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20th CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO._______
Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne Hernandez 
Lone District of Calamba, Laguna
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Doctors, nurses and allied health medical professionals play focal role in nation building 
as they serve as stewards of health and the well-being of its citizenry. Their role goes 
beyond curing illnesses afflicting individuals and communities. They serve as crucial 
educators, advocates and indispensable frontliners at times when the welfare of the nation 
is inestimably threatened as what we have witnessed from the recent pandemic that 
tormented our country. Thus it is the responsibility of the government as well to ensure 
that  we  produce  generations  of  competent  health  workers,  by  ensuring  that  their 
education and training is supported and well regulated.
Anywhere around the world the long and arduous journey of producing doctors and allied 
health medical professionals begin with the most fundamental of all medical sciences, 
Anatomy - the study of the human body. Anatomical instructions all over the world 
would invariably utilize the study of human remains where we visualize, feel, experience 
and truly understand what we are made of. Cadavers would be revered as “Silent 
Teachers” for the wealth of knowledge that they will bequeath to future healers of man. 
In medicine there is a highly regarded dictum: “Mortui Vivos Docent” - The dead teaches 
the living.  For even upon death, we study what has curtailed life to improve it or delay 
the inevitable for future patients whom healthcare providers will treat.
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6:07 pm
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For as long as modern medicine exists, the scarcity of body donors remains a perpetual 
problem.  This is further complicated by socio-cultural norms, religion, and ethical issues. 
Over the years this scarcity challenged medical educators to use every possible synthetic 
materials to create models and mannequins to depict life-like renditions of the human 
body.  In our modern digital age, augmented and virtual reality developers claim to have 
remedied the absence of human cadavers. And yet, studies have shown that most students 
of anatomy prefer the intricacies that a true “silent mentor” provides. At best, all other 
forms of anatomical instructions previously mentioned only supplements true dissections 
and study of real anatomy provided by human remains. This is complicated by the fact, 
that full pledged physicians and specialists regularly go back to anatomy laboratories to 
simulate procedures and hone their skills on “silent teachers” to ensure patient safety.
Other countries have circumvented the scarcity of “silent teachers” by enacting laws 
regulating the donation of bodies for medical education and research.  This allowed the 
creation of organized body donation registry system that is ethical and transparent. 
Awareness campaign are regularly done with government support to emphasize how the 
ultimate philanthropy of bequeathing one’s body upon death will benefit the medical 
education and skills of their country’s healthcare professionals.  Universities and colleges 
who received donated bodies perform solemn ceremonies with the families of donors to 
commiserate the supreme sacrifice of their loved ones.  Such practices create a culture of 
altruism that truly fosters the advancement of science of medicine that translates to 
patient safety and a healthy nation.
The recent pandemic saw the dire need to create more doctors for the Filipino citizenry. 
It took a scourge for us to address a long standing dilemma that six out of ten sick 
Filipinos die without seeing a doctor.  Republic Act 11509, also known as “Doktor Para 
sa Bayan Act” was created as a long term solution to our healthcare poverty.  Now we 
have to make sure that we produce competent and compassionate doctors.  We need to 
start on the right foot.  We need to provide existing medical schools and the new State 
Universities and Colleges of Medicine the best anatomical instructions for the most 
fundamental subject that all aspiring doctors will start with-Anatomy, and the same 
instructions from which they will hone and simulate their skills when they are full 
fledged physicians- our “silent teachers.” 
The “Silent Mentors Teachers Act” would undoubtedly compliment if not assure the 
success of Republic Act 11509, and provide the Filipino nation with competent and 
skilled healthcare providers.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
HON. CHARISSE ANNE HERNANDEZ
  Calamba, Lone District


