By: Aliahcorr Balanon
Photo courtesy of Gil Calinga | Philippine News Agency
The Senate passed on third and final reading of the bill aimed at protecting the rights of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), under Committee Report No. 28, Senate Bill No. 1822, or the “National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act,” during the plenary session on Monday, Mar. 9.
The bill was submitted jointly by the Committees on Health and Demography; Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality; Finance; and Ways and Means, and was sponsored by Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
The bill mandates that the State recognize persons with ASD as persons with disabilities, ensuring their rights, dignity, and inherent worth are protected, while promoting their full inclusion, participation, and well-being in society.
It provides for programs that protect people with ASD from prejudice, foster independence, and make early detection and screening accessible.
A report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education showed that there are about 5.1 million children with special needs in the country.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, the bill’s principal author, explained that the measure seeks to address the “scattered assistance” currently available to people with ASD, ensuring that families are no longer forced to navigate services on their own.
Meanwhile Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, co-sponsor of the bill, highlighted the need for stronger government support for the persons with autism spectrum and their families.
“Autism should never be seen as a burden. Rather, it is a different way of viewing and experiencing the world,” Ejercito said.