To address mental health problems, Sotto filed Senate Bill 9 that aims to incorporate and institutionalize comprehensive mental health services into the national health system in the Philippines. Senate Bill 9, or the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2016, will provide accessible, affordable and equitable mental health care especially to the poor and high-risk population. Under Section 6 of the measure, government health agencies shall ensure a safe, therapeutic and hygienic environment with sufficient privacy in mental health facilities and shall be responsible for the licensing, monitoring and assessment of all mental health facilities. Sotto’s bill also calls for the establishment of the Philippine Mental Health Council as an attached agency under the DOH. The council will provide a coherent, rational, and unified response to mental health problems though the implementation of the national mental health care delivery system.

Source: Manila Times October 09, 2016 17:26 UTC