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20th CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO._______
Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne Hernandez 
Lone District of Calamba, Laguna
AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE LEGACY OR DONATION OF HUMAN BODIES 
AND BODY PARTS AFTER DEATH FOR HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION, 
TRAINING, RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Silent Teachers Act".
Section 2.  Declaration of State Policy - Recognizing the paramount importance of 
advancing medical education, research, and training, it is hereby declared as a matter of 
state policy to uphold and facilitate the donation of human bodies and body parts for 
educational, scientific, and research purposes. This policy aims to foster a culture of 
altruism and voluntary service towards the betterment of health sciences and healthcare 
services, ensuring that such donations contribute significantly to the enhancement of 
knowledge, skills, and competencies of medical and allied health students and medical 
and allied health professionals.
Section 3. Objectives - In furtherance of this policy, the following are the objectives of 
this act:
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a) Health  Sciences  Education  and  Training:  Silent  teachers  provide  invaluable 
opportunities for medical and allied health students, residents, and healthcare 
professionals to learn human anatomy, surgical techniques, and procedural skills 
in a hands-on manner. 
b) Advancing Health Research: Bodies donated for educational purposes can also be 
used  in  health  research,  helping  scientists  and  researchers  to  explore  new 
treatments, understand diseases, and improve existing medical procedures. 
c) Promoting  Ethical  Practices:  The  use  of  donated  bodies  emphasizes  the 
importance of ethics in health sciences education and research. Students learn to 
respect  the  dignity  and  generosity  of  donors,  fostering  a  sense  of  empathy, 
compassion, ethical conduct, and professionalism that they carry into their health 
care practices.
d) Enhancing Public Health Awareness: The act of body donation itself helps raise 
awareness about the importance of contributing to health sciences education and 
research. It can encourage discussions about public health, the need for medical 
advancements, and the altruistic impact of donation.
e) Alleviating the Scarcity of Donors: In many regions, there is a scarcity of willed-
body donors available for health sciences education and research. Encouraging 
body donation helps address this gap, ensuring that educational institutions have 
the necessary resources and instructions to train future healthcare professionals.
f) Regulate  and  Standardize  Procedures:  Establish  clear,  transparent,  and 
standardized  procedures  for  the  donation  process,  including  consent, 
documentation,  handling,  preservation,  memorial  recognition  of  the  silent 
teachers, and eventual burial, ensuring ethical practices and legal compliance.
g) Protect Donors and Families: Ensure the rights, privacy, and wishes of donors and 
their  families  are  protected  throughout  the  donation  process.  This  includes 
providing  comprehensive  information  about  the  donation  process,  ensuring 
informed consent, and respecting any conditions or limitations set forth by the 
donors.
h) Facilitate Access and Equity: Ensure equitable access to donated bodies and body 
parts for all educational and research institutions, prioritizing usage based on 
educational, research, and societal needs without discrimination.
i) Review and Oversight: Assign a regulatory body to oversee, review, and enforce 
the standards and procedures related to human bodies and body parts donations, 
ensuring compliance with this policy and addressing any issues or grievances that 
may arise.
Section 4. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act the following terms shall mean:
a) "College Mortuary" - a facility licensed, accredited or approved under the law for 
embalming, storage, preservation and maintenance of  human bodies or  parts 
thereof.


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b) "Death" - the irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions or the 
irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem. 
A person shall be medically and legally dead if either:
(1) In the opinion of the attending physician, based on the acceptable standards 
of medical practice, there is an absence of natural respiratory and cardiac 
functions and, attempts at resuscitation would not be successful in restoring 
those functions. In this case, death shall be deemed to have occurred at the 
time these functions ceased; or
(2) In the opinion of the consulting physician, concurred in by the attending 
physician, that on the basis of acceptable standards of medical practice, 
there is an irreversible cessation of all brain functions; and considering the 
absence of such functions, further attempts at resuscitation or continued 
supportive maintenance would not be successful in resorting such natural 
functions. In this case, death shall be deemed to have occurred at the time 
when these conditions first appeared.
The death of the person shall be determined in accordance with the acceptable 
standards of medical practice and shall be diagnosed separately by the attending 
physician and another consulting physician, both of whom must be appropriately 
qualified and suitably experienced in the care of such parties. The death shall be 
recorded in the patient's medical record.
c) "Decedent" - a deceased individual, and includes a still-born infant or fetus.
d) "Donor" - an individual authorized under this Act to donate all or part of the body 
of a decedent.
e) "Physician" or "Surgeon" - a physician or surgeon licensed or authorized to 
practice medicine under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.
f) “Reasonable Efforts”-  for the purpose of this Act, refers to looking for the 
immediate family or relatives of a deceased. It refers to the diligence of a good 
father  of  a  family  that  a  responsible  party,  such  as  a  hospital,  morgue,  or 
government agency, is expected to exert to locate and inform next of kin about the 
death. The following actions are generally accepted as part of making reasonable 
efforts:
(1) Use of Available Information: Utilizing any contact information or personal 
details available from the deceased's possessions, records, or documents to 
reach out to potential family members or relatives.
(2) Public Records and Databases: Searching through public records, online 
databases,  social  media,  or  other  digital  platforms  that  might  help  in 
identifying and locating the next of kin.
(3) Notices  and  Announcements:  Placing  notices  conspicuously  in  public 
places, announcements, or advertisements in local newspapers, online, or in 
other media outlets that could reach family members who are unaware of 
the death.


