Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

To 3482

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Alcohol abuse includes a wide range of hazardous drinking habits, from binge
drinking to alcohol dependence, and in the most severe situations, it can lead to both personal
health issues for the drinker as well as widespread social issues like alcohol-related crimes
Alcohol Abuse was a psychiatric diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders IV and has been merged with alcohol dependence into alcohol use disorder
in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5.

In the Philippines, data from the WHO indicated that almost 9% of the Philippines
population who are 15 years of age and older have an alcohol usc disorder. 25% of males and
8.3% of females are heavy episodic drinkers and in the recent survey conducted by the
Department of Health in assessing the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable
diseases, it was found out that alcohol harm was high among Filipinos. Data shows that 1 in 3
Filipinos reported high-risk and heavy alcohol use while consuming six or more alcoholic
beverages in one sitting. Clearly, alcohol abuse is a growing concer in the culture and social
life of Filipinos, aleohol dependence may lead to negative outcomes such as violence,
suicide, sexual and drug abuse.

Pursuant to Section 15, Article Il of the 1987 Constitution, “The State shall protect
and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.”
Furthermore, Section 11, Article XIII provides that “ The State shall adopt an integrated and
comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential
goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. There
shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women, and
children. The State shall endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers.””


In relation to the above-mentioned constitutional provisions, this bill seeks to
establish an accessible Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Alcohol Use Disorder to
provide free therapy and counseling in order to improve their quality of life and re-integrate
them in the community after treatment. It also provides for the collaboration between local
government units and concerned government agencies for its establishment.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Qos

CHARISSE ANNE C, HERNANDEZ
Representative
Lone District, Calamba City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

~ 3482

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez

AN ACT MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REHABILITATION
CENTER FOR PERSONS WITH ALCOHOL USE DISORDER PROVIDING FREE
THERAPY AND COUNSELING IN EVERY PROVINCE OF THE PHILIPPINES,
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

SECTION 1. There shall be established through the Department of Health (DOH), jointly
with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of
Interior Local Government (DILG), anc the concemed provincial government, a

Rehabilitation Center for Aleohol Abusers in every province in the country.

SEC. 2, The Provincial Governor, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and the
Secretary of Public Works and Highways, shall determine the location of each Rehabilitation
Center for Persons with Alcohol Use Disorder, taking into consideration its accessibility to

the residents of remote areas.

SEC. 3. The DOH, in coordination with the provincial government, shall exercise supervision

and control over each Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Alcohol Use Disorder.

SEC. 4. The Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Alcohol Use Disorder shall provide free

and accessible treatment and care to persons who committed abuse of alcohols. It shall


further make available a comprehensive social reintegration program and follow-up for

alcohol dependents to prepare them for re-integration in the community after treatment.

SEC. 5. Funding - the funds necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included
in the General Appropriations Act of the concemed government agencies as part of their

annual budget

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations - ‘he DOH, in consultation with the DSWD

and the DILG, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the

provisions of this Act.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause - All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and

regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with this ordinance are hereby amended, modified,

or repealed accordingly.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause - \f any provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional,

the other provisions not affected hereby shall remain valid and enforceable.

SEC. 9. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the

Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,