Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

uG 4707

HOUSE BILL NO.

‘RODUCED BY CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Cancer is affecting more and more Filipinos everyday with at least 98,200 diagnosed
patients every year, While this number has grown over the years, in reality, the number of
Filipinos whose lives are gravely affected by cancer is much larger.

Filipinos diagnosed with cancer as well as their families face the twin hardships of
managing the disease and protecting themselves from financial disaster. Furthermore, many
patients are diagnosed when their cancer has already progressed to a later stage. This translates
to higher cost of care and narrowing odds of survival.

Informational, cultural, and monetary obstacles that risk the health of the patient
intensify the hardships experienced by these Filipino families. For most, surmounting these
obstacles is vital, pressing, and spells a difference in the health and welfare of the entire
household.

Cancer is now the third leading cause of death in the Philippines. The number of
diagnoses continuously rises. Worldwide, cancer incidences are expected to increase in
developed and developing countries alike; for less developed countries, cancers are expected to
increase by 85% by 2030.1

Cancer has progressed from the private concern of some families to a matter requiring
public attention and support. At present, Filipino families living with cancer patients receive
insufficient support from their healthcare insurance, Local Government Units, and the
Department of Health as national cancer policies are inconsistently prioritized. As their
numbers grow, patients and their families have organized themselves for mutual aid and
support, through groups like ICanServe Foundation, Philippine Society of Oncology, Cancer
Warriors Foundation, Carewell Foundation, and Cancer Coalition Philippines.

The variety of stakeholders in the Philippine health landscape has a role to play in
improving the quality and affordability of services to patients and their families. For the
legislature, it is our responsibility to institutionalize good policies into law and increasing the
availability of financial support through the creation of a Philippine Cancer Prevention and

* H.Lam (2026), A Vision for @ Notional Cancer Plan


Control Program (PCPCP), This would have a tremendous impact for patients, their families, and
Philippine society,

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

“ALFRED VARGAS


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS: is
First Regular Session

4707

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

ANAC
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE PHILIPPINE CANCER PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAM

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Cancer Prevention
and Control Program (PCPCP) Act of 2016

SECTION. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to reduce the
impact of cancer and improve the well-being of Filipino people with cancer and their families by
providing holistic services from cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, palliative care and

treatment, until recovery and end-of-life or hospice care. To this end, the overall policy direction
on cancer prevention and control must be set, and the roles and functions of the Department of
Health (DOH), its offices and partner agencies must be clearly identified.

SECTION. 3. Objectives. - This Act is promulgated toward the attainment of the following
objectives:

1, To operationalize the National Cancer Registry and Surveillance System:

2, To reduce mortality and improve overall survival and quality of life of people
with various cancer types through early diagnosis and prompt treatment;

3. To reduce the incidence of prioritized cancers associated with the most common
avoidable risk factors;

4, To ensure that prioritized cancer control se
and sustainable way at all levels of care;

vices are provided in an equitable

To increase and expand the coverage of cancer treatment, including but not
limited to the use of innovative drugs and psychosocial support in the preventive,

treatment, and survivorship stage of the patient and family, if necessary;

6. To set regulatory and accreditation standards for cancer institute / center, as an
integral part of DOH and government hospitals including private hospitals as


following terms

applicable, that follows a multi-dis
to cancer management;

iplinary and interdisciplinary team approach

7, To develop and update regularly a compendium of guidelines or standards for
prioritized cancers including childhood cancer; and

8. To establish research and development for cancer control.

SECTION, 4, Definition of Terms. - As used in and for the purposes of this Act, the
all mean

A. Cancer refers to a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part
of the body, which shall include terms such as malignant tumors and neoplasms. One
defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond
their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and
spread to other organs, the latter process is referred to as metastasizing. Metastases
are the major cause of death from cancer;

B. Cancer Control refers to the aim to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality of
cancer and to improve the quality of life of cancer patients in a defined population,
through the systemic implementation of evidence-based interventions for

prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care;

C. Cancer Diagnosis refers to the various techniques and procedures uséd to detect or
confirm the presence of cancer. Diagnosis typically involves evaluation of the
patient's history, clinical examinations, review of laboratory test results and
radiological data, and microscopic examination of tissue samples obtained by biopsy
or fine-needle aspiration;

D. Cancer Prevention refers to measures and interventions that will decrease the
likelihood or risk of an individual of acquiring cancer;

Cancer Survivorship starts at the time of disease diagnosis and continues
throughout the rest of the patient's life, Family caregivers and friends are also
considered survivors. It has three distinct phases: living through, with and beyond
cancer;

Cancer Treatment refers to the series of interventions, including psychosocial and
nutritional support, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy, that
is aimed at curing the disease or prolonging the patient's lite considerably while
improving the patient's quality of lite;

G. Hospice care refers to the end-of-life care provided by health professionals and
volunteers. They give medical, psychological and spiritual support. The goal of the
care is to help people who are dying to have peace, comfort and dignity;


H. Interdisciplinary refers to integrating knowledge and methods from different
disciplines, using a real synthesis of approaches, eg. oncologist - nurse - social
worker ~ caregiver;

1. Palliative Care refers to the treatment to relieve, rather than cure, symptoms caused
by cancer, It can help people live more comfortably;

J. Patient Navigation refers to individualized assistance offered to patients, families,
and caregivers to help overcome health care system barriers and facilitate timely
access to quality medical and psychosocial care. Cancer patient navigation works
with a patient from pre-diagnosis through all phases of the cancer experience,

K. Premature Mortality refers to deaths that occur before a person reaches the
average life expectancy as specified by the Philippine Statistics Authority,

SECTION. 4. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all stakeholders of cancer control -
bureaus, national centers, services and attached agencies of the DOH and other key government
agencies; local government units (LGUs); government-owned and - controlled corporations
{GOCCs); health professionals and other health care providers, both public and private; anti
cancer health product providers; professional organizations and societies, civil society
organizations (CSOs); non-government organizations (NGOs), research and development
partners; academe; patients and patients’ groups.

SECTION, 5. Implementing Mechanism. - The National Cancer Control Committee shall
be created to lead in the implementation of the Philippine Cancer Prevention and Control
Program (PCPCP). In line with this, the following guidelines shall be observed:

A. The National Cancer Control Committee (N
the National Cancer Control Program;

) shall lead in the implementation of
B. The Regional Cancer Control Committee shall adopt the national policies and
standards and oversee their implementation at the regional level

C. The Provincial Cancer Control Committee shall adopt the regional policies and
standards and implement them at the local or grassroots level;

D. The Experts Group shall formulate and update protocols and standards on cancer
screening, diagnosis, and treatment;

‘The NCCC shall come up with a compendium of all updated protocols and standards
on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care;

F. ‘The NCCC shail develop the Comprehensive Cancer Management Guidelines for
hospitals and community-based facilities;

G. ‘The NCCC shall develop the implementing guidelines on Cancer Patient Navigation,


SECTION. 6. Composition of the National Cancer Control Committee. - ‘The NCCC shall be
composed of the following:

[ MEMBERS _ | OFFICE/A NCY/ORGAN| ZATION _
|Undersecretary/Asst. Secretary as Chair DOH - Office for Technical Service
| Director IV Disease Prevention and Control Bureau

| eps)
Philileaith ~ Health F
od and Drug Administration (FDA).

| Philippine Cancer Society Inc.

Philippine Alliance of Patient Organization
(PAPO)
UP-PGH Cancer Institute —

Health Promotion and Communications

- Service (HPCS)
— | Philippine Children’s Medical Center |
Division Chief Office for Health Regulations =~

\ - Pharmaceutical Division
| Secretariat

PCP

|
Lifestyle-Relate as D) |
Chief/ Program Manager, PC | Liestyle-Related Disease Division (LRRD)

SECTION. 7. Duties and Responsibilities of the National Cancer Control Committee. - The
NCCC shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

‘A, Set the roadmap of PCPCP:

B. Plan, establish and implement policies, guidelines and standards throughout the
continuum of holistic health care (preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and
palliative) through an interdisciplinary team and patient-centered approach;

Advise or recommend upgrading of existing cancer management facilities in the country;
D. Actas the coordinating body for all cancer works in the country;
F, Ensure the implementation of PCPCP down to the local government units;

F, Establish and carry out an effective nationwide cancer education program and its
dissemination;

G. Provide technical and financial support on cancer prevention,
care, treatment and hospice care;

rly detection, palliative

H.

tablish and carry out effective training programs;
1. Ensure the collection and analysis of data from registry and surveillance:

J, Implement, monitor and evaluate the PCPCP regularly through implementation review
and impact evaluation,


K, Empower and engage all the stakeholders to actively work on and participate in various
areas of PCPCI

L. Endorse support for researchers in the clinical, epidemiological,

public health and
knowledge management areas and in collaboration with international institutes; and

M. Provide other forms of assistance as may be identified and approved by the Secretary of
Health,

SECTION, 8. Regional Cancer Control Committee (RCCC). ~ An RCCC shall be established
to be composed of the following Offices

a) NEDA-Regional Development Council
b) DOH-Regional Office

©) PhilHlealth Regional Office

4) Office of the Governor

e) Provincial Health Office.

RCC shall formulate and implement policies, programs, activities and projects related
to cancer prevention and control, The members of the committee shall hold a regular meeting to
be presided by the DOH Regional Office representative being the Chairperson.

The Office of the Governor and Provincial Health Office shall create their own Provincial
Cancer Control Committee (PCCC) which shall be composed of the City and Municipal Health
Officers and all stakeholders of cancer control as members. PCC shall hold regular meetings to
be presided by the Provincial Health Officer being the Chairperson

SECTION. 9. Roles and Responsibilities of the Offices under the DOH and other agencies
and organizations concerned. ~ The concerned offices, agencies, and other organizations shall
have the following roles

A. Office of the Secretary of Health (OSEC)
The Secretary of Health, upon recommendation of the Office of the

Undersecretary or Assistant Secretary of Health in charge of DPCB, shall approve
appropriate policies, standards and guidelines to further implement this Order

B. Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB)

The DPCB shall provide overall direction, coordination and oversight; establish
standards and package of services on cancer control and ensure their quality, access,
and availability at all levels of the healthcare system; and support the design of health
financing as related and applicable to cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment in
collaboration with PhilHealth and other partners.

C. Health Promotion and Communications Service (HPCS)

The HPCS shall be the lead agency in the development of the promotion and
communication plan including IC materials and tools for cancer control in coordination
with DPCB and other relevant offices/agencies.


D. Health Facility Development Bureau (HFDB)

The HFDB shall upgrade and enhance health facilities at all levels of care so as to
make them capable of providing appropriate cancer control services

E, Health Human Resource Development Bureau (HHRDB)

The HHRDB shall provide technical assistance in the development of learning
interventions for health professionals involved in cancer control.

Bureau of Local Health Systems Development (BLHSD)

The BLHSD shall ensure the adoption, implementation and sustainability of
cancer control program down to the grassroots level through the regional and provincial
cancer control committees

G, Pharmaceutical Division (PD)

The PD shall support the National Cancer Control Program in assuring the
sustainable supply of essential cancer medicines through supply chain strengthening
that will ensure affordability, availability and rational use of medicines

H. Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service (KMITS)

The KMITS shall oversee the operation and maintenance of the health
facility /hospital-based National Cancer Registry.

1. Epidemiology Bureau (EB)

The EB shall establish and sustain the National Cancer Surveillance Systems;
oversee the management and dissemination of data related to cancef control; and
support the conduct of population-based cancer registry.

J. Bureau of International Health Cooperation (BIHC)
The BINC shall coordinate with international development partners and other

external institutions for technical and resource assistance for the implementation of this
Order

K. Logistics Management Division (LMD)

The LMD shall ensure proper storage, distribution, and disposal of all forms of
evidence-based therapies

L, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA shall ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of all health products used
for cancer diagnosis and management

M, Philippine Health Insurane

Corporation (PhilHealth)

PhilHealth shail work with DPCB in crafting the national policy that will set the
guidelines for designing health care benefit packages; and develop and implement
health insurance packages for clients requiring cancer screening, diagnosis, and
treatment services to reduce the financial burden and impoverishment of individuals
and their families.

N. Regional Offices (ROs)


The ROs shall provide technical assistance to the LGUs and ensure the
operationalization of the regional cancer control committee and establish the standards
and guidelines for an efficient hospital referral system within the locality.

0. DOH Hospitals

The DOH hospitals, especially those with a cancer institute or center, shall
ensure the provision of quality cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment for eligible
patients,

P. Local Government Units (LG

s)
‘The LGUs shall adopt the establishment of regional and provincial cancer control

committees and provide services and neces in selected health care facilities and
hospitals in their localities.

Q. Department of Labor and Employment-Bureat of Working Conditions (DOLE-
BWC) / Civil Service Commission (CSC)

The DOLE-BWC and the CSC shall be encouraged to develop workplace policies
and procedures that are relevant to cancer prevention and control.

R. Philippine Council on Health Research and Development (PCHRD)

PCHRD as the lead agency of Philippine National Health Research System
(PNHRS) shall coordinate research and development of the National Cancer Control
Program

S. Non-government organizations (NGOs), professional groups, other national
government agencies / organizations, private sector, and the academe DepEd and
CHED) shall adopt, provide support and assist in the implementation of this Order

SECTION. 10. National Cancer Institute. - There is hereby established a National Cancer
Institute which shall compile data, conduct, coordinate researches, investigations, experiments,
and studies relating to the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. This Institute shall assist
and foster similar research activities by other institutions and organizations, both public and
private, including individuals. The institute is further established to promote coordination in all
such researches and the useful application of their results with a view to the development and
prompt widespread use of the most effective methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of
cancer, Linkages with the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Science and
Technology through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development will be
coordinated to avoid overlap of the projects

SECTION. 11. Regional Cancer Center. - Each Regional Cancer Center shall have the
following objectives and functions:

a) To provide medical services such as diagnosis, appropriate treatment and the care to
cancer patients, taking into account cost-effectiveness, affordability, and social and
ethical aspects;

b) To promote palliative care including pain management, hospice care and other
measures to improve the quality of life of cancer patients:

©) To disseminate information and create awareness on cancer and its prevention,
control and treatment options;

d) To promote, encourage, engage and assist in scientific research on matters related to
cancer;



e) To encourage and undertake the training of physicians, nurses, medical technicians,
health officers and social workers on the practical and scientific conduct and
implementation of cancer related services;

f} To manage the psychosocial and rehabilitation needs of cancer patients and their
families and provide programs that include assistance to cancer survivors; and

g) To implement the Philippine Cancer Prevention and Control Program under this Act.

SECTION. 12. /nclusion in Health Curriculum. « The Secretary of Health, in coordination
with the Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Chair of the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED), shall work for the inclusion of modules on the principles and
practices of cancer prevention and control in the health curriculum of every public and private
elementary, high school and college

SECTION. 13. Media Campaign. - The Secretary of Health, in coordination with the
Philippine Information Agency (PIA), shall encourage local media outlets to Jaunch a media
campaign on cancer control, using all forms of multimedia and other electronic means of
communication,

SECTION. 14. PhilHealth Benefit Package. - The PhilHealth, shall enhance and further
expand its benefit packages for Cancer patients to include innovative therapies thru its TSeKaP
(Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya) and in-patient through its Z-Benefit package,

SECTION. 15. Monitoring and Evaluation. -The Secretary of Health shall submit an
annual report to the Committees on Health of the Senate and the House of Representatives on
the programs, projects and activities carried out to comply with the provisions of this Act.

SECTION. 16. Funding. - The amount of ONE BILLION PESOS (Php1,000,000,000.00)
shall be charged against the corporate funds of PhilHealth and the appropriations of the DOH,
DepEd, CHED and the PIA under the General Appropriations Act.

SECTION. 17. Separability Clause. - The provisions of this Act are hereby declared to be
separable and, in the event of any such provisions are declared unconstitutional, the other
provisions which are not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SECTION. 18. Repealing Clause. - All provisions in laws, decrees, issuances and other
regulations inconsistent with this present law shall be deemed amended or repealed if the
Inconsistency is irreconcilable,

SECTION. 19, Implementing rules and regulations. - The DOH, in consultation with the
DepEd, CHED, PIA, LGUs, nongovernment organizations, and other concerned entities, shall
issue the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days
from its effectivity.

SECTION. 20. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation

Approved.

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