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(4) Law Enforcement and Public Agencies: Contacting local law enforcement, 
social  services,  or  other  relevant  public  agencies  that  might  assist  in 
identifying or locating the deceased's relatives.
(5) Community and Social Networks: Inquiring within the deceased's known 
community, workplace, or social network that might provide leads on 
relatives' whereabouts.
(6) Time and Persistence: Reasonable efforts also imply a certain level of 
persistence over time, meaning that a single attempt may not be sufficient, 
especially if initial attempts are unsuccessful.
(7) Documentation: Keeping detailed records of all attempts and actions taken 
to locate the next of kin, including dates, methods of communication, and 
responses received.
The term "reasonable" acknowledges that while exhaustive measures may not 
always be feasible, the efforts should be meaningful and proactive, reflecting a 
genuine attempt to fulfill the obligation of notifying the next of kin within the 
constraints of the situation.
g) "Registry" - Human Body Donation Registry established by the Department of 
Health (DOH) in conjunction with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 
which shall serve as the official repository for all records of human bodies and 
body parts donations across the nation.
h) "Testator" - an individual who makes a legacy of all or part of his body.
Section 5. Person Who May Execute A Legacy. – Any individual, at least eighteen (18) 
years of age and of sound mind, may give by way of legacy, to take effect after his death, 
all or part of his body for any purpose specified in this Act.
Section 6. Person Who May Execute a Donation. – Any of the following, person, in the 
order stated hereunder, in the absence of actual notice of contrary intentions by the 
decedent or actual notice of opposition by a member of the immediate family of the 
decedent, may donate all or any part of the decedent's body for any purpose specified in 
this Act:
a) Spouse/Common law partner/Social partner;
b) Son or daughter of legal age;
c) Either parent;
d) Brother or sister of legal age; or
e) Legal guardian over the person of the decedent at the time of his death.
The persons authorized by under this section may make the donation after or immediately 
before death.


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Section 7. Persons Who May Become Legatees or Donees. – Only state universities and 
colleges that host a college mortuary, duly approved and accredited by the Department of 
Health (DOH) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), are eligible to receive 
human bodies or parts thereof as legatees or donees, in accordance with the provisions of 
this Act. 
It is the responsibility of both the Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on 
Higher Education (CHED) to ensure an equitable distribution to different educational 
institutions of donated human bodies or parts thereof across the Philippine archipelago, 
specifically targeting the regions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This distribution 
must be thoughtfully aligned with the demand and needs of educational and research 
institutions within these regions, ensuring a fair and proportionate allocation based on the 
requirements for health sciences education, research, and scientific exploration.
Furthermore, the state universities and colleges designated under this section shall also 
assume the role of a central distributor, tasked with the equitable distribution of human 
bodies and parts thereof to other educational institutions. This role encompasses ensuring 
that the donations are utilized effectively for health sciences education, research, and 
scientific purposes, thereby maximizing the benefit of these valuable resources for the 
advancement of health sciences and education across the country.
Section 8. Transfer and Preservation of Unclaimed Bodies - Unclaimed bodies located 
at  hospitals,  funeral  homes,  government  institutions  or  private  organizations  are 
mandated to be transferred to a designated state universities and colleges as stipulated in 
Section  7  of  this  Act.  This  transfer  should  occur  after  a  period  specified  by  the 
Department of Health (DOH), provided that due diligence and reasonable efforts have 
been made to locate or notify the deceased's next of kin or relatives, yet the body remains 
unclaimed. Comprehensive details of the deceased must be duly recorded in the registry 
provided in Section 9 of this Act. 
Further, the state universities and colleges, in collaboration with local law enforcement 
agencies,  are  hereby  mandated  to  diligently  ensure  that  all  reasonable  efforts  are 
undertaken to locate and duly inform  the next of  kin regarding the  demise of  an 
individual.
Furthermore,  hospitals,  funeral  homes,  and  government  institutions  are  required  to 
undertake necessary measures to ensure the preservation of the body, maintaining its 
condition for educational or research purposes.
Lastly, for unclaimed human bodies, the receiving educational institution is mandated 
that a burial mass or equivalent ceremonial service be conducted to duly honor and 
respect the deceased. This ceremony should be performed in accordance with the general 
religious or cultural practices prevalent in the area where the body was found or in a 


