Lawmakers undergo HIV test to set example

House Representative Ibarra Gutierrez gets himself tested for HIV during a free HIV counseling and testing at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Monday, in observance of the World AIDS Day. The Department of Health earlier reported a record high of 491 new HIV cases in October. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines—Three lawmakers on Monday underwent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing to encourage more people to do the same and help prevent the spread of the dreaded virus.

Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat and Akbayan party-list Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez said they voluntarily took the HIV screening to show people that they should not be afraid or ashamed to take the test.

According to the lawmakers, getting tested would help prevent the spread of the virus that is a precursor to the dreaded acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, as well as to allow for treatment.

They called on their colleagues and the public to undergo HIV testing, assuring them the process would be private. They can avail themselves of free screening at the House of Representatives up to Wednesday as part of the chamber’s observance of World AIDS Day.

“We want to remove the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS. The reason we had ourselves tested first is to underscore the fact that HIV testing is not something shameful or scary,” Gutierrez said in a press briefing.

He noted that in the Philippines, there had been an “alarming” 25-percent rise in HIV cases.

Gutierrez, who has filed a bill to strengthen the country’s HIV/AIDS law, said another important component in the battle to stop the spread of the virus is a more intensive education drive geared toward vulnerable sectors like female sex workers and men having sex with other men. Also considered at risk are students, employees and tourists.

Gutierrez also said there should be greater civil society participation in disseminating information about HIV and AIDS to reach a wider audience.

“We hope to take the crucial first step toward preventing the rise of cases and get us back on track to prevent HIV and AIDS,” he added.

Baguilat also pushed for the passage of his bill to pour more resources into the government’s HIV and AIDS programs and encourage people to undergo voluntary testing as well as counseling, and to help those infected.

He said his target was to have zero new cases of HIV infection and zero people dying from it.

There is also a need to address discrimination against those with HIV, especially in schools and workplaces, he said.

Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado said local governments should also be active in the education campaign, with provinces, cities and municipalities empowered to undertake their own programs.

Mercado said testing facilities should be made available to people through mobile clinics. The government should ensure continued funding for HIV and AIDS programs, she said.