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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Third Regular Session 
1 
S E N A T E  
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s. B. No. 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
Autism is a state of mental health that severely hinders the way information is 
gathered and processed by the brain, causing problems in communication, learning and 
social behavior of the person. It typically appears during the child's first three years, in 
roughly 15 to 20 of every 10,000 births and is four times more common in males than 
females. Autism has been found throughout the world in families of all racial, ethnic and 
social backgrounds. The symptoms of autism generally appear during the first three 
years of childhood and continue throughout life, often taking devastating emotional and 
financial tolls on the family of the autistic child. 
There are three (3) distinctive behaviors that characterize autism. Autistic 
children have difficulties with social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal 
communication, and repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These 
behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling. Parents are usually the first to 
notice symptoms of autism in their child. As early as infancy, a baby with autism may 
be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item to the exclusion of others for 
long periods of time. 
Although no specific cause of autism is known, current researches link autism to 
biological or neurological differences in the brain. In some families there appears to be a 
pattern of autism or related disabilities which suggest genetic basis to the disorder, 
although at this time no one gene has been directly linked to autism. Children with 
autism may fail to respond to their name and often avoid eye contact with other people. 
They have difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling because they can't 
understand social cues, such as tone of voice or facial expressions, and don't watch 
other people's faces for clues about appropriate behavior. 
Best estimates indicate that 1 out of every 500 children born in the country are 
diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Other experts estimate that 3 to 6 children 
out of every 1,000 will have autism. In the US., as many as 1.5 million Americans - 
children and adults - are estimated to have autism today. In the Philippines, it is 
estimated that 1 out of every 500 Filipinos are autistic or approximately 176,000 
Filipinos of the 88 million total population. For reasons that are still unclear, about 20 to 
30 percent of children with autism develop epilepsy by the time they reach adulthood. 
Recent studies further strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition 
to autism. In families with one autistic child, the risk of having a second child with the 
disorder is approximately 5 percent, or one in 20. 


Autism is a developmental disability that has yet to be fully known and 
understood in the Philippines. And because of the lack of educational and financial 
support, it is only the upper and middle class families who can afford to send their 
autistic children to special schools. Undeniably, addressing the needs of more than 
176,000 autistic individuals in our country would require a comprehensive legislative 
framework and integrated operational plan for autism. Currently, there is no national 
data tracking system that caters to the state of autism in the country. A registry for 
autism is needed to improve current knowledge and understanding of autism, to 
conduct thorough and complete epidemiologic surveys of the issue to enable analysis of 
this problem and to plan for and provide services to children with autism and their 
families. 
Furthermore, there is also a phenomenon of lack of trained and highly skilled 
teachers and health providers who are well trained to handle and cater to the special 
needs of children and adults with autism. These considerations reflect the urgent need 
to conduct a comprehensive training program for the health providers all over the 
country in order to help persons with autism to become productive members of our 
society. 
This proposed measure seeks to increase public awareness about this mental 
state of being and provide enhanced government support for autism research and 
treatment. By creating a national education program for health providers about autism, it 
is hoped that this proposed measure will help more people recognize the symptoms of 
autism. This will lead to early identification and intervention, which is critical for children 
with autism. It is hoped that this measure will serve as an important foundation for our 
Nation's efforts to find a holistic intervention for autism. 
This bill has sketched the roadmap for our government's program on autism. As 
such, the passage of this significant piece of legislation reflects the commitment of the 
State to support the cause to prevent and address the needs of our population with 
autism. By passing this landmark piece of legislation, our government recognizes the 
daily plight of thousands of families struggling every day with autism, and has once and 
for all acknowledged autism as a health issue in the country. The impact of having a 
developmental disability is immense for the Filipino families affected. It is important that 
we treat autism as a condition of urgent public health concern and begin intervention as 
early as possible in order to enable all children to reach their full potential. 
The well-being of our children is of paramount importance that is why we need to 
open our eyes to the realities of the problems faced by persons with autism. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
L %TOn M. LAPlD 
Senator 
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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Third Regular Session 
1 
S. B. Nu- 
Introduced by Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE P R O ~ A M  ON 
AUTISM 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 
Autism Intervention Act of 2007”. 
SEC. 2. 
Declaration 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 autism 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 
autistic persons 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 children and adult persons with autism and their 
families. 
In this light, the State shall institutionalize a holistic program for persons with 
autism in the country that will be sensitive to the needs of persons with autism for 
purposes of empowering and providing them quality 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: 


Autism - is a state of mental health that severely hinders the way information is 
gathered and processed by the brain, causing problems in communication, learning and 
social behavior. 
SEC. 4. 
Epidemiological Surveillance Programs. - The National Institute 
of Health (NIH) is hereby mandated to conduct an annual epidemiological survey 
program to determine the extent and total incidence and prevalence of persons with 
autism in the country in order for the government to provide the necessary and 
appropriate interventions to address the needs faced by persons with autism. 
The NIH is mandated to coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) in the 
conduct of epidemiological research on the issues concerning autism. The NIH is 
mandated to strengthen its research focus concerning autism, including a renewed 
investment in basic and clinical research, expanded research in the link between 
environmental factors and autism, and continued investigations in the causation, 
diagnosis, early detection and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Such factors that 
will be studied shall include, among others, infection and immune function, hormones 
and reproductive factors, genetic factors, gastro-intestinal factors, and socio- 
demographic factors. 
SEC. 5. 
Prevention of Conflict of Interest in the Research Process. - 
Within six (6) months 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, whatsoever, between the research agenda of the researchers and 
the drug manufacturers or government agencies promoting the widespread usage of a 
particular medicine for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with autism. 
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. Creation of an Infer-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee. - 
There is hereby established and institutionalized an Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating 
Committee (IACC) which shall serve as an inter-agency and multi-sectoral mechanism 
tasked to promote the implementation of the National Autism Program of the 
government. 
endeavor to: 
The objectives of the Inter-agency Autism Coordinating Committee shall 
a) 
to promote public awareness, education and information on issues 
concerning autism; 


b) 
to establish sustainable networks of support group for families of autistic 
children and adults; 
c) 
to provide referral services to patients with autism and identify the 
appropriate educational and medical expertise and facilities suited to the needs of the 
autistic person ; 
d) 
to combat the spectrum of disorders related to autism through screening, 
education, early intervention, prompt referrals for treatment and services; 
e) 
to undertake research andlor collaborate with other entities on research 
f) 
activities regarding autism in the Philippines; 
to coordinate with schools in formulating individualized programs for 
to receive donations and grants from international donor institutions, 
foundations, and multilateral and bilateral foreign donor agencies involved in the 
prevention, cure and rehabilitation of persons with autism; 
autistic school children and young students; 
g) 
h) 
to promote the advocacy against theoretical and psychological bias and 
stereo-typing 
against 
persons with 
autism, 
eliminating 
discrimination 
and 
misconceptions, with the end in view of opening the doors of productive economic 
opportunities to them; 
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 persons with autism; 
i) 
1) 
to network with other organizations, institutions and professionals working 
for the promotion of legislation and public programs for persons with autism; and 
k) 
to assist in the creation of appropriate programs for persons with autism. 
The long-term goal of the Inter-agency Autism Coordinating Committee is to set 
up a nationwide network of centers for autism in key cities and regional centers in the 
country. 
SEC. 7. 
Composition of 
the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating 
Committee (IACC). - The Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee shall be 
headed by the Secretary of Department of Health (DOH), acting as the Chairperson. 
The IACC shall be composed of the following members: 
The Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 
The Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd); 
The Chairperson of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC); 
The Head of the National Institute of Health (NIH); 
a) 
(DSWD); 
b) 
c) 
d) 


e) 
f )  
One (1) representative from the duly accredited drug and vaccine 
g) 
One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of caregivers 
in the Philippines; 
h) 
One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of nurses in 
the Philippines; 
i) 
One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of medical 
j) 
One (1) representative from the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) 
involved in the advocacy for the prevention, cure and rehabilitation of persons with 
autism. 
The Head of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA); 
manufacturers and distributors; 
doctors in the Philippines; and 
The five (5) members of the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee 
coming from the representatives of the drug and vaccine manufacturers and 
distributors; caregivers; nurses; medical doctors and non-governmental organizations 
shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, from a list of three (3) nominees 
from each sector, who shall serve for a term of three (3) years, and renewable for 
another term: Provided, That the person appointed shall be of good moral character, of 
unquestionable integrity, and with expertise and experience of a least six (6) years in 
field of autism, mental health and other related fields: Provided, furfher, That in the 
event of a vacancy, the successor appointed to fill the same shall serve only the 
unexpired portion of the term of the member helshe succeeds to. 
The members of the IACC from the government agencies and institutions may 
designate their permanent representatives who shall have a rank not lower than an 
assistant secretary or its equivalent to attend meetings. 
All members of the IACC shall receive emoluments as may be determined by the 
Committee, in accordance with existing budget and accounting rules and regulations. 
SEC. 8. 
Meetings. - The IACC shall meet at least once a month upon a 
three-day notice signed by the two (2) Chairpersons or as often as necessary upon the 
written request signed by two-thirds (2/3) 
of its members. 
The presence of a majority of the members of the IACC shall constitute a quorum 
in order for it to conduct its business. 
SEC. 9. 
Programs 
and 
Services of 
the 
Inter-Agency Autism 
Coordinating Commitfee (IACC). - The programs and services that will be provided by 