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manner deemed respectful and dignified, taking into account the potential beliefs of the 
deceased to the extent they can be reasonably inferred. This requirement underscores the 
commitment to treat all individuals with reverence in death, recognizing the inherent 
dignity of every person.
Section 9. Silent Teachers Registry – A Silent Teachers Registry shall be established by 
the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with the Commission on Higher 
Education (CHED). The Registry shall serve as the official repository for all records of 
human body donations across the nation. This includes, but is not limited to, donations 
made by individuals, next of kin, or legal representatives, expressly for the purposes of 
health sciences education, research, and scientific advancement.
Furthermore, all bodies that remain unclaimed within hospitals and various institutions, 
and are subsequently designated for use in health sciences education, research, or for 
scientific purposes, must be duly registered within the Registry. The inclusion of such 
unclaimed bodies in the Registry is imperative to ensure transparency, accountability, and 
the ethical use of human remains within the medical and scientific communities.
The  Registry's  creation  and  maintenance  shall  be  guided  by  stringent  protocols  to 
safeguard the dignity and privacy of the donors and the sanctity of the donations, 
ensuring  all  procedures  are  in  strict  compliance  with  prevailing  legal  and  ethical 
standards. The Department of Health (DOH) shall oversee the operation of the Registry, 
ensuring its integrity, accuracy, and accessibility to authorized entities, in accordance 
with the laws and regulations governing human body donation and utilization in the 
Philippines.
Section 10. Contents of the Registry. - The Human Body Donation Registry, serves as a 
critical tool for organizing and overseeing the donation of human bodies for educational 
and  research  purposes.  To  fulfill  its  role  effectively,  the  registry  must  contain 
comprehensive and detailed information that ensures transparency, accountability, and 
respect for the donors and their contributions. The Department of Health (DOH) reserves 
the right to append additional pertinent information as deemed necessary. Nonetheless, 
the subsequent details are deemed indispensable for inclusion in the Body Donation 
Registry:
a) Donor Identification Information
a. Full name of the donor
b. Date of birth
c. Gender
d. National identification number (if applicable)
e. Contact information (prior to death, if self-registered)
b) Donor Consent Details:
a. A copy of the signed consent form for the donation


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b. Specific conditions or restrictions placed by the donor on the use of their 
body or body parts based on the donor’s preference, religious, cultural 
beliefs
c. Date of consent
c) Legal Next-of-Kin or Authorized Representative Information (if the donation was 
made posthumously):
d) Medical History:
a. Relevant medical history of the donor that may impact the educational or 
research use of the donation
b. Known diseases or conditions, especially those that could pose a risk to 
handlers (e.g., infectious diseases)
e) Death Details:
a. Date and time of death
b. Cause of death (if known)
c. Location of death
f) Donation Details:
a. Type of donation (whole body or specific parts)
b. Intended purpose of donation (educational, research, etc.)
c. Date of donation
g) Receipt and Handling:
a. Date of receipt by the educational or research institution
b. Method of body preservation and storage details
c. Inventory number or other identification used internally by the institution
h) Utilization Record:
a. Details of how and when the body or body parts were used
b. Names of educational or research programs that utilized the donation
c. Duration of use
i) Final Disposition:
a. Method of final disposition (cremation, burial, etc.)
b. Date and location of final disposition
c. If returned to the family, details of the recipient
j) Institutional Information:
a. Name and contact details of the institution receiving the donation
b. Name(s) of the responsible personnel overseeing the donation
k) Memorial Recognition - An option shall be provided for the testator or donor to 
specify their preferences regarding the recognition of their body or the memorial 
recognition post-donation. This option will allow the testator or donor to detail any 
beliefs, customs, or traditions they wish to be observed in association with their 
donation. Such preferences may include, but are not limited to, specific ceremonial 
rites, religious practices, cultural rituals, or any form of acknowledgment that 
aligns with their personal beliefs and values. The responsible institution will make 
reasonable efforts to honor these wishes, insofar as they comply with legal, 
ethical, and practical considerations. This provision ensures that the dignity of the 


