Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Constitution declares that it is the duty of the State to protect and promote the right 
to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. Further, it provides that 
the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development and 
that there shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, 
and children. 
Specifically, Article XIII, Section 11, stipulates that the State shall give priority to the needs of 
children. Children have more sensitive needs and, therefore, face unique health threats that 
require special attention. It is also imperative to provide comprehensive child health programs 
to ensure that the future of the nation is given sufficient support to protect their wellness and 
unleash their potential.  
Furthermore, our citizens and local officials play a vital role in ensuring public health and safety. 
It is within their ambit to know the toxic dangers that exist in their homes, communities, and 
neighborhoods, especially those that are highly detrimental to children. For example, data from 
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) showed that air pollution has 
negative impacts on children's brain development, contributes to cognitive impairment, and 
may play a role in the development of some types of Autistic Spectrum Disorders.  
At present, we do not have sufficient data that would allow adequate quantification and 
evaluation of child-specific susceptibility and exposure to environmental pollutants. The 
absence of data precludes effective government regulation of environmental pollutants and 
denies individuals the ability to exercise a right to know and make informed decisions to protect 
their families, especially children.  
In light of these circumstances, this bill seeks to protect children against environmental 
pollutants by requiring that information related to them be made readily available to the public, 
to advance the public’s right to know, and to allow the public to avoid involuntary exposure of 
children to pollutants. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
September 28, 2023
1:05 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING CHILDREN PROTECTION AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL 
POLLUTANTS 
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 “Environmental Protection 
for Children Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the declared policy of the Sate to give 
priority to the needs of children. Taking into account this policy, the State hereby 
undertakes to identify and make known to the public environmental pollutants which 
are harmful to children. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act, the term: 
(A)
“Areas that are reasonably accessible to children” means homes, schools, day
care centers, shopping malls, movie theaters, and parks;
(B)
“Children” means individuals who are 18 years of age or younger;
(C)
“Environmental pollutant” means a hazardous substance;
(D)
“Secretary” refers to the Secretary of the Department of Health.
SECTION 4. Safer Environment for Children. – Not later than one year after the 
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary shall: 
(A)
Identify environmental pollutants commonly used or found in areas that are
reasonably accessible to children; 
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(B) 
Create a scientifically peer-reviewed list of substances identified under 
paragraph (A) with known, likely, or suspected health risks to children; 
 
(C) 
Create a scientifically peer-reviewed list of safer-for-children substances and 
products recommended by the Secretary for use in areas that are reasonably 
accessible to children that, when applied as recommended by the manufacturer, will 
minimize potential risks to children from exposure to environmental pollutants; 
 
(D) 
Establish guidelines to help reduce and eliminate exposure of children to 
environmental pollutants in areas reasonably accessible to children; 
 
(E) 
Create a family right-to-know information kit that includes a summary of helpful 
information and guidance to families, such as the information created under paragraph 
(C), the guidelines established under paragraph (D), information on the potential health 
effects of environmental pollutants, practical suggestions on how parents may reduce 
their children’s exposure to environmental pollutants, and other relevant information; 
 
(F) 
Make all information created pursuant to this section available to the public; and  
 
(G) 
Review and update the lists created under paragraphs (B) and (C) at least once 
every year. 
 
SECTION 5. Research to Improve Information on Effects on Children. – The 
Secretary shall coordinate and support the development and implementation of basic 
and applied research initiatives to examine the health effects and toxicity of pesticides 
and other environmental pollutants on children. 
 
SECTION 6. Compliance in Public Areas that are Reasonably Accessible to 
Children. – Not later than one year after the list created under Section (4)(C) is made 
available to the public, the Secretary shall prohibit the use of any product that has been 
excluded from the safer-for-children list. 
 


 
 
SECTION 7. Evaluation of Current Public Health and Environmental Standards. 
- As part of any risk assessment, risk characterization, environmental or public health 
standard or regulation, or general regulatory decision carried out by the Department of 
Health, the Secretary shall evaluate and consider the environmental health risks to 
children. 
 
SECTION 8. Implementation. – In carrying out Section 6, not later than one (1) year 
after the date of effectivity of this Act, the Secretary shall: 
(A) 
Develop an administrative strategy and an administrative process for reviewing 
standards; 
 
(B) 
Publish a list of standards that may need revision to ensure the protection of 
children; 
 
(C) 
Prioritize the list according to the standards that are most important for 
expedited review to protect children; 
 
(D) 
Identify which standards on the list will require additional research in order to 
be evaluated and outline the time and resources required to carry out the research. 
 
SECTION 9. Appropriation. – To carry out the provisions of this Act, such sum as may 
be necessary is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. 
Thereafter, the sum necessary for the continuous operation of the program shall be 
included in the annual appropriation of the Department of Health. 
 
SECTION 10. Separability Clause. – If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall 
remain valid and subsisting.   
 
SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, 
or inconsistent with, the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended 
accordingly. 


 
 
 
SECTION 12. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,