Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday called for stronger, rights-based reforms in the country’s health system as the Senate Committee on Health and Demography opened its public hearing on measures addressing HIV, tuberculosis (TB), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).

Hontiveros said the country’s struggles with HIV, TB and ASD reflect deeper inequalities that continue to put vulnerable communities at risk.

Citing TB’s heavy toll, she said the disease claims an estimated 98 Filipino lives daily.

“HIV and TB reveal the same truth: disease thrives where inequality persists,” she said.

The Senate committee is pushing for stronger HIV programs, a decisive end-TB strategy, and comprehensive autism care including early diagnosis, inclusive education, community support and lifelong services.

The Philippines continues to record rising HIV cases; remains one of the world’s high-burden TB countries; and has seen autism prevalence grow significantly over the past decade, with many families struggling to access affordable therapies.

She said the country’s health reforms depend heavily on community-based workers such as BHWs, who are central to TB DOTS, HIV treatment adherence and local autism support initiatives.

With more than 251,000 BHWs nationwide — many still serving as volunteers — she said revisiting the Magna Carta of BHWs is essential to ensure fair compensation, stronger protection, and systemwide support for frontliners implementing universal healthcare.

“It isn’t just a labor bill — it is the backbone of universal healthcare,” she said, warning that reforms will remain “words on paper” without empowered and adequately supported BHWs. (PNA)