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donor  is  maintained  and  that  their  final  wishes  are  respected,  reflecting  a 
personalized approach to the donation process.
This comprehensive dataset not only facilitates the ethical and legal use of donated 
bodies but also ensures that the wishes of the donors and their families are respected 
throughout  the  process.  Furthermore,  it  aids  in  the  administrative  and  educational 
planning of institutions, ensuring that donations are used effectively and responsibly for 
the advancement of health sciences and education.
Section 11. Documentation and Declaration of Intent for Body Donation in Death 
Certificates. – Should the donation of a human body or any of its parts be effectuated 
through legacy, donation or transfer pursuant to Sections 5, 6 and 8 of this Act, such 
donation shall be unequivocally indicated on the Death Certificate of the decedent.
It shall be incumbent upon the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to ensure that the 
death certificate specifies whether the decedent's body, or any part thereof, is designated 
for use in health education, research, or scientific purposes, or if any organ or part of the 
body is intended for organ transplantation in accordance with Republic Act No. 7170, 
also known as the "Organ Donation Act of 1991”.
Furthermore, it is the explicit responsibility of the attending physician, who is to sign the 
death certificate, to ascertain and communicate to the decedent's relatives or family the 
decedent's or the relatives' expressed intent for the body, or any part thereof, to be 
donated for medical education, research, or scientific purposes, or for any organ or part of 
the body to be utilized for organ transplantation under the auspices of Republic Act No. 
7170, known as the "Organ Donation Act of 1991”.
Section 12. Examination of Human Body or Part Thereof . – A donation of all or part 
of a human body provided in Sections 5, 6 and 8 of this Act authorizes any examination 
necessary to assure medical acceptability of the legacy or donation for the purpose(s) 
intended.
Section 13. Duty of the Receiving State Universities and Colleges. – Hospitals and 
educational institutions that receive body donations carry a profound responsibility to 
uphold these duties, recognizing the invaluable gift made by donors to the advancement 
of medical science and education.
The hospital or educational institution mentioned in Section 7 who shall receive the body 
shall assume a range of duties to ensure ethical handling, respect for the donor and their 
family,  and  compliance  with  legal  and  regulatory  standards.  These  responsibilities 
encompass both the technical aspects of handling the body and the ethical obligations to 
the donor's memory and intentions.


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a) Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Ensure all actions are in 
strict compliance with national and local laws and regulations governing body 
donation, including obtaining necessary permissions and ensuring the body is 
suitable for donation based on health and legal criteria.
b) Informed  Consent  Verification:  Confirm  that  informed  consent  was  properly 
obtained from the donor or their legal next-of-kin, including documentation that 
the donor willingly consented to the donation of their body for educational or 
research purposes. 
c) Dignity and Respect: Treat the donated body with the utmost respect and dignity 
throughout its use. This includes careful embalming, handling, storage, disposition 
and final burial of the body in accordance with the wishes of the donor and ethical 
practices.
d) Proper  Handling  and  Preservation:  The  educational  institution  authorized  in 
Section 7 to receive human bodies or parts thereof shall train or employ qualified 
personnel to handle the task of preserving the bodies or parts thereof in a humane 
and delicate manner. The authorized state college or university under Section 7 
and the receiving educational institution must employ appropriate techniques for 
the preservation, storage, and handling of the body to maintain its suitability for 
educational or research purposes. 
e) Confidentiality: Protect the privacy and confidentiality of the donor's personal and 
medical information, sharing details only as necessary and within the bounds of 
legal and ethical guidelines
f) Use for Intended Purpose: Ensure that the body is used solely for health sciences 
education, surgical training, or research. The use of the body for any other purpose 
should be strictly prohibited unless explicit consent has been obtained.
g) Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed records regarding the receipt, use, 
and final disposition of the donated body. This includes tracking its utilization in 
educational or research activities and any findings or advancements facilitated by 
the donation.
h) Communication with Families: Provide clear and compassionate communication 
with the donor's family, offering information about the use and significance of the 
donation, and respecting any requests for information or updates within the bounds 
of confidentiality agreements.
i) Ethical Use: Ensure that the use of the body in educational and research settings 
adheres to the highest ethical standards, including respect for the body during 
dissection or study, and avoidance of any actions that would demean the donor's 
gift.
j) Proper Disposition: After the body has served its educational or research purpose, 
ensure it is disposed of in a respectful and dignified manner, in accordance with 
the wishes of the donor and their family, and in compliance with legal and ethical 
guidelines. This may include cremation and returning the ashes to the family, or 
burial in a designated location.


