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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Mark Villar champions bill instituting national health program to combat lupus

Mark Villar champions bill instituting national health program to combat lupus

By MBrand
Published Aug 23, 2025 03:51 pm
Recognizing every Filipino’s right to accessible, efficient, and strengthened healthcare, Senator Mark A. Villar strongly pushed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 260, or the “Comprehensive Lupus Management and Treatment Act,” during yesterday’s Senate Committee on Health and Demography hearing.
In a heartfelt statement, Senator Villar shared that his commitment to advancing lupus-related legislation is deeply personal.
He was inspired by the courage and determination of his wife in her fight against lupus, Atty. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar
He recalled the challenges his wife faced because of the autoimmune disease: “Before, kinukwento niya po sa akin, ‘di pa niya alam na may Lupus siya– magkakaroon lang po siya ng symptoms, sumasakit po yung mga joints niya at nagkakaroon po siya ng pain sa katawan niya. Hindi niya po alam kung paano ipapagamot yung mga sintomas niya. It was only when she was diagnosed with Lupus na medyo guminhawa ang mga symptoms niya.”
Atty. Emmeline Villar also participated in the hearing as a resource speaker, recounting how her story of faith, resilience, and courage continues to inspire her fellow lupus warriors to live their fullest lives despite the challenges of this chronic illness.
During the committee hearing, Sen. Villar emphasized the importance of having a responsive national health program that will holistically support Filipino lupus warriors, underlining the need to include early detection and diagnosis as a part of Philhealth’s benefits.
“This law, if it passes, it will save lives. Because early diagnosis in the case of Lupus saves lives,” Villar underscored.
The bill will introduce vital strides toward creating a national health program that will provide support and assistance to lupus patients.
It aims to implement a nationwide lupus management program by creating a data and information directory about the disease.
Additionally, this will also introduce public and professional education initiatives through a month-long awareness campaign and the continuous training and education of health professionals.
Most importantly, this bill will allow Philhealth to cover lupus screening tests and diagnostic procedures.
Senator Villar stressed that the support for this bill will ensure the country’s path towards an inclusive healthcare system.
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