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‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS Se ay “ie &
First Regular Session Ko ey

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House Bi. No. 3364

Introduced by: Hon, Iris Marie D. Montes

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

According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report
2024, TB has killed 1.25 million people across the globe in 2023, making it once again the
world’s leading infectious disease killer, surpassing COVID-19 from 2020 to 2022.

Likewise, the Philippines has remained among the top five countries that accounted
for more than half of the tuberculosis (TB) cases in the world.*

TB in the Philippines: A Call to Urgent Action by the Philippine Coalition Against
Tuberculosis describes the sad TB situation in the country:

“The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2022 highlights the growing health challenge
posed by tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines: In 2021, TB incidence and deaths due to TB
increased, accompanied by continued reduction in TB case notification. The Philippines
contributed around 10% of the estimated global reduction in TB notification from 2019 to
2021. Of the estimated 741,000 cases of new and relapse TB cases, only 43% were
diagnosed and officially reported. Most TB cases remained undiagnosed and untreated,
potentially infecting more people in the community.

The Philippines is one of the 30 countries in the three global lists of high-burden
countries for TB, HIV-associated TB and multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant TB
(MDR/RR-TB). Among the reported TB cases in 2021, only 65% were tested with rapid
diagnostic tests. Xpert MTB/RIF is the most widely available rapid molecular test for TB. It
can determine TB and rifampicin resistance, which is a marker for MDRTB. Use of this test
is crucial for timely detection of drug-resistant TB (DRTB) cases and initiation of
appropriate TB treatment.

1 PH still among Top 5 in tally of TB cases, Dexter Cabaiza, Philippine Daily Inquirer, October 31, 2024
(https: //globaination.inquirer.net/254029/ph-still-among-top-5-in-tally-of-tb-cases)



In 2021, only 34% of TB cases were tested for HIV, which was much lower than the
76% global coverage of HIV testing among people diagnosed with TB. All TB patients
should be offered HIV testing, as provision of antiretroviral treatment is lifesaving and
significantly improves TB treatment outcomes. HIV is also a known risk factor for
development of MDRTB.

In 2020, the reported treatment success rate for drug-susceptible TB (DSTB) cases
in the Philippines was 76% - lower than the global average of 86%. This likely reflects
constraints on access to continuous health services during the pandemic and incomplete
reporting of treatment outcomes from health care facilities.

Around 1.5% of new TB cases in 2021 had MDRTB...2

This bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10767 otherwise known as the
“Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Plan Act”, which was enacted in 2016 to support
and expand efforts to eliminate tuberculosis as a public health problem in the country.

There is a compelling need to strengthen the landmark law in light of the Political
Declaration on the Fight Against Tuberculosis (TB) which was endorsed at the UN High-
Level Meeting (HLM) on TB by the heads of state and government and their
representatives in 2018.

The Philippines as one of the high burden TB countries is signatory to the Political
Declaration on the Fight Against Tuberculosis. At the second UN) high-level meeting in
2023, world leaders adopted a historic declaration with commitments to ambitious and
comprehensive time-bound targets and actions. These targets and actions aim to enhance
equitable access to TB services, protect human rights, address TB determinants, reduce
vulnerability, accelerate research and innovation, and mobilize sufficient resources to
support these endeavors.

The declaration builds on progress against commitments made in the 2018 political
declaration of the first high-level meeting on TB. It establishes more ambitious targets and
commitments to rapidly overcome the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB
services and fast-track progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hence, there is a need to strengthen R.A. 10767, considered as one of the most
comprehensive laws on TB in the world, in order to enable the country to keep track of its
commitment to develop a national strategic plan to find and treat over millions of Filipinos
with TB.

One of the recommendations of the Joint Tuberculosis Program Review 2016 is to
enforce the notification of TB cases, especially on the part of private doctors. Section 12 of
R.A. 10767 mandates that “All public and private health centers, hospitals and facilities
shall “.... notify the DOH of all TB cases as prescribed under the Manual of Procedures of
the National TB Program and the Philippine Plan of Action on Tuberculosis Control.”

Moreover, “missing TB cases” along with accessibility issues of the poor were among
the key programmatic gaps that were identified in the 2016 National TB Prevalence Survey
(NTPS). It reveals that "Under-reporting of TB cases to the national TB registry is likely. It
shows that prevalence to notification ratio for smear-positive pulmonary TB across all ages

2 https: //philcat.ora/tb-in-the-philippines-a-call-to-urgent-action/ Accessed on 10 July 2025


was 3.1, with the highest ratios found in the age groups 15-24 years (4.2) and 45-54
years (3.3) and among men (3.3). One-half of those who claimed to be on anti-TB
treatment at the time of the survey were not found in the national TB registry. Of those
found in the TB registry, 94% cases were reported by public providers, suggesting
insufficient notification and reporting from private providers.”

Given the current gaps in the program, notification of TB cases and the expansion of
TB DOTS benefit package are crucial provisions in the implementation of R.A. 10767.
Unfortunately, the law, while providing for notification on TB cases, does not provide for
appropriate sanctions or incentives that would effectively deter non-compliance.

