTIVE  OFFICER,  PRESIDENT,  GENERAL  MANAGER OR  SuCH  OTHER
OFFICER   IN   CHARGE   SHALL   BE   LIABLE.   IN   ADDITION,   THE   BuSINESS
PERMIT   AND   LICENSE   TO   OPERATE   0F   THE   CONCERNED   FACILITY,
INSTITUTION,   AGENCY,    CORPORATION    OR    LEGAL   ENTITY   SHALL   BE
SuSPENDED ACCORDINGLY."
SECTION 26. A new section denominated as Section 34 of the same Act is added to
read as follows:
"SEC.      34.     TRANSITORY     PROVISION.     -     THE     PENALTIES
CONTEIVIPLATED  IN  SECTloN  33  0F  THIS  ACT  SHALL  BE  IMPLEMENTED
ONLY  AFTER  EFFICIENT  AND  MASSIVE  TRAINING  AND  ORIENTATION  FOR


PHYSICIANS  AND  ALLIED  HEAL"  PROFESSIONALS  AND  A  FRAMEVI/ORK
AND  SYSTEM  SUPPORT  FOR  THE  IMPLEMENTATION  AND  MONITORING  OF
"E  REQUIREMENTS 0F SECTloN  11  0N THE  REGULATION 0N SALE AND
USE  OF  TB  DRUGS  AND  SECTION  12  0N  TB  CASES  NOTIFICATION  OF
REPUBLIC  ACT  NO.  10767  HAS  BEEN  ESTABLISHED:  PROVIDED,  THAT
SUCH  PERIOD OF IMPLEMENTATION SHALL  BE  COMPLETED  BY THE  YEAR
2025.„
SECTION  27.  Section   16  of  Republic  Act  No.   10767  is  hereby  renumbered  as
Section 35 and amended to read as follows:
``SEC;. 35.  Implementing Rules and Regulations. -The DOH, -in
consultation   with   the   DepEd,   the   CHED,   the   PIA,   the   LGUs,
nongovemment   organizations,    CSOS,    BROADCAST   MEDIA,   PRINT
iviEDiA   and   other   concerned   entities   shall   issue   the   rules   and
regulations  [implementjng]  To  IMPLENENT  the  provisions  of  this  Act
within ninety (90) days from its effectivfty."
SECTION  28.  Sections  17,  18,  and  19  of the  same Act are  hereby  renumbered  as
36, 37, and 38 respectively.
SECTloN  29.  Effecfivfty.  -This  Act  shall  take  effect  fifteen  (15)  days  after  its
publication in the Oifei.a/ Gazeffe or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,