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k) Acknowledgment and Gratitude: Acknowledge the generous contribution of the 
donor (and their family) towards advancing medical education and research, which 
may include ceremonies, memorials, or other forms of recognition to honor the 
donors.
Section 14. Enhancement of Embalming Competency for Educational and Research 
Purposes. – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in 
collaboration with DOH, shall guarantee the provision of accredited training programs for 
Licensed  Embalmers.  This  initiative  aims  to  ensure  an  adequate  supply  of  skilled 
professionals capable of employing the requisite techniques for the preservation, storage, 
and  handling  of  cadavers,  thereby  maintaining  their  suitability  for  educational  and 
research purposes across all college mortuaries and recipient educational institutions.
Section 15. Manner of Executing a Legacy. – Legacy of all or part of the human body 
under Section 5 hereof may be made by will. The legacy becomes effective upon the 
death of the testator without waiting for probate of the will. If the will is not probated, or 
if it is declared invalid for testamentary purposes, the legacy, to the extent that it was 
executed in good faith, is nevertheless valid and effective.
A legacy of all or part of the human body under Section 3 hereof may also be made in 
any document other than a will. The legacy becomes effective upon death of the testator 
and shall be respected by and binding upon his executor or administrator, heirs, assigns, 
successors-in-interest and all members of the family. The testator must register his intent 
under Section 9 of this Act. The document, which may be a card or any paper designed to 
be carried on a person, must be signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses 
who must sign the document in his presence. If the testator cannot sign, the document 
may be signed for him at his discretion and in his presence, in the presence of two 
witnesses who must, likewise, sign the document in the presence of the testator. Delivery 
of the document of legacy during the testator's lifetime is not necessary to make the 
legacy valid.
The testator may designate in his will, registry, card or other document, the state college 
or university or educational institution which will benefit from the legacy. In the absence 
of a designation, or if the designee is not available, the human body or parts thereof shall 
be assigned to the state college or university in the region where he resides.
Section 16. Manner of Executing a Donation. – Any donation by a person authorized 
under Section 6 hereof shall be sufficient if it complies with the formalities of a donation 
of a movable property.
In the absence of any of the persons specified under Section 4 hereof and in the absence 
of any document of human body or organ donation, the physician in charge of the patient, 
the head of the hospital or a designated officer of the hospital who has custody of the 


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body of the deceased classified as accident, trauma, or other medico-legal cases, may 
authorize in a public document the transfer of the body provided in Section 8 hereof. 
Provided, that the physician, head of hospital or officer designated by the hospital for this 
purpose has exerted reasonable efforts, within a period provided by the DOH, to locate 
the nearest relative listed in Section 4 hereof at the time of death.
In all donations, the death of a person whose body will be transferred to state colleges or 
universities under Section 7 hereof for the purposes provided in this Act must comply 
with the requirements set forth in Section 9 of this Act.
Section 17. Amendment or Revocation of Legacy or Donation. – The testator or donor 
may amend or revoke the legacy or donation either by:
a) The execution and delivery to the legatee or donee of a signed statement to that 
effect; 
b) Cancelling his or her record from the registry; 
c) An oral statement to that effect made in the presence of two other persons and 
communicated to the legatee or donee; 
d) A statement to that effect during a terminal illness or injury addressed to an 
attending physician and communicated to the legatee or donee; 
e) A signed card or document to that effect found on the person or effects of the 
testator or donor; or
f) Any legacy made by a will may also be amended or revoked in the manner 
provided for amendment or revocation of wills in accordance with our Laws on 
Succession.
Section 18.  Provision for Allocation of Cemetery Space for Unclaimed Bodies. - It is 
hereby mandated that all public cemeteries in coordination with the receiving state 
universities and colleges, designate and allocate a specific section solely for the burial of 
unclaimed bodies. The designated area shall be maintained in a manner that respects the 
dignity of the deceased, with appropriate markers or memorials that honor the memory of 
those interred within.
The management of public cemeteries shall work in coordination with local government 
units and relevant agencies to facilitate the burial process, ensuring that each unclaimed 
body is afforded a dignified final resting place. This provision aims to uphold the 
principle of respect for the deceased, irrespective of their status in life or circumstances in 
death, and to address the public health and social responsibility towards unclaimed 
bodies.
All public cemeteries, upon the burial of unclaimed bodies, are required to meticulously 
record detailed burial information in the designated national or local registry. This 
information must include, but is not limited to, the identification (if known) or a detailed 


