NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 1295
,i?rnaie
of t!)? acrtctiir^
*22 SEP-7 P3 31
RECEIVED
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR THE ELIMINATION OF 
TUBERCULOSIS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10767 
OR THE "COMPREHENSIVE TUBERCULOSIS ELIMINATION PLAN ACT"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution provides that, "The State shall 
protect and promote the right of the people and instill health consciousness among 
them."
In pursuance of this constitutional mandate. Republic Act No. 10767, 
otherwise known as the "Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Plan Act" was 
signed into law on April 26, 2016 "to support and expand efforts to eliminate 
tuberculosis as a public health problem by increasing investments for its prevention, 
treatment and control, and adopting a multisectoral approach in responding to the 
disease."
However, despite the approval of this law and the continued efforts of 
concerned government agencies. Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a public health 
concern of the country and the increasing cases of TB and untreated patientspersist.


The Department of Health (DOH) quoted the World Health Organization 
(WHO) global TB report which stated that "in 2020, the Philippines has the highest 
TB incidence rate in Asia, with 554 cases for every 100,000 Filipinos." The DOH, in 
its press release dated March 19, 2021, mentioned that, "over 100,000 Filipinos may 
die of tuberculosis (TB) in the next five years or 20,000 TB deaths per year if TB 
services continue to be disrupted because of mobility restrictions brought about by 
COVID-19". This is in view of the fact that, "since March 2020, a disruption in 
regular TB services from consultation, testing, to treatment due to limited mobility 
have resulted in a drastic drop in the number of TB cases notified in the country. By 
the end of 2020, approximately 286,816 new and relapse TB cases were notified to 
DOH, a 35% decrease from 2019 data. Case notification is an important activity of 
the TB Program for finding and treating identified TB patients promptly, will help 
reduce the spread of TB and set the course for its elimination."1
This measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10767 to strengthen the 
national program for the elimination of TB. It makes the disease a notifiable one in 
all levels of the healthcare system which will be helpful in the TB Registry and 
Monitoring System that is established under the bill. To ensure the effective 
treatment of the patients, the measure also expands the TB Package given by the 
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhllHealth).
Moreover, the bill proposes to enjoin other concerned government agencies in 
the education and information campaign about TB. In the same line. It fosters the 
convergence of TB services to be participated by local government units (LGUs), 
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills 
Development Authority (TESDA), Civil Service Commission (CSC), and the 
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). These are also aligned 
with the provisions for the enhancement of the service delivery network of the DOH. 
To complete the multi-sector approach of the system, the bill provides for greater 
participation of the private sector.
1DOH, PARTNERS AIM TO GET TB CARE BACK ON TRACK I Department of Health website
2


This measure was approved on Third Reading by the House of 
Representatives in the 18th Congress.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly
sought.
/
JINQGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 12.9.t^
vOff'iP of t!ji» 
;f-'C'tr.i’p
‘22 SEP-7 P3 31
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR THE ELIMINATION OF 
TUBERCULOSIS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10767 
OR THE "COMPREHENSIVE TUBERCULOSIS ELIMINATION PLAN ACT"
Be it enacted by the Senate and 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. Education Programs. - The [Secrctary-of 
Health] CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMISSION ON 
HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED), in coordination with the 
[€emmlssion-en"Hi§her- Education- (CHED)] SECRETARY OF 
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH)f shall encourage 
the faculty of schools of medicine, nursing or medical 
technology and allied health institutions, to intensify 
information and education programs, including the 
development of curricula, to significantly increase the 
opportunities for students and for practicing providers to 
learn the principles and practices of preventing, detecting, 
managing, and controlling tuberculosis."
Sec. 2. Section 9 of the same Act Is hereby amended to read as follows:


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"Sec. 9. Inclusion in Basic Education. - The Secretary
2 
Of [Health] THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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(DEPED), in coordination with the Secretary of the
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[Department of Education- (DepED)] DOH, shall [wofk
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far]ENSURE the Inclusion of modules on the principles and
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practices of preventing, detecting, managing and controlling
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tuberculosis in the [health-curriculum of-every public and
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private elementary and high school] BASIC EDUCATION
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CURRICULUM."
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Sec. 3. Section 10 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"Sec. 10. Media Campaign. - The [Secretary of
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Health] DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE
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INFORMATION AGENCY (PIA), in coordination with the
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[Philippine Information-Agency (PIA)] SECRETARY OF THE
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DOH, shall encourage local media outlets to launch a
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MASSIVE, NATIONWIDE, CONSISTENT AND
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SUSTAINED media campaign on tuberculosis control,
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treatment and management, using all forms of multimedia
19 
and other electronic means of communication.
20 
"xxx."
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Sec. 4. A new section denominated as Section 12-A of the same Act Is added
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to read as follows:
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"SEC. 12-A. TB NOTIFICATION COMMITTEE. -
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ADULT AND CHILDHOOD TB SHALL BE CONSIDERED
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AS A NOTIFIABLE DISEASE IN ALL LEVELS OF THE
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HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. ANY HOSPITAL OR CLINIC
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WHICH DIAGNOSES A PATIENT WITH TB SHALL
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REPORT THE SAME TO THE DOH. THE DOH SHALL
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PROVIDE THE FORM AND MANNER FOR THE
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REPORTING OF TB CASES.
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"TO 
ENSURE 
COMPLIANCE 
THAT THE
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MANDATORY NOTIFICATION POLICY OF TB CASES IS


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OBSERVED AND ENFORCED, A TB NOTIFICATION
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COMMITTEE SHALL BE ORGANIZED IN ALL PUBLIC
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AND PRIVATE HEALTH CENTERS, HOSPITALS AND
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FACILITIES. IT SHALL BE COMPOSED OF MEMBERS
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AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE
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DOH.
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"ALL TB NOTIFICATION COMMITTEES SHALL
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SUBMIT REGULAR TB NOTIFICATION COMPLIANCE
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REPORTS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE DOH REGIONAL
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COORDINATING COMMITTEES, WHICH SHALL MAKE
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A CONSOLIDATED TB NOTIFICATION COMPLIANCE
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REPORTS TO THE DOH NATIONAL COORDINATING
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COMMITTEE."
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Sec. 5. Section 13 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as foiiows:
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"Sec. 13. PhilHealth TB Package. - The Philippine
16 
Health Insurance Corporation, otherwise known as the
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PhilHealth, shall, as far as practicable, expand its benefit
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package for TB patients to include new, relapse and return-
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after-default cases, and [extension—ef—treatment]
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MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS (MDR-TB),
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AND EXTENSIVELY DRUG-RESISTANT TB (XDR-TB),
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FOR BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN. THE
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DEVELOPMENT OR EXPANSION OF ANY PHILHEALTH
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BENEFIT SHALL UNDERGO A PROPER, TRANSPARENT
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AND STANDARDIZED PRIORITIZATION SETTING
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PROCESS, SUCH AS HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
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ASSESSMENT AND ACTUARIAL FEASIBILITY STUDY
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TO AVOID INEQUITABLE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS
29 
FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES."
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"XXX."
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Sec. 6. A new section denominated as Section 14 of the same Act is added to
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read as follows:


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''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 IMPACT OF THE DISEASE AND SHALL SERVE AS 
A REGULAR FEEDBACK OR NOTIFICATION SYSTEM 
TO REFERRING HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. THE TB 
REGISTRY SHALL FORM PART OF THE ELECTRONIC 
MEDICAL RECORDS REQUIREMENT OF THE DOH IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATIONAL 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 OF TB PATIENTS, TB TYPE, 
TREATMENT RECEIVED AND THE RESULTS, AND 
OTHER DATA THAT THE DOH MAY PRESCRIBE, THE 
REGIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEES SHALL 
ENSURE THAT ALL FACILITIES WITHIN THEIR 
RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS HAVE A TB REGISTRY. 
ALL INFORMATION IN THE TB REGISTRY SHALL


