By Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA
MANILA — The National Youth Commission (NYC) has thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for signing into law the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) Act.
NYC Assistant Secretary and Commissioner Victor del Rosario said the commission is “thankful to the President as an increasing number of HIV victims belong to the youth sector.”
“This law offers hope for future generations as this provides young Filipinos with proper information and services that will protect them from this epidemic,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Thursday.
Del Rosario added that those aged less than 18 years can now undergo HIV testing without parental consent.
“Moreover, we are elated that under this newly-signed law, the NYC sits as a permanent member to the Philippine National AIDS Council,” he said.
President Duterte signed the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act into law, five days before Christmas but only made the confirmation on Wednesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the law’s enactment and signing were “timely and relevant” following a report from the DOH, which showed that the Philippines has the highest percentage relative to the increase of new HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region from 2010 to 2016.
Panelo said the new law provides for the establishment of policies and programs to deliver proper treatment, care and support services to people living with HIVs (PLHIVs).
