REP DAZA FILES BILL ON AUTISM, CALLS FOR MORE PROTECTION AND INCLUSION
QUEZON CITY, 6 May 2026—Individuals andfamilies coping with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will expect stronger support and protection if HB 9131 is enacted. Titled, An Act Establishing a National Framework for the Rights, Care, and Integration of Persons with Autism, Creating the Inter-Agency Council on Autism, Instituting a National Autism Care Plan, And Providing Funds Therefor (or"National Autism Framework Act”), it was filed recently by Assistant Minority Leader Niko Raul S.J. Daza (Northern Samar, 1st District).
“It is estimated that there are 1.2 million Filipinos with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is about time that we enact a law that will allow more protection and inclusion not just in health and social services but also employment, community life, and rights protection,” said Daza.
If enacted, the law will establish an Inter-AgencyCouncil on Autism, which will be attached to the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). This inter-agency body, comprising relevant government agencies and, critically, representatives from NGOs, autism self-advocates, and family organizations, will be tasked with policy-making, planning, and monitoring the implementation of a National Autism Care Plan (NACP).
“The proposed law is heavy on inclusion, rights, science, technology, and research. We see the importance of the academic and research community and the private sector in the success of its implementation. We didn’t want this to simply become another ‘council’. In fact, we’d like to describe it as a ‘hybrid council.’ Most of the work will still be undertaken by the member-organizations, as it should be. There’s also a sunset review because we predict and hope that the academic community and the private sector will be inspired to take on most of the work after six years, perhaps through the proposed National Autism Research and Innovation Hub,” the legislator added.
The programs and services under the NACP shall be comprehensive and include the following pillars: (a) information and public awareness; (b) health, research, and technology; (c) inclusive education; (d) employment, livelihood, and integrated community living; (e) rights protection and access to justice; (f) climate resilience and disaster response; (g) resource generation and public-private partnership; (h) Family Support and Social Welfare Services; (i) and Family Welfare and Labor Rights.
“We strengthened the funding and fiscal provisions by proposing to create a dedicatedAutism Care Fund. This provides more ways to raise funds while allowing a grants facility for indigent families dealing with ASD. The proposed law also mandates agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment to develop policies and programs that will ensure opportunities for gainful employment, apprenticeship, and entrepreneurship for persons with autism,” Daza stressed.
Daza calls on the administration to consider this as a priority bill along with his proposed legislation, “Child Support Responsibility Act” (HB 21).
“At the heart of my legislative agenda is inclusion and social equity. Through the proposed National Autism Framework Act, agencies such as the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, will be mandated to develop and disseminate national guidelines for the accurate, respectful, responsible, inclusive, and destigmatizing portrayal of persons with autism in film, television, news media, and online content. Maiiwasan na po na ginagawang katatawanan ang mga kapwa natin na may ASD o iba bang kondisyon,” the Northern Samar solon added.
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[Image by Robin P at Unsplash]