14
description of the deceased, the date of burial, the specific location of the grave within 
the cemetery and any ceremonies or rites performed in accordance with this provision.
Section 19.  Exemption of Burial Charges for State Universities or Colleges. -  In 
recognition of the invaluable contribution made by Silent Teachers to state universities or 
colleges for the advancement of health sciences education, local government units shall 
waive all burial fees for the interment of such unclaimed bodies. This waiver is a gesture 
of gratitude towards the deceased for their noble act of heroism and selflessness in 
offering their bodies to further medical science and education.
The exemption of burial charges applies to all public cemeteries under the jurisdiction of 
local government units and is intended to alleviate financial burdens on educational 
institutions, thereby encouraging the continuation and support of programs that rely on 
anatomical donations.
Local  government  units,  in  collaboration  with  state  universities  and  colleges,  shall 
establish procedures to facilitate this exemption, ensuring that the process is conducted 
smoothly  and  with  respect  for  the  donors'  contributions  to  society.  This  provision 
underscores the collective responsibility to honor and recognize the significant impact of 
body donors on the development of medical science and healthcare education.
Section 20. Immunity from Liability for Good Faith Donation. – Any person who acts 
in good faith in accordance with the terms of this Act shall not be liable for damages in 
any civil action or subject to prosecution in any criminal proceeding of this Act.
Section 21. Public Awareness and Education Campaign.  – To maximize the societal 
benefits of this Act, the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with relevant 
government agencies, funeral homes, public and private educational institutions and 
hospitals, is hereby mandated to implement a nationwide public information campaign.
The Health Secretary shall engage and encourage health professionals from both the 
public and private sectors to actively promote the donation of human bodies, as stipulated 
by this Act, for the advancement of health sciences education, research, and scientific 
study.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is designated to lead an educational campaign 
targeting all individuals engaged in the application or renewal of driver's licenses. This 
program is intended to educate them about the option to voluntarily consent to the 
donation of their bodies, in whole or in part, for the purposes of medical education, 
research, or scientific study, or to permit organ donation in accordance with Republic Act 
No. 7170, also known as the “Organ Donation Act of 1991.” The LTO shall ensure that 
such  consensual agreements are  conspicuously recorded  on  the  individual's  driver's 


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license card. Moreover, it is imperative that these consents are accurately entered into the 
registry under Section 9 of this Act to maintain up-to-date and comprehensive records.
Insurance companies, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and entities offering 
memorial plans are similarly obligated to conduct informational campaigns to inform 
policyholders about the options for body or organ donation in line with Republic Act No. 
7170. Such preferences must be systematically documented in the registry under Section 
9 of this Act, ensuring the registry’s accuracy and the timely update of records, thus 
upholding the integrity and functional efficacy of the system.
Section 22. Prohibition on the Sale of Human Cadavers. – The sale, trade, or any form 
of commercial transaction involving human cadavers is unequivocally prohibited and 
shall be deemed a criminal offense. This prohibition extends to all persons, entities, and 
circumstances, without exception.
To enforce this provision, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is hereby expressly 
mandated to diligently investigate, apprehend, and facilitate the prosecution of any 
individual or group found to be engaging in or facilitating the sale of human cadavers. 
The PNP shall deploy all necessary resources and employ a proactive approach in 
identifying,  monitoring,  and  dismantling  networks  or  operations  that  violate  this 
prohibition.
Furthermore, the PNP is tasked with collaborating with other relevant agencies and 
entities to ensure comprehensive enforcement of this provision, including but not limited 
to, conducting awareness campaigns to inform the public of the legal implications of such 
activities and establishing mechanisms for the public to report suspected violations.
PENALTIES
Section 23. Unauthorized Sale or Purchase. – The unauthorized sale or purchase of 
human bodies or parts thereof for the purpose of this act and engaging in the sale or 
purchase of human bodies or body parts for profit, contrary to the non-commercialization 
principle of organ and body donation shall be penalized by imprisonment of 17 years 4 
months and 1 day to 20 years, with accessory penalty of civil interdiction during the 
period of the sentence as the case may be, and perpetual absolute disqualification and a 
fine of Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more than Two million 
pesos (Php2,000,000.00) without prejudice to damages that may be awarded to the 
bereaved family.
Section 24. Misrepresentation or Fraud. - Falsely representing oneself as authorized to 
consent to the donation of another person’s body or body parts, or providing false 
information  regarding  the  donor's  medical  or  social  history  shall  be  penalized  by 
imprisonment of 17 years 4 months and 1 day to 20 years, with accessory penalty of civil 


