Manila, Dec. 9 -- 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 c...