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TREATED WITH UTMOST CONFIDENTIALITY AND
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SHALL NOT BE RELEASED TO THIRD PARTIES, IN
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ACCORDANCE WITH THE DATA PRIVACY ACT.
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COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENT TO
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MAINTAIN A TB REGISTRY AND SUBMISSION SHALL
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BE A REQUIREMENT FOR THE RENEWAL OF A
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LICENSE TO OPERATE A HEATH CENTER, HOSPITAL
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OR HEALTH FACILITY."
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Sec. 7. A new section denominated as Section 15 of the same Act is added to
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read as follows:
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"SEC. 15. PATIENTS' RIGHTS AND
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RESPONSIBILITIES. -
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"A) A PERSON WITH TB SHALL HAVE THE
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FOLLOWING RIGHTS:
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"1) THE RIGHT TO BE TREATED HUMANELY
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AND WITH RESPECT FOR THE INHERENT DIGNITY OF
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THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE DELIVERY OF SERVICES
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WITHOUT STIGMA, PREJUDICE OR
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DISCRIMINATION:
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"2) THE RIGHT TO FREE AND EQUITABLE
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ACCESS TO TB CARE FROM THE TIME OF DIAGNOSIS
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TO COMPLETION OF TREATMENT;
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"3) THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ADVICE
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AND TREATMENT THAT MEETS INTERNATIONAL
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STANDARDS FOR TB CARE, CENTERING ON PATIENT
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NEEDS, INCLUDING THOSE OF PATIENTS WITH XDR-
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TB, MDR-TB OR TB-HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY
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VIRUS (HIV) COINFECTION, AND PREVENTIVE
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TREATMENT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND OTHERS
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CONSIDERED TO BE AT HIGH RISK;
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"4) THE RIGHT TO BENEFIT FROM PROACTIVE
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HEALTH SECTOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH,


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EDUCATION AND PREVENTION CAMPAIGNS AS PART 
OF COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS;
"5) THE RIGHT TO 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 TO THE RESPONSIBILITY OF 
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO NOTIFY TB CASES AS 
PROVIDED FOR UNDER THIS ACT;
"7) THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE AS 
STAKEHOLDERS IN THE DEVELOPMENT, 
IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION 
OF TB POLICIES AND PROGRAMS WITH LOCAL, 
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HEALTH 
AUTHORITIES;
"8) THE RIGHT TO JOB SECURITY AFTER 
DIAGNOSIS OR APPROPRIATE REHABILITATION 
AND UPON COMPLETION OF TREATMENT;
"9) THE RIGHT TO NUTRITIONAL SECURITY OR 
FOOD SUPPLEMENTS NEEDED TO MEET TREATMENT 
REQUIREMENTS;
"10) THE RIGHT TO 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


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THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, 
THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND 
POLITICAL 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 CERTIFICATION FROM THE COMPANY BY A TB- 
DOTS PHYSICIAN.
"B) A PERSON WITH TB SHALL HAVE THE 
FOLLOWING RESPONSIBILITIES:
"1} TO PROVIDE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS 
POSSIBLE TO HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ABOUT 
THEIR PRESENT HEALTH CONDITION, PAST 
ILLNESSES AND OTHER RELEVANT DETAILS;
"2) TO 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 
TREATMENT REGIMEN AND TO CONSCIENTIOUSLY 
COMPLY WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO 
PROTECT THEIR HEALTH AND THOSE OF OTHER 
PERSONS;
"4) TO INFORM HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS OF 
ANY DIFFICULTY OR PROBLEM IN UNDERGOING OR 
COMPLETING THE PRESCRIBED TREATMENT, OR IF 
ANY PART OF THE TREATMENT IS NOT CLEARLY 
UNDERSTOOD;


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"5) TO CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY WELL-
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BEING BY ENCOURAGING THOSE WHO EXHIBIT
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SYMPTOMS OF TB TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE;
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"6) 
TO SHOW CONSIDERATION FOR THE
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RIGHTS OF OTHER PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE
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PROVIDERS, UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS THE
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DIGNIFIED BASIS AND RESPECTFUL FOUNDATION
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OF THE TB COMMUNITY;
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”7) TO SHOW MORAL RESPONSIBILITY AND
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SOLIDARITY WITH OTHER PATIENTS WHO ARE ON
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THE WAY TO RECOVERY AND CURE;
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"8) TO SHARE INFORMATION AND
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KNOWLEDGE GAINED DURING TREATMENT AND TO
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SHARE THIS EXPERTISE WITH OTHERS IN THE
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COMMUNITY, THUS EMPOWERING OTHERS; AND
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"9) 
TO JOIN IN EFFORTS TO PROMOTE
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HEALTHY AND TB-FREE COMMUNiriES."
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Sec. 8. A new section denominated as Section 16 of the same Act is added to
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read as follows:
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"SEC. 16. PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION. -
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THE DOH SHALL ENCOURAGE THE PARTICIPATION
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OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE NATIONAL TB
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ELIMINATION PROGRAM, WHICH SHALL INCLUDE
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PRIVATE CORPORATIONS, CIVIL SOCIETY
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ORGANIZATIONS (CSOS), NON-GOVERNMENT
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ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) AND SUCH OTHER GROUPS
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OR ORGANIZATIONS, BOTH FOREIGN AND LOCAL,
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THAT MAY WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
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IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT.
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"ALL 
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
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ESTABUSHED AND OPERATING UNDER PHILIPPINE
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LAWS, WHETHER DOMESTIC OR FOREIGN, ARE
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ENCOURAGED TO CONTRIBUTE IN THE
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GOVERNMENT'S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO REDUCE
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THE INCIDENCE OF TB IN THE COUNTRY BY
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CONDUCTING TB-PREVENTION OR OTHER PROJECTS
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THAT ENCOURAGE HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND EARLY
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DETECTION OF TB AS PART OF THEIR CORPORATE
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) PROGRAMS. THE
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DOH SHALL GIVE NATIONAL RECOGNITION AND
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REWARDS TO ALL BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS FOR
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OUTSTANDING, INNOVATIVE AND WORLD-CLASS
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CSR-RELATED SERVICES FOR TB ELIMINATION."
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Sec. 9. A new section denominated as Section 17 of the same Act is added to
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read as follows:
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"SEC. 17. CONVERGENCE OF TB SERVICES. -
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EACH LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT (LGU) SHALL HAVE
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A TB STRATEGIC PLAN TO BE INITIATED BY ITS
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LOCAL HEALTH BOARD AND APPROVED BY ITS
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SANGGUNIAN. FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE LOCAL
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HEALTH BOARD AT THE PROVINCIAL, CITY
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MUNICIPAL OR BARANGAY LEVEL SHALL ASSIST THE
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CORRESPONDING SANGGUNIAN IN THE CRAFTING
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OF TB LOCAL ORDINANCE AND BUILDING LOCAL
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OWNERSHIP FOR TB INTERVENTIONS WITHIN ITS
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TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION.
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"THE LGUS, THROUGH THEIR LOCAL SOCIAL
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WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICES, SHALL
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COVER ALL INDIRECT COSTS OF ACCESSING TB
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TREATMENT, INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION, MEALS,
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ACCOMMODATION OR HALFWAY HOUSE, AMONG
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OTHERS. THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE
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AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) MAY HELP DEFRAY


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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 PREVENTION, WHICH SHALL BE 
IMPLEMENTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL 
LAWS AND POLICIES, PREVENTION STRATEGIES 
THROUGH ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND TRAINING. 
MEASURES TO IMPROVE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY 
AND HEALTH CONDITIONS IN THE WORKPLACE 
SHALL BE EMPHASIZED.
"THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION (CSC) 
SHALL REQUIRE ALL GOVERNMENT WORKPLACES TO 
DEVELOP THEIR OWN POLICIES ON TB PREVENTION, 
WHICH SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED IN ACCORDANCE 
WITH NATIONAL LAWS AND POLICIES, PREVENTION 
STRATEGIES THROUGH ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND 
TRAINING. MEASURES TO IMPROVE OCCUPATIONAL 
SAFETY AND HEALTH CONDITIONS IN THE 
WORKPLACE SHALL BE EMPHASIZED.
"THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS 
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) SHALL 
IMPLEMENT A NON-DISCRIMINATORY APPROACH IN 
DEALING WITH CLIENTS SUFFERING FROM TB AND 
SHALL INCORPORATE TB AWARENESS IN THE 
TRAINING PROGRAM OF 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.
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"THE DEPED, CHED, TESDA, DOLE,
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL
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GOVERNMENT (DILG) AND OTHER APPROPRIATE
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GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SHALL DEVELOP A
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COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM OF SUPPORT SERVICES
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FOR TB VICTIMS AND THEIR AFFECTED CHILDREN
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AND FAMILIES."
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Sec. 10. A new section denominated as Section 18 of the same Act is added
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to read as foilows:
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"SEC. 18. SERVICE DELIVERY NETWORK (SDN).
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- THE DOH, THROUGH ITS REGIONAL OFFICES AND
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IN COORDINATION WITH LGUS, SHALL INTEGRATE
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AND STRENGTHEN THE PROVISION OF TB SERVICES
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INTO ESTABLISHED SDNS FOR LOCAL HEALTH
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REFERRAL SYSTEM, WHICH SHALL NOT BE
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RESTRICTED WITHIN THE GEOGRAPHIC OR
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POLITICAL BOUNDARIES OF LGUS. COLLABORATION
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ACROSS LGUS SHALL BE ENCOURAGED.
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"THE SDN SHALL BE A NETWORK OF
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FACILITIES RANGING FROM BARANGAY HEALTH
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STATIONS (BHS), RURAL HEALTH UNITS (RHUS),
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DISTRICT AND/OR CITY HOSPITALS, TO THE
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PROVINCIAL AND/OR DOH-RETAINED HOSPITALS.
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THE DOH AND LGUS MAY ENGAGE PRIVATE HEALTH
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FACILITIES OR PROVIDERS TO FORM PART OF THE
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SDN."
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Sec. 11. A new section denominated as Section 19 of the same Act is added,
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to read as follows:
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"SEC. 19. COMPLETION OF TB TREATMENT AS
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CONDITION FOR RETENTION IN THE CONDITIONAL
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CASH TRANSFER PROGRAM. - BENEFICIARIES OF
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THE CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER PROGRAM OF
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THE GOVERNMENT WHO ARE DIAGNOSED WITH TB,
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INCLUDING DRUG-SUSCEPTIBLE AND DRUG-
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RESISTANT TB SHALL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO
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TB-DOTS AS ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS
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FOR RETENTION IN THE PROGRAM."
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Sec. 12. A new section denominated as Section 20 of the same Act is added
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to read as foliows:
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"SEC. 20. SCREENING FOR HIGH-RISK
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POPULATION. - AS A POLICY, TB SCREENING SHALL
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BE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR HIGH-RISK
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POPULATIONS AND MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
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"A) THOSE THAT ARE IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH
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PERSONS KNOWN OR SUSPECTED TO HAVE TB;
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"B) 
THOSE 
INFECTED WITH HIV AND
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ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS);
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"O 
THOSE 
WHO ARE SMOKERS OF
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CIGARETTES AND USERS OF ILLEGAL DRUGS;
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"D) THOSE WHO INJECT ILLICIT DRUGS OR
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ARE USERS OF OTHER LOCALLY IDENTIFIED HIGH-
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RISK SUBSTANCE;
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”E) THOSE WHO HAVE MEDICAL RISK
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FACTORS, 
SUCH 
AS DIABETES AND OTHER
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COMPARABLE DISEASES KNOWN TO INCREASE THE
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RISK FOR DISEASE WHEN INFECTION OCCURS;
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"F) RESIDENTS AND EMPLOYEES OF HIGH-
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RISK CONGREGATE SETTINGS;
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"G) HEALTHCARE WORKERS WHO SERVE
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HIGH-RISK CLIENTS;
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"H) INFANTS, CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
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EXPOSED TO ADULTS IN HIGH-RISK CATEGORIES;
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AND
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to
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to
to
"I) SUCH OTHER PERSONS AS MAY BE 
IDENTIFIED BY THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH.
'THE ROUTINE TB SCREENING TEST SHALL 
FORM PART OF THE NORMAL STANDARD 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."
Sec. 13. A new section denominated as Section 21 of the same Act is added 
read as follows:
"SEC. 21. INTEGRATION OF 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."
Sec. 14. A new section denominated as Section 22 of the same Act is added 
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 
MANDATED TO SEEK ACCREDITATION FROM 
PHILHEALTH AS TB-DOTS PROVIDER."
Sec. 15. A new section denominated as Section 23 of the same Act is added 
read as follows:
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"SEC. 23. 
CONTACT TRACING AND
2 
PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT. - SCREENING BY
3 
CHEST X-RAY SHALL BE INITIATED AMONG ALL
4 
CONTACTS 
OF 
AN INDEX CASE WITH
5 
BACTERIOLOGICALLY CONFIRMED OR CLINICALLY
6 
DIAGNOSED PULMONARY TB IN ORDER TO OFFER
7 
PREVENTIVE TREATMENT WHEN NECESSARY TO
8 
THOSE WITH LATENT TB INFECTION, FOLLOWING
9 
PRESCRIBED GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS."
10 
Sec. 16. A new section denominated as Section 24 of the same Act is added
11 
to read as follows:
12 
"SEC. 24. PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT. - TO
13 
ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS
14 
ACT, THE DOH SHALL ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE
is 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT, THE DOH SHALL
16 
ENSURE THAT THERE SHALL BE ADEQUATE
17 
COMPETENT AND QUALIFIED STAFF AND ALLIED
18 
PROFESSIONALS WHO SHALL EFFECTIVELY CARRY
19 
OUT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TB ELIMINATION
20 
PROGRAM. THE FORMULATION OF QUALIFICATION
21 
STANDARDS OF THE STAFF COMPLEMENT MUST BE
22 
DONE PURSUANT TO CIVIL SERVICE RULES AND
23 
REGULATIONS. THE SECRETARY OF THE DOH SHALL
24 
SUBMIT THE PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL AND
25 
STAFFING MODIFICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
26 
BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT (DBM) FOR REVIEW
27 
AND APPROVAL.
28 
"ALL DOH EMPLOYEES AND STAFF INVOLVED
29 
IN TB ELIMINATION PROGRAM SHALL PARTICIPATE
30 
IN CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMS AND
31 
ACTIVITIES TO BOOST COMPETENCE AND SKILL
32 
PROFICIENCY."
14


