EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 1748
of tljc Simdarp
20 JUL28 PI :43
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCEd'BONG" T. Gi
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR THE ELIMINATION OF 
TUBERCULOSIS AS A PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10767 OR THE "COMPREHENSIVE 
TUBERCULOSIS ELIMINATION PLAN ACT"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in the Philippines. In 2010, 
TB was the 6th ieading cause of mortality with a rate of 26.3 deaths for every 100,000 
population and accounts for 5.1% of total deaths.1
According to the Worid Health Organization report iast 24 March 2019, about 1 
million Filipinos have active TB disease. This is the third highest prevalence rate In the 
world, after South Africa and Lesotho. It is a highly curable disease. Yet, it is the 
number one killer among all infectious diseases. Every day more than 70 people lose 
their lives to TB in the Philippines needlessly. Many of these patients develop drug 
resistant tuberculosis, which are more expensive and difficult to treat.2
Last 23 April 2019, the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health 
Organization had launched an 'all-out-war" against TB. The DOH has committed to 
find, notify, and treat 2.5 million people with active TB and 1.4 million people with 
latent TB by 2022 and had pledged its fight to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 
of beating tuberculosis by 2030.3
In iight of the current efforts and initiatives, there is a compelling need to 
strengthen the nationai program for the elimination of tuberculosis by amending 
Republic Act No. 10767, otherwise known as the "Comprehensive Tuberculosis 
Elimination Plan Act", to ensure the realization of our country's vision of zero deaths, 
disease, and suffering due to tuberculosis.
^ httn://w\vw.ntn.doh.gov.tih/magnitudeTB.phn
2 httns://wvvwvvho.int/nhilinnines/news/commentaries/detail/it-s-time-to-end-tb-in-the-nhilippines
3 https://www.who.int/philippines/news/detail/23-04-2019-doh-who-cnll-for-nll-out-war-against-tb


As identified in the 2016 National TB Prevalence Survey (NTPS), the "missing 
TB cases" and accessibility issues of the poor were two of the key programmatic 
gaps. According to the survey, under-reporting of TB cases to the National TB 
registry is likely, possibly giving our health department erroneous figures.
So as to achieve solutions for the current gaps in the program, this bill seeks 
to provide a TB registry and monitoring system. To further help TB patients, this 
proposal will also expand PhilHealth's benefit package to include new, relapse and 
return-after-default cases, provide extension of treatment including TB screening, 
MDR TB, XDR TB and TB-DOTS, for both children and adults.
This bill also provides for TB patients' rights and responsibilities and private 
sector participation that will encourage business organizations to contribute in the 
continuing efforts to reduce the incidence of TB in the country.
Moreover, the DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DOLE, DILG and other appropriate 
government agencies shall develop a comprehensive program of support services for 
TB victims and their affected children and families. Provisions for personnel 
complement, mobilization, alternative financing schemes, tax exemption and other 
sources of funds are included to realize the country's vision of ending TB epidemic 
by 2030.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly
sought.
SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
<Oltw! of lljf
SENA1
S. B. No. Ir48
20 JUL28 PI :43
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWReI^IcE "BONG"
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR THE ELIMINATION OF 
TUBERCULOSIS AS A PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM, 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:
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SECTION 1. Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10767 is hereby amended, to read
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as follows:
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"SEC. 8 Education Programs, - The [Secretary of Health] CHAIRPERSON 
OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED), in coordination with 
the [Commission on Higher Education (CHED)] SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT 
OF HEALTH (DOH), 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:
"SEC. 9. Inclusion in Basic Education, - The Secretary of [Health] THE 
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DepEd), In coordination with the Secretary of thet 
Department of Education (DepEd)] DOH, shall [work for] ENSURE the inclusion of 
modules on the principles and practices of preventing, detecting, managing and 
controlling tuberculosis (TB) in the [health curriculum of every public and private 
elementary and high school] BASIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM."
SEC. 3. Section 10 of the same Act is hereby amended, to read as follows:
"SEC. 10. Media Campaign- The [Secretary of Health] DIRECTOR -- 
GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY (PIA), in coordination 
with the [Philippine Information Agency (PIA)] SECRETARY OF THE DOH, shall


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with the [Philippine Information Agency (PIA)] SECRETARY OF THE DOH, shall 
encourage local media outlets to launch A MASSIVE, NATIONWIDE, 
CONSISTENT AND SUSTAINED media campaign on tuberculosis control, 
treatment and management, using all forms of multimedia and other electronic 
means of communication."
"xxx."
SEC. 4. A new section denominated as Section 12-A of the same Act is 
added, to read as follows:
"SEC. 12-A. TUBERCULOSIS (TB) NOTIFICATION COMMITTEE. - 
ADULT AND CHILDHOOD TB SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS A NOTIFIABLE 
DISEASE IN ALL LEVELS OF THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. ANY HOSPITAL OR 
CLINIC WHICH DIAGNOSES A PATIENT WITH TB SHALL REPORT THE 
SAME TO THE DOH. THE DOH SHALL PROVIDE THE FORM AND MANNER 
FOR THE REPORTING OF TB CASES.
TO ENSURE THE COMPLIANCE WITH THE MANDATORY 
NOTIFICATION POLICY OF TB CASES IS OBSERVED AND ENFORCED, A TB 
NOTIFICATION COMMITTEE SHALL BE ORGANIZED IN ALL PUBLIC AND 
PRIVATE HEALTH CENTERS, HOSPITALS AND FACILITIES. IT SHALL BE 
COMPOSED OF MEMBERS AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE SECRETARY OF 
THE DOH.
ALL TB NOTIFICATION COMMITTEES SHALL SUBMIT REGULAR TB 
NOTIFICATION COMPLIANCE REPORTS TO THE DOH NATIONAL 
COORDINATING COMMITTEE."
SEC. 5. Section 13 of R.A. No. 10767 is hereby amended, to read as follows:
"SEC .13. PhilHealth TB Package - The Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation, otherwise known as the Philhealth, shall, as far as practicable, expand 
its benefit package for TB patients to include new, relapse and return-after-default 
cases, [and extension of treatment], MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS 
(MDR TB), EXTENSIVELY DRUG RESISTANT TB (XDR TB), FOR BOTH 
ADULTS AND CHILDREN. THE DEVELOPMENT OR EXPANSION OF ANY 
PHILHEALTH BENEFIT SHALL UNDERGO A PROPER, TRANSPARENT AND 
STANDARDIZED PRIORITIZATION SETTING PROCESS, SUCH AS HEALTH 
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND ACTUARIAL FEASIBILITY STUDY TO 
AVOID INEQUITABLE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR HEALTHCARE 
SERVICES."
"xxx."
SEC. 6. A new section denominated as Section 14 of the same Act is added, 
to 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 
NOTIFICATON SYSTEM TO REFERRING HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS. THE TB 
REGISTRY SHALL FORM PART OF THE ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS 
REQUIREMENT OF THE DOH IN ACCORDANCE WITH 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 TUBERCULOSIS. 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 BE TREATED WITH UTMOST CONFIDENTIALITY AND 
SHALL NOT BE RELEASED TO THIRD PARTIES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 
DATA PRIVACY ACT. THE COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENT TO 
MAINTAIN A TB REGISTRY AND SUBMISSION SHALL BE A REQUIREMENT 
FOR THE RENEWAL OF A LICENSE TO OPERATE A HEALTH CENTER, 
HOSPITAL OR HEALTH FACILITY.
SEC. 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 DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE 
DELIVERY OF SERVICES WITHOUT STIGMA, PREJUDICE OR 
DISCRIMINATION;
(2) THE RIGHT TO FREE AND EQUITABLE ACCESS TO TB CARE FROM 
THE TIME OF DIAGNOSIS TO COMPLETION OF TREATMENT;
(3) THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ADVICE AND TREATMENT 
THAT MEETS INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR TB CARE, 
CENTERING ON PATIENT NEEDS, INCLUDING THOSE OF 
PATIENTS WITH XDR-TB, MDR-TB OR TB-HUMAN


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IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) COINFECTION, AND 
PREVENTIVE TREATMENT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND OTHER 
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 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 
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 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.


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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;
(5) TO CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY 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 TO RECOVERY AND 
CURE;
(8) TO SHARE INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE GAINED DURING 
TREATMENT AND TO SHARE THIS EXPERTISE WITH OTHERS IN 
THE COMMUNITY, THUS EMPOWERING OTHERS; AND
(9) TO JOIN IN EFFORTS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY AND TB-FREE 
COMMUNITIES.
SEC. 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


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CORPORATIONS, CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSOs) AND NON­
GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS (NGOs) AND SUCH OTHER GROUPS OR 
ORGANIZATIONS. BOTH FOREIGN AND LOCAL, THAT MAY WISH TO 
PARTICIPATE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 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 INCIDENCE OF TB 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 RECOGNITION AND REWARDS TO ALL BUSINESS 
ORGANIZATION FOR OUTSTANDING, INNOVATIVE AND WORLD-CLASS 
CSR-RELATED SERVICES FOR TB ELIMINATION.
SEC. 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 (LGU) 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 BARANGAYLEVEL, SHALL ASSIST THE 
CORRESPONDING SANGGUNIAN IN THE CRAFTING OF TB LOCAL 
ORDINANCE AND BUILDING LOCAL OWNERSHIP FOR TB INTERVENTIONS 
WITHIN ITS TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION."
THE LGUs, THROUGH THEIR LOCAL SOCIAL WELFARE AND 
DEVELOPMENT OFFICES, SHALL COVER ALL INDIRECT COSTS OF 
ACCESSING TB TREATMENT, INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION, MEALS, 
ACCOMMODATION 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 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 POUCIES ON TB 
PREVENTION, WHICH SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 
NATIONAL LAWS AND POUCIES, PREVENTION STRATEGIES THROUGH


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ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND TRAINING. MEASURES TO IMPROVE 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH CONDITIONS IN THE WORKPLACE 
SHALL BE EMPHASIZED.
THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS 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 (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 GOVERNMENT, AND OTHER APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIES SHALL DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM OF SUPPORT 
SERVICES FOR TB VICTIMS AND THEIR AFFECTED CHILDREN AND 
FAMILIES."
SEC. 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 SERVICES 
INTO ESTABLISHED SDNs OR LOCAL HEALTH REFERRAL SYSTEM, WHICH 
SHALL NOT BE RESTRICTED WITHIN THE GEOGRAPHIC OR POLITICAL 
BOUNDARIES OF LGUs. COLLABORATION ACROSS LGUs SHALL BE 
ENCOURAGED.
THE SDN SHALL BE A NETWORK OF FACILITIES RANGING FROM 
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."
SEC. 11. A new section denominated as Section 19 of the same Act is added, 
to read as follows:
"SEC. 19. COMPLETION OF TB TREATMENT AS CONDITION FOR 
RETENTION IN THE CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER PROGRAM. - 
BENEFICIARIES OF THE CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER PROGRAM OF 
THE GOVERNMENT WHO ARE DIAGNOSED WITH TB, INCLUDING DRUG- 
SUSCEPTIBLE AND DRUG-RESISTANT TB SHALL BE REQUIRED TO 
UNDERGO TB-DOTS AS ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS FOR 
RETENTION IN THE PROGRAM."


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SEC. 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 RECOMMENDED FOR HIGH RISK 
POPULATIONS AND MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
(A) THOSE THAT ARE IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH PERSONS KNOWN OR 
SUSPECTED TO HAVE TB;
(B) THOSE INFECTED WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) 
AND ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (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 SUBSTANCE;
(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 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, 
to read as follows:
"SEC. 21. INTEGRATION OF TB SCREENING IN HIV AND AIDS 
PREVENTION AND CONTROL. - SYMPTOMATIC TB SCREENING AND TB