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interdiction during the period of the sentence as the case may be, and perpetual absolute 
disqualification and a fine of Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more 
than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) without prejudice to damages that may be 
awarded to the bereaved family.
Section 25.  Forgery. - Forging consent documents or altering or fabricating medical 
records  to  facilitate  unauthorized  body  or  organ  donation  shall  be  penalized  by 
imprisonment of 17 years 4 months and 1 day to 20 years, with accessory penalty of civil 
interdiction during the period of the sentence as the case may be, and perpetual absolute 
disqualification and a fine of Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more 
than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) without prejudice to damages that may be 
awarded to the bereaved family.
Section  26.  Improper  Handling  or  Disposal. -  Mishandling,  improper  storage,  or 
disposal of donated bodies or body parts, leading to desecration or disrespect of donor 
remains shall be penalized by imprisonment of 4 years, 2 months and 1 day to 6 years 
and a fine of One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00) but not more than Five 
hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000.00) without prejudice to damages that may be 
awarded to the bereaved family.
Section 27.  Violation of Donor Intent. - Utilizing donated bodies or body parts for 
purposes other than those explicitly consented to by the donor or the donor’s legal 
representatives shall be penalized by imprisonment of 17 years 4 months and 1 day to 20 
years, with accessory penalty of civil interdiction during the period of the sentence as the 
case may be, and perpetual absolute disqualification and a fine of Five hundred thousand 
pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) without 
prejudice to damages that may be awarded to the bereaved family.
Section 28. Interference with Donor Registration. - Intentionally altering, destroying, or 
falsifying donor registration records or consent forms shall be penalized by imprisonment 
of 17 years 4 months and 1 day to 20 years, with accessory penalty of civil interdiction 
during  the  period  of  the  sentence  as  the  case  may  be,  and  perpetual  absolute 
disqualification and a fine of Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more 
than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) without prejudice to damages that may be 
awarded to the bereaved family.
Section  29. Disclosure  of  Confidential  Information. -  Unauthorized  disclosure  of 
personal or medical information of donors and potential donors, breaching confidentiality 
agreements shall be penalized by imprisonment of 4 years, 2 months and 1 day to 6 years 
and a fine of One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00) but not more than Five 
hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000.00) without prejudice to damages that may be 
awarded to the bereaved family.


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Section  30. Unlawful  Acquisition.  -  Acquiring  human  bodies  or  body  parts  from 
unauthorized sources or without proper consent shall be penalized by imprisonment of 17 
years 4 months and 1 day to 20 years, with accessory penalty of civil interdiction during 
the period of the sentence as the case may be, and perpetual absolute disqualification and 
a fine of Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more than Two million 
pesos (Php2,000,000.00) without prejudice to damages that may be awarded to the 
bereaved family.
Section 31. Failure to Maintain Registry Integrity. - Neglecting or failing to accurately 
maintain, update, or secure the body donation registry, leading to misuse or misallocation 
of donated bodies or organs shall be penalized by imprisonment of 4 years, 2 months and 
1 day to 6 years and a fine of One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00) but not more 
than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000.00) without prejudice to damages that 
may be awarded to the bereaved family.
Section  32. Non-compliance  with  Reporting  Requirements. -  Failing  to  report 
donations, transplants, or other relevant activities as required by law, leading to a lack of 
transparency and accountability organs shall be penalized by imprisonment of 4 years, 2 
months and 1 day to 6 years and a fine of One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00) 
but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000.00) without prejudice to 
damages that may be awarded to the bereaved family.
Section 33. Failure to observe reasonable efforts to locate immediate family. – Failure 
to observe diligence and reasonable effort to locate the immediate family or relatives of a 
deceased person shall be penalized by imprisonment of 4 years, 2 months and 1 day to 6 
years and a fine of One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00) but not more than Five 
hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000.00) without prejudice to damages that may be 
awarded to the bereaved family.
Section 34. Rules and Regulations. – The Secretary of Health, after consultation with all 
health  professionals,  both  government  and  private,  and  non-government  health 
organizations shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary or proper 
to implement this Act.
Section 35. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, ordinances, rules and regulations, 
executive or administrative orders, and other presidential issuance inconsistent with this 
Act, are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
Section  36. Separability  Clause. –  The  provisions  of  this  Act  are  hereby  deemed 
separable. If any provision hereof should be declared invalid or unconstitutional, the 
remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.


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Section 27. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved.