MANILA, Philippines – Mahigpit na sinuportahan nji Senador Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan ang Senate Bill No. 1822 o mas kikilanin bilang National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act, na inaprubahan ng Senado sa ikatlo at huling pagbasa kamakailan.
Sa pahayag, sinabi ni Pangilinan na tinitiyak ng batas na magkakaroon ng access ang lahat sa early detection, screening, diagnosis, at timely intervention sa lahat ng mamamayan sa Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) kabilang ang kanilang pamilya.
“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,” ayon sa senador.
Inaatasan ng panukala ang Department of Health (DOH) na: “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.”
Nakatakda sa batas na mababawasan ang panganib sa naantala o nakalimutang pagsusuri sa kababain at magkaroon ng “standard clinical guidelines and training programs for healthcare professionals, specialists, and workers.”
Sa ilalim ng panukala, kikilalanin ang sinumang mamamayan na may ASD bilang persons with disability upang magkaroon sila ng benepisyo at pribilihiyo sa ilalim ng 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,” ayon sa panukalang batas.
Inaatasan din ng batas ang Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), at lahat ng local government units (LGUs) na palakasin ang inclusive education at training programs, , equal employment opportunities, at social welfare programs para sa lahat ng may 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,” ayon kay Pangilinan. Ernie Reyes
