THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
'b'j 
J I,! ,k) 1'8 14 fi 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLAR, JR. 
I. 4 
*I , 77; , , I .  ,. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Autism is a developmental disability that has yet to be fLilly known and 
understood in the Philippines. 
The government's attempt in 1997 to improve the total well-being and 
integration into mainstream society of autistic individuals have been found 
wanting. 
Undeniably, addressing the needs of autistic individuals would require 
political will to effect a comprehensive and integrated plan for autism. 
This bill seeks to establish a center for autism which will specifically 
focus on the needs of children and adults with autism, which hopefully will 
enable them to be productive members of society. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MANUEL L. V 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
First Regular Session 
3 C' 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
"04 JU,U 
;tj 
L u :48 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLAR, JR. 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A CENTER FOR AUTISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Definition of Terns. - For purposes of this Act, the terms below 
shall be construed to mean, except where explicitly indicated or where the text clearly 
indicates otherwise, as follows: 
a. 
b. 
C. 
d. 
e. 
f 
g. 
h, 
i. 
Autism - a developmental disability that appears during the first three 
years of life; the result of a neurological disorder that affects the 
functioning of the brain; 
Disability - a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one 
or more psychological, physiological or anatomical function of an 
individual or activities of such individual; a record of such an 
impairment ; or being regarded as having such an impairment; 
Disabled Gifted - persons who demonstrate superior performance 
capabilities in intellectual, creative, specific academic areas, leadership, 
or in the arts in spite of physical, sensory or psychological disabilities; 
Disabled Worker - 
mental, physical, or sensory deficiency or injury; 
Handicap - a disadvantage for a given individual, resulting from an 
impairment or a disability that limits or prevents the function of activity, 
that is considered normal given the age and sex of the individual; 
Impairment- any loss, diminution or aberration of 
physiological, or 
anatomical structure or function; 
Indigent patient - a disabled person whose level of income falls below the 
poverty threshold; 
Rehabilitation - an integrated approach to physical, psychologcal, 
cultural, spiritual, educational, or vocational, measures that create 
conditions for the individual to attain the highest possible level of 
functional ability; and, 
Special Education (SPED) - education specifically designed for learners 
with special needs who can not profit maximally from regular education 
a worker whose earning capacity is impaired by 


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such that they require trained personnel, modifications in the curricula, 
teaching methods, instructional materials and adaptations in facilities 
and equipment. 
SECTION 2. Creation of a Center for Autism. - There is hereby created a Center 
for Autism which shall be tasked to perform the following functions: 
a. 
Formulate and implement an integrated and comprehensive master plan 
on autism; 
Establish a diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation clinic; 
Provide vocational training programs for autistic adults; 
Provide free diagnosis and rehabilitation services to indigent autistic; 
Provide continuing training programs for teachers, therapists, medical 
and health workers on the nature and management of autism; 
b. 
c. 
d. 
e. 
f. 
Provide other services such as counseling, orientation and referral 
activities; and 
Increase public awareness and concern on autism by spearheading 
advocacy programs. 
g. 
SECTION 3. Governing Board, Composition, Term, Functions. - There is hereby 
created a National Autism Board referred to as the Board, which shall be under the 
Office of the President. The Board shall be composed of the following: 
One (1) representative from the Department of Health, who shall sit as 
Chairperson ; 
One (1) representative from the Department of Education, Culture and 
Sports who shall sit as Vice-Chairperson; 
a. 
b. 
c. 
One (1) representative from the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development as Member; 
Two (2) representatives from the National Council 
Disabled Persons as Members; 
Two (2) representatives from the Autism Society of 
Members; 
d. 
e. 
for the Welfare of 
the Philippines as 
f. 
Two (2) representatives from the Parents of Children and Adults with 
Autism as Members. 
SECTION 4. Secretariat. - The Board shall have a Secretariat under an 
Executive Officer who shall be appointed by the President. 
The Executive Officer shall manage the day-to-day operations of the Board and 
shall be assisted by a Deputy Executive Officer who shall likewise be appointed by the 
President. The Executive Officer shall have the following powers and functions: 
a. 
Execute, administer and implement the policies and measures approved 
by the Board; 


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b. 
c. 
Direct and supervise the affairs and operations of the Board; 
Submit within thirty (30) days after the close of every calendar year an 
annual report to the Board and such other reports it may require; 
Submit an annual budget and such supplementary budgets as may be 
necessary to the Board for its consideration and approval; 
Represent the Board in all transactions with other offices, agencies, 
instrumentalities of government and with all persons and other entities, 
public or private, domestic or foreign; and, 
Appoint, subject to the confirmation of the Board, and discipline in 
accordance with Civil Service laws, rules and regulations, the officers 
and personnel below the level of Deputy Executive Officer. 
d. 
e. 
f. 
The Deputy Executive Officer shall perform the following functions: 
a. 
b. 
c. 
Assist the Executive Officer in the discharge of his powers and functions; 
Act as Executive Officer during the Executive Officer's absence; and 
Discharge such other powers and functions as may be required by the 
Executive Officer and the Board. 
SECTION 5. Appropriations. - For the initial operating expenses of the Center, 
the amount of Five Million Pesos (P5,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated to be charged 
to the Office of the President. Thereafter, it shall submit to the Department of Budget 
and Management its proposed budget for inclusion in the General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 6. Transitory Provisions. - Within a period of one hundred and eighty 
(180) days after the approval of this Act, the Board constituted shall start its 
operation. 
All other government offices having functions similar to the Board shall then 
cease to perform such functions. Henceforth, these functions shall be deemed 
transferred to the Board. 
SECTION 7. Implementing Rules anal Regulations. - The Board and appropriate 
agencies from the private and government sectors shall issue guidelines and prescribe 
rules and regulations within one hundred twenty (120) days after the effectivity of this 
Act which shall be published in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. A copy of 
such guidelines, rules, and regulations shall be furnished the Congress of the 
Philippines. 
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, 
and other issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are 
hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 


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SECTION 9. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act, be declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, no other provisions hereof shall be affected thereby. 
SECTION 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved,