SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 
241 
) 
) 
) 
'13 
JUL -1 P5 :09' 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Autism is a state of mental health that severely hinders the way information is 
gathered and processed by the brain, causing problems in communication, learning, 
and social behavior. Onset of the disorder typically occurs during a child's first three 
years. Autism has been observed in roughly 15 to 20 of every 10,000 births. The 
symptoms of autism generally appear during the first three years of childhood and 
continue throughout life, often taking devastating emotional and financial tolls on the 
family of the autistic child. 
There are three (3) distinctive behaviors that characterize autism: difficulties in 
social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive 
behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in intensity from 
mild to disabling. Parents are usually the first to notice symptoms of autism in their child 
because as early as infancy, a baby with autism may be unresponsive to people or may 
focus too intently on one item to the exclusion of others for long periods of time. 
Current research links autism to both biological and neurological bases. In some 
families there appear to be a pattern of autism or related disabilities throughout 
generations thereby suggesting a genetic basis to the disorder. 
Generally, experts estimate that 3 to 6 children out of every 1,000 will have 
autism. In the Philippines, it is estimated that 1 out of every 500 Filipinos are autistic or 
approximately 176,000 Filipinos out of an 88 million total population. For reasons that 
are still unclear, about 20 to 30 percent of children with autism develop epilepsy during 
adulthood. Recent studies further strongly suggest that some people have a genetic 
predisposition to autism. In families with one autistic child, the risk of having a second 
child with the disorder is approximately 5 percent, or one in 20. 
Autism is a developmental disability that has yet to be fully known and 
understood in the Philippines. And because of the lack of educational and financial 
support, it is only the upper and middle class families who can afford to send their 
autistic children to special schools. Undeniably, addressing the needs of more than 
176,000 autistic individuals in our country would require a comprehensive legislative 
framework and integrated operational plan for autism. Currently, there is no national 
data tracking system that caters to the state of autism in the country. A registry for 
autism is needed to improve current knowledge and understanding of autism; to 
conduct thorough and complete epidemiologic surveys of the issue; to enable analysis 
of this problem; and to plan for and provide services to children with autism as well as to 
their families. 
Furthermore, there is a shortage of trained and highly skilled teachers and health 
providers to handle and cater to the special needs of children and adults with autism. 


These considerations reflect the urgent need to conduct a comprehensive training 
program for health providers all over the country in order to help these persons 
suffering from the disorder cope with their condition and participate as productive 
members of society. 
This proposed measure seeks to increase public awareness about this 
psychological disorder and to provide enhanced government support for autism 
research and treatment. 
This bill sketches the roadmap for our government's program on autism. As such, 
the passage of this significant piece of legislation reflects the commitment of the State 
to support the cause to prevent and address the needs of those members of our 
population suffering from autism. This piece of legislation will recognize the daily plight 
of thousands of families struggling with autism, and once and for all recognize autism as 
a health issue in the country. 
The well-being of our children is of paramount importance that is why we need to 
open our eyes to the realities of the problems faced by persons suffering from autism. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
UEL "LITO" M. LAPrD 
Senator 


1 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 
241 
) 
) 
) 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
Sel1A1tl1 
'OH,:. of ti!,)i>,cr<ln,U 
'13 
JUL -1 
P5 :()9 
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM ON 
AUTISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. 
Short Title . • This Act shall be known as the "Comprehensive 
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Autism Intervention Act of 2013". 
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SEC. 2. 
Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
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to protect and promote the right to health of the people, including the rights of persons 
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with autism to full, healthy and holistic development. As such, the State shall promote 
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an environment conducive to the development of autistic persons to become, to the best 
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of their potentials, independent, self-reliant and productive members of society. 
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Towards this end, the State commits itself to the establishment of institutional 
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and social mechanisms to support children and adult persons with autism and their 
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families. 
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In this light, the State shall institutionalize a holistic program for persons with 
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autism in the country that will be sensitive to their needs for purposes of empowering 
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and providing them quality of life. 
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SEC. 3. 
Definition of Autism. - For purposes of this Act, except as 
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otherwise expressly indicated herein, the term autism shall be understood to mean a 
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state of mental health that severely hinders the way information is gathered and 
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processed by the brain thereby causing problems in communication, learning, and 
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social behavior. 
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SEC. 4. 
Epidemiological Surveillance Programs. - The National Institute 
23 
of Health (NIH) is hereby mandated to conduct an annual epidemiological survey to 
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determine the extent and total incidence and prevalence of persons with autism in the 
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country in order for the government to provide the necessary and appropriate 
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interventions to address the needs faced by persons with autism. 
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The NIH is mandated to coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) in the 
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conduct of epidemiological research on the the issues concering autism. The NIH is 
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mandated to strengthen its research focus on autism; to renew its investment into basic 
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and clinical research; to expand its research into the link between environmental factors 
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and autism; and to continue investigations into causation, diagnosis, early detection, 
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and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Such factors that will be stUdied shall 
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include, among others, infection and immune function, hormonal and reproductive 
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factors, genetiC factors, gastro-intestinal factors, and socio-demographic factors. 
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SEC. 5. 
Prevention of Conflict of Interest In the Research Process .• 
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Within six (6) months from the date of effectivity of this Act, the DOH shall issue the 
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necessary standards, guidelines, and regulations in order to ensure that there is no 
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conflict of interest, Whatsoever, between the research agenda of the researchers and 
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the drug manufacturers or government agencies promoting the widespread use of a 
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particular vaccine or medicine for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with 
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autism. 
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The DOH shall ensure the timely publication and dissemination of information of 
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these guidelines and regulations in order to ensure that the various health providers and 
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stakeholders all over the country are adequately informed. 
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SEC. 6. 
Creation of an Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee. • 
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There is hereby established and institutionalized an Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating 
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Committee (IACC) which shall serve as an inter-agency and multi-sectoral mechanism 
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tasked to promote the implementation of the National Autism Program of the 
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government. 
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The objectives of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee shall 
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endeavor: 
a) 
to prqmote public awareness, education, and information on issues 
concerning autism; 
b) 
to establish sustainable networks of support groups for families of autistic 
children and adults; 
c) 
to provide referral services to patients with autism and identify the 
appropriate educational and medical expertise and facilities suited to the needs of the 
autistic person; 
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d) 
to combat the spectrum of disorders related to autism through screening, 
education, early intervention, prompt referrals for treatment and services; 
e) 
to undertake research and/or collaborate with other entities on research 
activities regarding autism in the Philippines; 
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f) 
to coordinate with schools in formulating ind,ividualized programs for 
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autistic school children and young students; 
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g) 
to receive donations and grants from international donor institutions, 
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foundations, and multilateral and bilateral foreign donor agencies involved in the 
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prevention, cure and rehabilitation of persons with autism; 
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h) 
to promote the advocacy against bias and stereo-typing against autistics 
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thereby eliminating discrimination and/or misconceptions of the notion of being autistic 
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with the end in view of opening the doors of productive economic opportunities to 
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autistic persons; 
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i) 
to provide the avenue for eXChange of information, exchange programs 
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and sharing of best practices on issues relating to the early detection, prevention, cure, 
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treatment, and rehabilitation of persons diagnosed with autism; 
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j) 
to network with other organizations, institutions and professionals working 
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for the promotion of legislation and public programs for the persons diagnosed with 
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autism; and 
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k) 
to assist in the creation of appropriate programs for individuals diagnosed 
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with autism. 
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The IACC shall accomplish such objectives and fulfill its mandate towards the 
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end goal of setting up a nationwide network of centers for autism in key cities and 
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regional centers in the country. 
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SEC. 7. 
Composition of the 
Inter-Agency Autism 
Coordinating 
28 
Committee (IACC). - The Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee shall be 
29 
headed by the Secretary of Department of Health (DOH), acting as the Chairperson. 
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The IACC shall be composed on the following members: 
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a) 
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(DSWD); 
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b) 
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c) 
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d) 
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e) 
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f) 
The Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 
The Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd); 
The Chairperson of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC); 
The Head of the National Institute of Health (NIH); 
The Head of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA); 
One (1) representative from the duly accredited drug and vaccine 
38 
manufacturers and distributors; 
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g) 
One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of caregivers 
2 
in the Philippines; 
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h) 
One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of nurses in 
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the Philippines; 
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i) 
One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of medical 
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doctors in the Philippines; and 
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j) 
One (1) representative from the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) 
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involved in the advocacy for the prevention, cure and rehabilitation of persons with 
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autism. 
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The five (5) members of the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee 
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coming from the representatives of the drug and vaccine manufacturers and 
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distributors; caregivers; nurses; medical doctors and non-government organizations 
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shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, from a list of three (3) nominees 
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from each sector, who shall serve for a term of three (3) years, and renewable for 
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another term: Provided, That the person appointed shall be of good moral character, of 
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unquestionable integrity, and with expertise and experience of a least six (6) years in 
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filed of autism, mental health and other related fields: Provided, further, That in the 
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event of a vacancy, the successor appointed to fill the same shall serve only the 
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unexpired portion of the term of the member he/she succeeds to. 
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The members of the IACC from the govemment agencies and institutions may 
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designate their permanent representatives who shall have a rank not lower than an 
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assistant secretary or its equivalent to attend meetings. 
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All members of the IACC shall receive emoluments as may be determined by the 
25 
Committee, in accordance with existing budget and accounting rules and regulations. 
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SEC. 8. 
Meetings. - The IACC shall meet at least once a month upon a 
three-day notice signed by the two (2) Chairpersons or as often as necessary upon the 
written request signed by two-thirds (2/3) of its members. 
The presence of a majority of the members of the IACC shall constitute a quorum 
in order for it to conduct its business. 
SEC. 9. 
Programs 
and 
Services 
of the 
Inter-Agency 
Autism 
Coordinating Committee (IACC). - The programs and services that will be provided by 
the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee shall include, among others, the 
following: 
a) 
Orientation and Counseling Services for families of newly diagnosed 
children with autism; 
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b) 
Establishment of Family Support Networks and Sibling Program for 
families of autistic persons to seek psycho-social support for the various problems faced 
by families with autistic persons; 
c) 
Establishment of National and Regional Referral Services wherein the 
IACC will update a list of professionals and child care institutions concerned with the 
care and development of persons with autism; 
d) 
Publication of reading materials, manuals and easily readable instruction 
materials for autism early detection, prevention, rehabilitation and care; 
e) 
The conduct of continuing education, information and training programs 
and lectures on the proper handling of persons with autism; 
f) 
The establishment of a databank and information and monitoring system 
12 
(IMS) on the demographic, socio-economic and incidence and prevalence of persons 
13 
with autism in the country; 
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g) 
The publication of a newsletter on current developments, resources and 
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research on autism; and 
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h) 
The conduct of continuing education/training of families, teachers, 
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therapists and caregivers of persons with autism through seminars, conventions am~ 
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other forms of tri-media educational tools. 
19 
SEC. 10. 
Early Identification and Intervention for Children with Autism. 
20 
- The Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee (lACC) is hereby mandated to 
21 
establish a program for early identification, screening, and detection of autism, and to 
22 
provide the appropriate services to children and toddlers with developmental delays 
23 
associated with autism. 
24 
The IACC is tasked to monitor and update the list of children diagnosed with 
25 
autism in the country in its central registry so that such persons may be referred to 
26 
programs of the government, should the same become available. 
27 
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SEC. 11. 
Autism Early Detection and Screening Fees. - The Philippine 
29 
Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) shall include the cost of early detection and 
30 
screening programs as one of the available benefits of its members. 
31 
The early detection and screening test fees shall be applied to, among others, 
32 
testing costs, education, follow-up, and readable overhead expenses. 
These early 
33 
detection and screening tests are designed to identify children who should receive more 
34 
intensive diagnosis or assessment in order to improve child health and well-being, 
35 
especially for children suspected as suffering from autism. 
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SEC. 12. 
Creation of a National Website for Persons with Autism. - The 
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IAee is hereby mandated to establish a national website on the National Program for 
Autism in the Philippines. The website shall highlight the various programs, 
interventions, services and advocacy channels being provided by the government on 
the issue concerning autism so that parents and relatives of persons with autism can 
avail of the information and services being provided by the State. 
This website shall contain all the information on the variety of medical, 
psychological, psycho-social and research interventions available in the Philippines on 
the issues concerning autism. 
The website shall also include information on the various DOH accredited health 
service providers who can provide therapy and treatment to persons with autism in the 
country. 
The website is envisioned to be an avenue where people can express their views 
regarding autism and network in order to address the various needs and concerns of 
autistic persons for the benefit of all the parents and relatives of persons with autism in 
the country. 
It will also be an avenue to clear misconcenptions and incorrect information on 
the mental state of being of autistic persons. 
20 
SEC. 13. 
Continuing Education and Training of Health Personnel and 
21 
Service Providers on Autism. - All DOH, DSWD, ewe officers and their staff in 
22 
charge with providing various developmental and welfare services to perons with autism 
23 
are mandated to undergo a mandatory continuing education and training program to 
24 
sensitize and empower service providers to become effective frontliners in the delivery 
25 
of health service delivery to the persons with autism, who are the beneficiaries of this 
26 
Act. 
27 
28 
SEC. 14. 
Protection agaInst Forcible Use of Cures and Vaccines. - The 
29 
DOH shall formulate the necessary guidelines, standards and procedures against the 
30 
forcible use of cureS, vaccines, and therapies to persons diagnosed with autism in order 
31 
to uphold the right of every individual to give informed consent to medical treatment 
32 
administered to them as well as to protect their right to determine for themselves the 
33 
medical treatment to which they shall be subjected. 
34 
The DOH shall promulgate guideines and standards to ensure that the 
35 
interventions and programs being provided by the government for persons diagnosed 
36 
with autism do not violate their basic human rights, particularly as regards their right to 
37 
determine their own decisions. 
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· . 
SEC. 15. 
Protection against Discrimination in Schools. - The Department 
of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), 
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Council for the Welfare of 
Children (CWC) and the National Institute for Health (NIH), shall formulate the 
necessary implementing rules and regulations to ensure that all educational institutions 
shall be free from pOlicies and regulations discriminatory to school children and young 
students suffering from autism, 
Towards this end, the DepEd shall conduct an annual education, information, 
and training program for school administrators, faculty, and staff to empower them to 
effectively handle school children and young students suffering from autism, 
SEC. 16. 
Non-Discrimination of Adults Suffering from Autism. - Within 
six (6) months from the date of effectivity of this Act, the Inter-Agency Autism 
l 
Coordiating Committee (IACC) shal formulate the necessary guidelines, standards, and 
regulations in order to ensure that adults with autism are not discriminated against due 
to their condition, 
The IACC shall ensure the timely publication and dissemination of information of 
these guidelines and regulations in order to ensure that the various stakeholders all 
over the country in the early detection, prevention, rehabilitation, and care of persons 
with autism are adequately informed, 
SEC. 17. 
Confidentiality of Medical Information for Persons with Autism. 
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- To ensure that the early detection, screening tests, vaccination, medical treatment, 
24 
and rehabilitation of persons suffering from autism are implemented, the Department of 
25 
Health (DOH), in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ), shall formulate the 
26 
pertinent implementing rules and regulations to ensure the confidentiality of the medical 
27 
records of persons suffering from autism in order to protect the unwarranted intrusion 
28 
into the privacy of the person, particularly in relation to the medical condition of the 
29 
patient. 
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SEC. 18. 
Appropriation. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions 
of this Act shall be included and incorporated in the annual general appropriations of the 
Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development 
(DSWD), National Institute of Health (NIH), and the Council for the Welfare of Children 
(CWC) , 
SEC. 19. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within six (6) 
38 
months from the date of effectivity of this Act, the DOH, in coordination with the DWSD, 
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ewe, NIH, and PIA, shall promulgate necessary implementing rules and regulations to 
implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 20. 
Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, or parts thereof not consistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 21. 
Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act, or the 
9 
application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held unconstitutional or invalid, 
10 
other provisions of this Act which are not affected hereby shall continue to be in full 
11 
force and effect. 
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SEC. 22. 
Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
14 
from the date of its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
15 
newspapers of general circulation, 
Approved, 
8