Kiko co-sponsors bill for autism care, hurdles 3rd reading
Cesar Patrick F. Bonales • Ipinost noong 2026-03-16 08:30:25
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan threw his support behind Senate Bill No. 1822, or the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act, which hurdled the 3rd reading earlier this week to ensure access to early detection, screening, diagnosis, and timely intervention for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
The measure will come up with a National Plan of Action for Autism Spectrum Disorder that will consist of coordinated policies, programs, projects, services, and activities for people with ASD.
It will task the Department of Health (DOH) to “integrate into primary healthcare, maternal and child health programs, and other appropriate health services, ASD detection and screening, referral, and diagnostic protocols, including approaches that are gender-responsive and attentive to sex-based differences in clinical presentation.”
This, the bill stated, will reduce the risk of delayed or missed diagnosis among women and girls and will “develop standard clinical guidelines and training programs for healthcare professionals, specialists, and workers.”
Under the proposed measure, persons with ASD will also be recognized as persons with disability so they can access benefits and privileges under Republic Act No. 11228, or the Magna Carta for Persons With Disability.
“The PhilHealth, in coordination with the DOH and the NCDA (National Council on Disability Affairs), shall develop, enhance, and periodically review benefit packages responsive to ASD-related health, habilitation, rehabilitation, and intervention needs, including appropriate inpatient and outpatient coverage,” it read.
Likewise, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and respective local government units (LGUs) must strengthen inclusive education and training programs, equal employment opportunities, and social welfare programs for persons with ASD.
The measure makes it unlawful for any person, entity, or government agency to discriminate against people with ASD. Penalties range from P50,000 to P200,000, while government officials or employees will face administrative liability on top of the fines.