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Republic of the Philippines fs ere
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ; PEt

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Quezon City

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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1037

Introduced by HONORABLE FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ =

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish a drug rehabilitation center in Palo, Leyte

Drug abuse and addiction has already become prevalent not only in Metro
Manila but also in provinces and other highly-urbanized areas of the country.
Moreover, the incidence of crime, particularly drug-related crimes, is increasing all
over the country. Citizens are continuously being victimized by these dangerous
substances, either as users or victims of crimes committed by users.

It is the duty of the State to provide rehabilitation for those hooked on these
dangerous substances. There is a need for them to be rehabilitated, especially if
there is extreme abuse, so as to avoid the psychological, legal, financial, social and
physical consequences. Their welfare is often overlooked because most of our
efforts are focused on nabbing the pushers and perpetrators

The establishment of the Palo Drug Rehabilitation Center is imperative in
order to address drug-related problems within the province especially the First
District of Leyte, It is in this facility that people involved in and affected by drug-
related problems will be given the opportunity to battle their addiction, reform and be
brought back to society's fold

Considering the merits of this Bill, its early approval is earnestly requested

FERDINAND M. Nhs


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1037

Introduced by Hon. FERDINAND MARTIN G, ROMUALDEZ

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A DRUG REHABILITATION CENTER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
PALO, IN THE PROVINCE OF LEYTE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE PALO DRUG
REHABILITATION CENTER AND ALLOCATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1, Declaration of Policy. - There shall be established a drug
rehabilitation center in the Municipality of Palo, in the Province of Leyte, to be known
as the Palo Drug Rehabilitation Center that be responsible for the handling and
implementation of programs for the rehabilitation of drug addicts and other drug-
related cases within the Province of Leyte.

SECTION 2. Objectives and Functions. - The Center shall have the following
objectives and functions:

a. To provide care, treatment and accommodation to persons found to be drug
dependents;

b. To bring a drug dependent to a state where he is physically, psychologically
and socially capable of coping with problems common to his peer group:

c. To facilitate and encourage the dissemination and exchange of ideas and
information on the prevention, care, treatment and control of drug addiction
and abuse;

d. To provide after-care, follow-up and social reintegration services to enable
drug dependent to adjust to family and community life after his release;

@ To encourage the formation of organizations, associations or groups
composed of parents, guardians and immediate relatives of drug dependents


in order to incite their awareness and enhance their participation in the care,
treatment and rehabilitation of their relatives or wards found to be drug-
dependent patients;

f. To undertake continuous training of physicians, nurses, health officers,
psychologists and social workers on the practical and scientific methods of

prevention, care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons found to be drug
dependents;

g. To strengthen the emotional and spiritual make-up of an individual drug
dependent by conducting regular guidance and counselling sessions as well
interdominated church services.

SECTION 3. Organization. - The Center shall be headed by a Director who shall
be appointed by the Secretary of Health and vested with powers generally exercised
by the Chief of a government devolved hospital

SECTION 4. Personnel and Staff, - The Director, shall appoint such other
personnel and staff as may be necessary for the effective operation of the Center
subject to existing laws, rules and regulations

SECTION 5. Development Plan. - The Center, through its Director, is hereby
authorized to embark on a development plan in the fulfilment of the following:

a. To establish additional building facilities equipped with new and modern
equipment to serve and cater to drug dependent from the Province of Leyte:

b. To initiate plans for the development of income generating resources to
provide additional projects for the Center, particularly charity services;

c. To provide pharmacy services, dispensaries and health stations; and

d. To provide on the job training and other educational facilities for interns,
graduates and undergraduates of medicine and related fields germane to the
rehabilitation of drug dependents.

SECTION 6. Government Assistance to the Center. - The Secretary of Health is
hereby authorized to call upon any department, bureau, agency or instrumentality of

the government for such assistance as may be necessary to effectively implement
this Act.



SECTION 7. Rules and Regulations. — The Director of the Center is hereby
authorized, with the approval of the Secretary of Health, to promulgate such rules
and regulations as may be necessary to secure an effective administration of the
Center and the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act

SECTION 8. Appropriations. - The Secretary of Health shall immediately include
in the programs of the Department of Health the establishment and
operationalization of the Palo Drug Rehabilitation Center in the Municipality of Palo,

in the Province of Leyte, the funding shall be included in the General Appropriations
Act.

Approved.