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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, 
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 
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, 
to read as follows:
"SEC. 23. CONTACT TRACING AND PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT. - 
SCREENING BY CHEST X-RAY SHALL BE INITIATED AMONG ALL 
CONTACTS OF AN INDEX CASE WITH BACTERIOLOGICALLY- 
CONFIRMEDOR CLINICALLY DIAGNOSED PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN 
ORDER TO OFFER PREVENTIVE TREATMENT WHEN NECESSARY TO THOSE 
WITH LATENT TB INFECTION, FOLLOWING PRESCRIBED GUIDELINES 
AND STANDARDS."
SEC. 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 REGULATIONS. THE 
SECRETARY OF THE DOH SHALL SUBMIT THE PROPOSED 
ORGANIZATIONAL AND STAFFING MODIFICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT 
OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT (DBM) FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL.
ALL DOH EMPLOYEES AND STAFF SHALL PARTICIPATE IN CAPACITY 
BUILDING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES TO BOOST COMPETENCE AND 
SKILL PROFICIENCY."
SEC. 17. A new section denominated as Section 25 of the same Act is added, 
to read as follows:
"SEC. 25. MOBILIZATION. - THE DOH, IN COORDINATION WITH 
THE LGUs AND OTHER RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, PRIVATE 
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SHALL SPEARHEAD THE MOBILIZATION OF KEY AFFECTED POPULATION 
FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS AND STIGMA REDUCTION 
ACTIVITIES. TB PATIENTS' GROUPS SHALL BE INVOLVED IN THE 
PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS 
THAT AFFECT THEM."
SEC. 18. A new section denominated as Section 26 of the same Act is added, 
to read as follows:
"SEC. 26. ALTERNATIVE FINANCING SCHEMES. - THE DOH IS 
HEREBY MANDATED TO EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE FINANCING SCHEMES, IN 
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 DIAGNOSIS AND 
TREATMENT SERVICES NATIONWIDE."
SEC. 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 CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO THE DOH TO 
BE USED ACTUALLY, DIRECTLY AND EXCLUSIVELY BY THE DOH FOR THE 
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF CONTRIBUTING TO TB ERADICATION ACTTVITIES 
SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM DONOR'S TAX AND THE SAME SHALL BE 
CONSIDERED AS ALLOWABLE DEDUCTION FROM THE GROSS INCOME OF 
THE DONOR FOR PURPOSES OF COMPUTING THE TAXABLE INCOME OF 
THE DONOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE NATIONAL 
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED."
SEC. 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 NATIONAL 
GOVERNMENT SHALL PRIORITIZE THE OUTSOURCING OF FUNDS FOR 
THIS ACT THROUGH NEGOTIATION AND UTILIZATION OF LONG-TERM 
CONCESSIONAL OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ODA), OTHER 
SOURCES OF FUNDS SUCH AS GRANTS, DONATIONS, COLLECTIONS AND 
OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE FROM LOCAL AND FOREIGN DONORS OR 
OTHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ENTITIES AND OTHER 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 THEREOF SHALL BE SUBJECT TO EXISTING 
GOVERNMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS."
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SEC. 21. A new section denominated as Section 29 of the same Act is added,
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■SEC. 29. JOINT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON THE 
ELIMINATION OF TB (JCOC-ETB). - THERE IS HEREBY CREATED A JCOC- 
ETB WHICH SHALL CONDUCT A REGULAR REVIEW OF THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT. THE JCOC-ETB SHALL CONDUCT A 
SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE, IMPACT, AND 
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PHILIPPINE PLAN OF 
ACTION TO ELIMINATE TUBERCULOSIS AND THE VARIOUS AGENCIES 
INVOLVED IN THE TB ELIMINATION PROGRAM, PARTICULARLY WITH 
RESPECT TO THEIR OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS.
THE JOINT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE SHALL BE 
COMPOSED OF FIVE (5) MEMBERS FROM THE SENATE AND FIVE (5) 
MEMBERS FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO BE APPOINTED BY 
THE SENATE PRESIDENT AND THE SPEAKER OF THE 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 THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON 
HEALTH.''
SEC. 22. Section 14 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 30.
SEC. 23.Section 15 of R.A. 10767 is hereby renumbered as Section 31 and 
amended, to read as follows:
"SEC. [iS] 31. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to [implement] 
CARRY OUT the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the CURRENT 
YEAR appropriations of the CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES [the-B0H-, 
the-DepEd,—the-GHED and the-PIA-under the General-Appropriations Act]. IN
ADDITION 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 PROGRAM TO LOCATE AND TREAT OVER TWO 
MILLION FILIPINOS INFLICTED WITH TB IN THE NEXT FIVE (5) YEARS, 
AN AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED BY THE DOH, IN CONSULTATION WITH 
THE DOF AND THE DBM, SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL 
APPROPRIATION OF THE DOH: PROVIDED, THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE 
EXPENSES TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE 
PERCENT (1%) OF THE PROGRAM COST."
SEC. 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 OF THIS ACT, CONGRESS, THROUGH THE JCOC-ETB, SHALL
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CONDUCT A “SUNSET REVIEW" OF THE MANDATED APPROPRIATIONS 
WHICH SHALL ENTAIL A SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION OF SUCH 
APPROPRIATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT ITS PERFORMANCE. 
IMPACT, AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE TB 
ELIMINATION GOAL MERITS CONTINUED EXISTENCE."
SEC. 25. A new section denominated as Section 33 of the same Act is added 
to read as follows:
"SEC. 33. TRANSITORY PROVISION. - THE PENALTIES 
CONTEMPLATED IN SECTION 33 OF THIS ACT SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED 
ONLY AFTER EFFICIENT AND MASSIVE TRAINING AND ORIENTATION FOR 
PHYSICIANS AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND A FRAMEWORK 
AND SYSTEM SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF 
THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION llON THE REGULATION ON SALE AND 
USE OF TB DRUGS AND SECTION 12 ON TB CASES NOTIFICATION OF R.A. 
10767 HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED: PROVIDED, THAT SUCH PERIOD OF 
IMPLEMENTATION SHALL BE COMPLETED BY THE YEAR 2025."
SEC. 26.Section 16 of RA 10767 is hereby renumbered as Section 34 and 
amended to read as follows:
'SEC. 34. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH, in 
consultation with the DepEd, the CHED, the PIA, the LGUs, non-government 
organizations, CSOs, BROADCAST MEDIA, PRINT MEDIA and other concerned 
entities, shall issue the rules and regulations [implementing] TO IMPLEMENT the 
provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.
SEC. 27. Section 17, 18 and 19 of the same Act are hereby renumbered as 
35, 36, and 37 respectively.
SEC. 28. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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