The nation can look forward to an intensified government effort to prevent the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and fight the social stigma amid the imminent passage of a law.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement after lauding Congress for the ratification of the bicameral version of the proposed HIV-AIDS Policy Act.
“The Philippines made a significant milestone when the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the bill which aims to strengthen the existing policy on HIV/AIDS prevention in the country,” Roque said.
“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.
Roque also welcomed the ratification of the bill since he was the principal author of House Bill No. 253 when he served as Kabayan party-list representative.
The measure seeks to allocate more funds for HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment as well as improve access to healthcare services in communities.
He said the bill amends the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998. He noted that the alarming rise in HIV-AIDS cases highlighted the need for a comprehensive and updated legal framework addressing HIV and AIDS. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