the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee shall include, among others, the 
following: 
a) 
Orientation and Counseling Services for families of newly diagnosed 
children with autism; 
b) 
Establishment of Family Support Networks and Sibling Program for 
families of persons with autism; 
c) 
Establishment of National and Regional Referral Services wherein the 
IACC will update a list of professionals and child care institutions concerned with the 
care and development of persons with autism; 
Publication of reading materials, manuals and easily readable instruction 
materials for early detection, prevention, rehabilitation and care of autism; 
The conduct of continuing education, information and training programs 
and lectures on the proper handling of persons with autism; 
The establishment of a databank and information and monitoring system 
(IMS) on the demographic, socio-economic and incidence and prevalence of persons 
with autism in the country; 
g) 
The publication of a newsletter on current developments, resources and 
research on autism; and 
h) 
The conduct of continuing educationhraining of families, teachers, 
therapists and caregivers of persons with autism through seminars, conventions and 
other forms of tri-media educational tools. 
d) 
e) 
f) 
SEC. I O .  
Early Identification and Intervention for Children with Autism. 
- The Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) is hereby mandated to 
establish a program for early identification, screening and detection of autism and 
provide the appropriate services to children and toddlers with developmental delays 
associated with the mental state of being autistic. 
The IACC is tasked to monitor and update the list of children with autism in the 
country in its central registry so that they may be referred in the future programs of the 
government. 
SEC. 11. 
Autism Early Detection and Screening Fees. - The Philippine 
Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) shall include the cost of early detection and 
screening programs 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 children who should receive more 
intensive diagnosis or assessment in order to improve their health and well-being. 


SEC. 12. 
Creation of a National Website for Persons with Autism. - The 
IACC is hereby mandated to establish a national website on the National Program for 
Autism in the Philippines. The website shall highlight the various programs, 
interventions, services and advocacy channels being provided by the government on 
the issue concerning autism so that parents and relatives of persons with autism can 
avail of the information and services being 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 on 
the issues concerning autism. 
The website shall also include information of the various DOH accredited health 
service providers who can provide therapy and treatment to persons with autism in the 
country. 
The website is envisioned to be an avenue where people can express their views 
regarding autism and network in order to address the various needs and concerns of 
persons with autism for the benefit of their parents and relatives. 
It will also be an avenue to clear misconceptions and incorrect information on the 
mental state of a person with autism. 
SEC. 13. 
Continuing Education and Training of Health Personnel and 
Service Providers on Aufism. - All DOH, DSWD and CWC officers and staff in- 
charged with providing various developmental and welfare services to persons with 
autism are mandated to undergo a mandatory continuing education and training 
program to sensitize and empower the service providers to become effective frontliners 
in the delivery of health service delivery to persons with autism, who are the 
beneficiaries of this Act. 
SEC. 14. 
Protection Against Forcible Use of Cures and Vaccines. - The 
DOH shall formulate the necessary guidelines, standards and procedures against the 
forcible use of cures, vaccines and therapies to persons with autism in order to protect 
their rights to informed consent and its right to self-determination. 
The DOH shall promulgate guidelines and standards to ensure that the 
interventions and programs being provided by the government for persons with autism 
do not violate their basic Constitutional and human rights towards self-determination 
and self-development. 
SEC. 15. 
Protection Against Discrimination in Schools. - 
The 
Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the Department of Health 
(DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Council for the 


Welfare of Children (CWC) and the National Institute for Health (NIH), shall formulate 
the necessary implementing rules and regulations to ensure that all educational 
institutions all over the country shall not provide policies and regulations that are 
discriminatory to school children and young students who are autistic. 
Towards this end, the DepEd shall conduct an annual education, information and 
training program for school administrators, faculty and staff in order for our educators to 
be empowered and effectively handle school children and young students with autism. 
SEC. 16. 
Non-Discrimnafion of Autistic Adults. - Within six (6) months 
from the date of effectivity of this Act, the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee 
(IACC) shall formulate the necessary guidelines, standards and regulations in order to 
ensure that adults with autism are not discriminated in the various facets of life by virtue 
of their mental health. 
The IACC shall ensure the timely publication and dissemination of information of 
these guidelines and regulations in order to ensure that the various stakeholders all 
over the country in the early detection, prevention, rehabilitation and care of persons 
with autism are adequately informed. 
SEC. 17. 
Confidentiality of Medical Information for Persons with Autism. 
- To ensure that the early detection, screening tests, vaccination, medical t;eatment 
and rehabilitation of autistic persons are 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 of the medical records of persons with autism in 
order to protect the unwarranted intrusion into the privacy of the person, particularly in 
relation to the medical condition of the patient. 
SEC. 18. 
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), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), 
National Institute of Health (NIH) and Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC). 
SEC. 19. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within six (6) 
months from the date of effectivity of this Act, the DOH, in coordination with the DWSD, 
CWC, NIH and PIA, shall promulgate necessary implementing rules and regulations to 
implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 20. 
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. 21. 
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. 22. 
Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
from the date of its complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved,