SEN. Bong Go backed a measure that seeks to create a National Health Program to Combat Systemic Lupus Disease, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, prompt treatment and expanded financial coverage to address delayed detection and severe complications among patients. Serving as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and a co-sponsor of the bill, Go outlined the extent of lupus cases in the country, the challenges in identifying the disease, the initiatives already undertaken by the health committee and the specific role of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) under the proposed program. “I stand in support of this measure establishing a National Health Program to Combat Systemic Lupus Disease,” Go said. Citing available data, the senator underscored that lupus affects an estimated 30 to 50 Filipinos per 100,000 population, stressing that these figures represent individuals coping daily with a chronic and unpredictable illness. He pointed to symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, organ damage and sudden flare-ups as part of the difficult reality faced by patients. Go said lupus is frequently diagnosed late because its symptoms resemble those of other diseases, earning it the description of a “mimicker disease.” Without sufficient awareness and proper diagnostic tools, he said, many patients only learn they have lupus after significant damage has occurred. Given these challenges, the senator highlighted the importance of early intervention in shaping health policy. He noted that lupus was the first issue tackled by the Senate Committee on Health at the opening of the 20th Congress, reflecting the panel’s commitment to addressing the disease.