Malacañang hails bicam okay of proposed HIV-AIDS act

Presidential Spokesperson Hary Roque. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / JOAN BONDOC

Malacañang welcomed Thursday the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report HIV/AIDS Policy Act of 2018.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the “Philippines made a significant milestone” after the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the bill on Wednesday.

“This measure would strengthen the Universal Health Care (UHC) given that the UHC covers preventive health services.  Wala nang Pilipinong may HIV/AIDS ang magsasabi na hindi siya nabibigyan ng serbisyo at suportang pangkalusugan mula sa pamahalaan,” Roque said.

The Senate passed on third and final reading the landmark UHC Bill that would make primary health care services available to all Filipinos.

Roque, a principal author of House version of the bill, which amends the Philippine AIDS Prevention Act of 1998, said “the alarming rise in HIV/AIDS cases underscores the need for a comprehensive and updated legal framework addressing HIV and AIDS.”

“We can look forward to a society that is empowered to prevent, not only the spread of the disease, but also the stigma that comes with it,” he said. /cbb