1 
Sec. 17. A new section denominated as Section 25 of the same Act is added
2 
to read as foilows:
3 
"SEC. 25. MOBILIZA TION. - THE DOH, IN
4 
COORDINATION WITH THE LGUS AND OTHER
5 
RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, PRIVATE
6 
SECTOR, CSOS AND TB PATIENTS' GROUPS, SHALL
7 
SPEARHEAD THE MOBIUZATION OF KEY AFFECTED
8 
POPULATION FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS
9 
AND STIGMA REDUCTION ACTIVITIES. TB PATIENTS'
10 
GROUPS SHALL BE INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING
11 
AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICIES AND
12 
PROGRAMS THAT AFFECT THEM."
13 
Sec. 18. A new section denominated as Section 26 of the same Act is added
14 
to read as foliows:
15 
"SEC. 26. AL TERN A TIVE FINANCING SCHEMES.
16 
- THE DOH IS HEREBY MANDATED TO EXPLORE
17 
ALTERNATIVE FINANCING SCHEMES, IN
18 
CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
19 
FINANCE (DOF), AND TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS
20 
WITH ANY PRIVATE HOSPITAL OR HEALTH FACILITY
21 
UNDER THE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP)
22 
APPROACH TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND THE
23 
PROVISION OF TB DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
24 
SERVICES NATIONWIDE."
25 
Sec. 19. A new section denominated as Section 27 of the same Act is added
26 
to read as foiiows:
27 
"SEC. 27. TAX EXEMPTION. - ALL GRANTS,
28 
REQUESTS, ENDOWMENTS, DONATIONS AND
29 
CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO THE DOH TO BE USED
30 
ACTUALLY, DIRECTLY AND EXCLUSIVELY BY THE
31 
DOH FOR THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF
32 
CONTRIBUTING TO TB ERADICATION ACTIVITIES
15


1 
SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM DONOR'S TAX AND THE
2 
SAME SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS ALLOWABLE
3 
DEDUCTION FROM THE GROSS INCOME OF THE
4 
DONOR FOR PURPOSES OF COMPUTING THE
5 
TAXABLE INCOME OF THE DONOR IN ACCORDANCE
6 
WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE NATIONAL
7 
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED."
8 
Sec. 20. A new section denominated as Section 28 of the same Act is added
9 
to read as follows:
10 
"SEC. 28. OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDS - THE
11 
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT SHALL PRIORITIZE THE
12 
OUTSOURCING OF FUNDS FOR THIS ACT THROUGH
13 
NEGOTIATION AND UTILIZATION OF LONG-TERM
14 
CONCESSIONAL OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT
15 
ASSISTANCE (ODA), OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDS
16 
SUCH AS GRANTS, DONATIONS, COLLECTIONS AND
17 
OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE FROM LOCAL AND
18 
FOREIGN DONORS OR OTHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE
19 
ENTITIES. OTHER PRIVATE DOMESTIC AND
20 
INTERNATIONAL SOURCES MAY BE TAPPED AND
21 
FACILITATED BY THE DOH TO SUPPORT THE HEALTH
22 
SERVICES UNDER THIS ACT, SUBJECT TO THE
23 
REGULAR ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING GUIDELINES
24 
AND PROCEDURES: PROVIDED, THAT IN CASE OF
25 
DONATIONS FROM FOREIGN SOURCES, ACCEPTANCE
26 
THEREOF SHALL BE SUBJECT TO EXISTING
27 
GOVERNMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS."
28 
Sec. 21. A new section denominated as Section 29 of the same Act Is added
29 
to read as follows:
30 
"SEC. 29. JOINT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT
31 
COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF TB. (JCOC-
32 
ETB). - THERE IS HEREBY CREATED A JCOC-ETB
16


1 
WHICH SHALL CONDUCT A REGULAR REVIEW OF THE
2 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT. THE JCOC-ETB
3 
SHALL CONDUCT A SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION OF
4 
THE 
PERFORMANCE, 
IMPACT 
AND
5 
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE
6 
PHILIPPINE PLAN OF ACTION TO ELIMINATE
7 
TUBERCULOSIS AND THE VARIOUS AGENCIES
8 
INVOLVED IN THE TB ELIMINATION PROGRAM,
9 
PARTICULARLY WITH RESPECT TO THEIR
10 
OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS.
11 
"THE JOINT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT
12 
COMMITTEE SHALL BE COMPOSED OF FIVE (5)
13 
MEMBERS FROM THE SENATE AND FIVE (5)
14 
MEMBERS FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
15 
TO BE APPOINTED BY THE SENATE PRESIDENT AND
16 
THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
17 
RESPECTIVELY. THE JOINT CONGRESSIONAL
18 
OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE SHALL BE JOINTLY
19 
CHAIRED BY THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE SENATE
20 
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND DEMOGRAPHY AND
21 
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES' COMMITTEE ON
22 
HEALTH."
23 
Sec. 22. Section 14 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 30.
24 
Sec. 23. Section 15 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 31 and
25 
amended to read as follows:
26 
"Sec. [4S] 31. Appropriations. - The amount
27 
necessary to [implement] CARRY OUT the provisions of
28 
this Act shall be charged against the CURRENT YEAR
29 
appropriations of the [DQHj-the DepEd, the CHED and the
30 
PIA under the General Appropr4ations-Aet] CONCERNED
31 
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. IN ADDITION TO, AND
32 
CONSISTENT WITH THE COUNTRY'S COMMITMENT
17


1 
TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE
2 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO END THE TB EPIDEMIC,
3 
PARTICULARLY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A
4 
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PROGRAM TO LOCATE AND
5 
TREAT OVER TWO MILUON (2,000,000) FILIPINOS
6 
INFLICTED WITH TB IN THE NEXT FIVE (5) YEARS,
7 
AN AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED BY THE DOH, IN
8 
CONSULTATION WITH THE DOF AND THE DBM,
9 
SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL
10 
APPROPRIATION OF THE DOH: PROVIDED, THAT THE
11 
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES TO IMPLEMENT THE
12 
PROGRAM SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE PERCENT (1%}
13 
OF THE PROGRAM COST."
14 
Sec. 24. A new section denominated as Section 32 of the same Act is added
15 
to read as foilows:
16 
"SEC. 32. SUNSET PROVISION. - TWO (2)
17 
YEARS AFTER THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ACT,
18 
CONGRESS, THROUGH 
THE JCOC-ETB, SHALL
19 
CONDUCT A 'SUNSET REVIEW' OF THE MANDATED
20 
APPROPRIATIONS WHICH SHALL ENTAIL A
21 
SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION OF SUCH
22 
APPROPRIATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT
23 
ITS 
PERFORMANCE, 
IMPACT 
AND
24 
ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE TB
25 
ELIMINATION GOALS 
MERITS CONTINUED
26 
EXISTENCE."
27 
Sec. 25. A new section denominated as Section 33 of the same Act is added
28 
to read as follows:
29 
"SEC. 33. PENALTIES. - THE PROFESSIONAL
30 
REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC) SHALL HAVE THE
31 
AUTHORITY TO SUSPEND THE UCENSE TO PRACTICE
18


1 
OF ANY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL FOR ANY
2 
VIOLATION OF THIS ACT.
3 
"THE CSC SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO
4 
SUSPEND FROM PUBLIC OFFICE A CIVIL SERVANT
5 
WHO IS FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF THIS ACT.
6 
"IF THE OFFENSE IS COMMITTED BY A PUBLIC
7 
OR PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITY, INSTITUTION,
8 
AGENCY, CORPORATION OR OTHER JURIDICAL
9 
ENTITY DULY ORGANIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
10 
LAW, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRESIDENT,
11 
GENERAL MANAGER OR SUCH OTHER OFFICER IN
12 
CHARGE SHALL BE LIABLE. IN ADDITION, THE
13 
BUSINESS PERMIT AND LICENSE TO OPERATE OF
14 
THE CONCERNED FACILITY, INSTITUTION, AGENCY,
15 
CORPORATION OR LEGAL ENTITY SHALL BE
16 
SUSPENDED ACCORDINGLY."
17 
Sec. 26. A new section denominated as Section 34 of the same Act is added
18 
to read as foliows:
19 
"SEC. 34. TRANSITORY PROVISION. - THE
20 
PENALTIES CONTEMPLATED IN SECTION 33 OF THIS
21 
ACT SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED ONLY AFTER
22 
EFFICIENT AND MASSIVE TRAINING AND
23 
ORIENTATION FOR PHYSICIANS AND ALLIED
24 
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND A FRAMEWORK AND
25 
SYSTEM SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION AND
26 
MONITORING OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION
27 
11 ON THE REGULATION ON SALE AND USE OF TB
28 
DRUGS AND SECTION 12 ON THE TB CASES
29 
NOTIFICATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10767 HAS
30 
BEEN ESTABLISHED; PROVIDED, THAT SUCH PERIOD
31 
OF IMPLEMENTATION SHALL BE COMPLETED BY THE
32 
YEAR 2025."
19


1 
Sec. 27. Section 16 of Republic Act No. 10767 is hereby renumbered as
2 
Section 35 and amended to read as follows:
3 
"Sec. 35. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The
4 
DOH, In consultation with the DepEd, the CHED, the PIA, the
5 
LGUs, nongovernment organizations, CSOSf BROADCAST
6 
MEDIA, PRINT MEDIA and other concerned entities shall
7 
issue rules and regulations [implementing] TO
8 
IMPLEMENT the provisions of this Act within ninety (90)
9 
days from its effectivity."
10 
Sec. 28. Sections 17, 18 and 19 of the same Act are hereby renumbered as
11 
36, 37 and 38, respectively.
12 
Sec. 29. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
13 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise
14 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
15 
Sec. 30. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
16 
executive order, letter of Instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation
17 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,
18 
modified, or amended accordingly.
19 
Sec. 31. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
20 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
20