House of Representatives unanimously passes mental health bill on final reading

The Philippine House of Representatives voted to pass the Comprehensive Mental Health Act on its third and final reading yesterday.

House Bill 6452 would establish something the Philippines has never had — a national mental health policy. Namely, it is intended to ensure that every citizen has access to the “best available mental healthcare,” though it is unclear if additional funding for improved services will be addressed in the next national budget.

It also spells out the following rights of a person diagnosed with a mental illness:

1. “Humane treatment and respect for the inherent dignity of the person.”
2. It bans any forms of abuse and discrimination against a person with mental illness.
3. Guarantees the individual civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
4. Access to a socially inclusive treatment and rehabilitation “when possible.”
5. Access to information about their disorder or illness and options available to address it.
6. “To live and work in the community, to the extent that it is possible.”
7.  Access to legal representation.
8. Confidentiality of all information. Unless required under another law that information should be disclosed, a person has to give consent to divulge their records. That consent should not be given under pressure or threat.
9. Access to their own records unless a professional thinks that access would harm the patient and others.
10. An independent internal review body or the Commission on Human Rights should review complaints of patients whose records are withheld
11. No patient should be placed in solitary confinement.

The Department of Health (DOH) and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) are the main agencies tasked with implementing the law.

According to a Rappler report, the DOH is responsible for ensuring hospitals have adequate facilities and services for patients, while the CHR would handle complaints and ensure mental health institutions are not committing human rights violations.

Lawmaker and bill proponent Tom Villarin lauded the passage of the bill.

“This brings us a step closer towards tackling mental health issues not just as individuals, but as a society, given that social conditions significantly contribute to a person’s mental health and well-being,” he was quoted as saying in GMA News.

The bill will be consolidated in a bicameral meeting with the Senate later this year before it is handed to the president to sign into law.