Manila, Feb. 19 -- House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Jefferson Khonghun has filed a bill seeking to establish a comprehensive national framework for the early detection, intervention, lifelong care, and full societal inclusion of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Philippines.

House Bill 7878, or the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act, which was filed on Wednesday afternoon, formally recognizes persons with ASD as individuals with disabilities entitled to the full protection of their rights, dignity, and inherent worth under Philippine law.

The bill mandates the creation and implementation of a National Plan of Action for Autism Spectrum Disorder, to be led by the National Council on Disability Affair...