Hence, this proposal seeks to amend R.A. 10767 by providing fines and penalties for
non-compliance to the “No prescription, No anti-TB drugs” policy and non-observance of
the national protocol on TB management and TB notification. It also expands PhilHealth’s
benefit package for TB patients to include TB screening, MDR TB, and XDR TB, in both
adults and children,

Among the other significant features of the bill, are provisions on patients right and
responsibilities, corporate social responsibility to encourage business corporations to
contribute in the ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence of TB in the country; convergence
of services to address the problem of indirect costs borne out of accessing TB treatment
including transportation, accommodation or halfway house and meals, among others; TB
Strategic Plan for local government units; and integration of TB services into established
Service Delivery Networks (SDNs) or local health referral system.

Also included are provisions for personnel complement, alternative financing
schemes, and other sources of funds in order to ensure sufficient and sustainable financing
for the country’s commitment to end the TB epidemic.

In view of the expediency of attaining the vision of a world free of TB, the immediate
approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

Kababaihan Kabalikatan p:
at Kauriaran ng Bayan (4K) Pargyse



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 64

Introduced by: Hon. Iris Marie D. Montes

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 the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10767 is hereby amended, to read as
follows:

“SEC. 8 Education Programs. - The [Seeretary-of Health] CHAIRPERSON OF
THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED), in coordination with the
[Commission—on-Higher-Edueation {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 the
[Department-ef Edueation-(Depéd}} DOH, shall [work-for] ENSURE the inclusion of
modules on the principles and practices of preventing, detecting, managing and
controlling tuberculosis (TB) in the [J
elementary-and-high-schee!] 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
[Phitippine—tnformationAgeney_{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.”

“00K 0c 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 THEIR RESPECTIVE DOH REGIONAL
COORDINATING COMMITTEES, WHICH SHALL MAKE A CONSOLIDATED 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), AND 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.”

“0c xxx Kx.”

SEC. 6. A new section denominated as Section 14 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:

“SEC. 14. TB REGISTRY AND MONITORING SYSTEM. ~ THE DOH, IN
COLLABORATION WITH THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND STAKEHOLDERS, SHALL
ESTABLISH A TB REGISTRY AND MONITORING SYSTEM WHICH SHALL COVER ALL
FORMS OF TB AMONG ADULTS AND CHILDREN. THE POPULATION-BASED TB
REGISTRY SHALL CONTAIN DATA ON ALL NEW CASES OF TB ACCORDING TO
GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS, PROVIDE THE FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING AND
CONTROLLING THE 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 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 OTHER INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS TREATIES TO
WHICH THE PHILIPPINES IS A STATE PARTY; 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;

(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 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 BARANGAY LEVEL,
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,
AND INCOME LOST FOR DAYS DEDICATED FOR TREATMENT, AMONG OTHERS. THE
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) SHALL 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 POLICIES ON TB PREVENTION, WHICH
SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL LAW 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 (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 20 of the same Act is added to read
as follows:

“SEC. 20. SYSTEMATIC SCREENING FOR ACTIVE TB. - “THE DOH SHALL
DEVELOP A POLICY FOR THE SYSTEMATIC SCREENING FOR ACTIVE TB FOLLOWING
THESE PRINCIPLES:

A. BEFORE SCREENING IS INITIATED, HIGH-QUALITY TB DIAGNOSIS,
TREATMENT, CARE, MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT FOR PATIENTS SHALL BE
IN PLACE INCLUDING THE CAPACITY TO SCALE AND MATCH THE
ANTICIPATED RISE IN CASE DETECTION THAT MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT
OF SCREENING. IN ADDITION, A BASELINE ANALYSIS SHALL BE
COMPLETED IN ORDER TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THE POTENTIAL
BENEFITS OF SCREENING CLEARLY OUTWEIGH THE RISKS OF DOING
HARM, AND THAT THE REQUIRED INVESTMENTS IN SCREENING ARE
REASONABLE IN RELATION TO THE EXPECTED BENEFITS;


B. INDISCRIMINATE MASS SCREENING SHALL BE AVOIDED. THE
PRIORITIZATION OF RISK GROUPS FOR SCREENING SHALL BE BASED ON
ASSESSMENTS MADE FOR EACH RISK GROUP OF THE POTENTIAL
BENEFITS AND HARMS, THE FEASIBILITY OF THE INITIATIVE, THE
ACCEPTABILITY OF THE APPROACH, THE NUMBER NEEDED TO SCREEN,
AND THE COST EFFECTIVENESS OF SCREENING;

C. THE CHOICE OF ALGORITHM FOR SCREENING AND DIAGNOSIS SHALL BE
BASED ON AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ACCURACY OF THE ALGORITHM FOR
EACH RISK GROUP CONSIDERED, AS WELL AS THE AVAILABILITY,
FEASIBILITY AND COST OF THE TESTS;

D. TB SCREENING SHALL FOLLOW ESTABLISHED ETHICAL PRINCIPLES FOR
SCREENING FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES, OBSERVE HUMAN RIGHTS, AND
BE DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF DISCOMFORT, PAIN, STIGMA
AND DISCRIMINATION. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES INVOLVING INFORMED
CONSENT, PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY. PROTECTION OF
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS SHALL BE STRICTLY OBSERVED;

—. THE TB SCREENING APPROACH SHALL BE DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED
IN A WAY THAT OPTIMIZES SYNERGIES WITH THE DELIVERY OF OTHER
HEALTH SERVICES AND SOCIAL SERVICES; AND

F. A SCREENING STRATEGY SHALL BE MONITORED AND REASSESSED
CONTINUALLY TO INFORM RE-PRIORITIZATION OF RISK GROUPS, RE-
ADAPTATION OF SCREENING APPROACHES WHEN NECESSARY AND
DISCONTINUATION OF SCREENING AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME.

SEC. 12. A new section denominated as Section 21 of the same Act is added to read
as follows:

“SEC. 21. ROUTINE TB SCREENING TESTS. - 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 22 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:

“SEC. 22. 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 23 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:

“SEC. 23. PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES FOR TB-DOTS. - TO ENHANCE AND
MAXIMIZE THE PARTICIPATION OF PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES IN TB CONTROL,
PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES ARE MANDATED TO SEEK ACCREDITATION FROM
PHILHEALTH AS TB-DOTS PROVIDER.”


SEC. 15. A new section denominated as Section 24 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:

“SEC. 24. CONTACT TRACING AND PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT. —-
SCREENING BY CHEST X-RAY SHALL BE INITIATED AMONG ALL CONTACTS OF AN
INDEX CASE WITH BACTERIOLOGICALLY-CONFIRMED OR CLINICALLY DIAGNOSED
PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN ORDER TO OFFER PREVENTIVE TREATMENT WHEN
NECESSARY TO THOSE WITH LATENT TB INFECTION, FOLLOWING PRESCRIBED
GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ON RESPECTING THE RIGHT OF THE SUBJECT TO
INFORMED CONSENT, AMONG OTHERS.”

SEC. 16. A new section denominated as Section 25 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:

“SEC. 25. 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 INVOLVED IN TB ELIMINATION PROGRAM
SHALL PARTICIPATE IN CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES TO
BOOST COMPETENCE AND SKILL PROFICIENCY.”

SEC. 17. A new section denominated as Section 26 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:

“SEC. 26. MOBILIZATION. - THE DOH, IN COORDINATION WITH THE LGUs
AND OTHER RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, PRIVATE SECTOR, CIVIL SOCIETY
ORGANIZATIONS AND TB PATIENTS’ GROUPS, SHALL SPEARHEAD THE
MOBILIZATION OF KEY AFFECTED POPULATION FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS
CAMPAIGNS AND STIGMA REDUCTION ACTIVITIES. TB PATIENTS’ GROUPS SHALL
BE ENGAGED IN THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS THAT AFFECT THEM.”

SEC. 18. A new section denominated as Section 27 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:

“SEC. 27. 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 28 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:


“SEC, 28. TAX EXEMPTION. - ALL GRANTS, BEQUEST, 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 TUBERCULOSIS ERADICATION ACTIVITIES 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 29 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:

“SEC. 29. 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.”

SEC. 21. A new section denominated as Section 30 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:

“SEC. 30. 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 31.

SEC. 23. Section 15 of R.A. 10767 is hereby renumbered as Section 32 and
amended, to read as follows:

“SEC. [45] 32. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to [i ]
CARRY OUT the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the CURRENT YEAR


the-DOH,-the DepEd,

|]. 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.”

appropriations of the CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES [1 a
the-CHED-and-the PIA-under the-Generat Appropriations Act,

SEC. 24. A new section denominated as Section 33 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:

“SEC. 33. SUNSET PROVISION. - TWO (2) YEARS AFTER THE EFFECTIVITY OF
THIS ACT, CONGRESS, THROUGH THE JCOC-ETB, SHALL 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 34 of the same Act is added, to read
as follows:

“SEC. 34. PENALTIES. - THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION
(PRC) SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO SUSPEND THE LICENSE TO PRACTICE OF
ANY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL FOR ANY VIOLATION OF THIS ACT.

THE CSC SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO SUSPEND FROM PUBLIC OFFICE A
CIVIL SERVANT WHO IS FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF THIS ACT.

IF THE OFFENSE IS COMMITTED BY A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITY,
INSTITUTION, AGENCY, CORPORATION OR OTHER JURIDICAL ENTITY DULY
ORGANIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,
PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER OR SUCH OTHER OFFICER IN CHARGE SHALL BE
LIABLE. IN ADDITION, THE BUSINESS PERMIT AND LICENSE TO OPERATE OF THE
CONCERNED FACILITY, INSTITUTION, AGENCY, CORPORATION OR LEGAL ENTITY
SHALL BE SUSPENDED ACCORDINGLY.”

SEC. 26. A new section denominated as Section 35 of the same Act is added to read
as follows:

“SEC. 35. 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 11 ON
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 2028.”


SEC. 27. Section 16 of RA 10767 is hereby renumbered as Section 36 and amended
to read as follows:

“SEC. 36. 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. 28. Section 17, 18 and 19 of the same Act are hereby renumbered as 37, 38,
and 39 respectively.

SEC. 29. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,