SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
SENATE 
S.B.No. 2808 
) 
) 
) 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
'15 
JUN -8 P 4 :17 
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PROMOTING AWARENESS OF CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been described as an energy deficit 
disorder; the impact primarily is on the immune system, the brain, the muscles and 
endocrine system. This ailment brings sudden, unexplained, and extreme fatigue that 
severely impairs the performance of daily activities and continues for months. Because 
the cause of CFS is unknown, the prevention methods cannot be specified. There are, 
however, ways to manage the condition which include minimizing stress, maintaining an 
exercise routine, getting sufficient sleep and maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. 
One of the challenges faced by CFS affected persons is the apparent lack of 
recognition regarding the seriousness of the disease. Aside from its physical impact, the 
patient likewise suffers from a social stigma wherein the individual is perceived to be 
malingering, wanting attention, or feigning CFS-like symptoms. This affects the 
individual psychologically and may cause prolonged recovery from the disease. 
The Constitution, Article 2, Section 15 provides: 
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the 
people and instill health consciousness among them." 
Hence, the State must endeavor to promote awareness of CFS in order to 
eliminate the social stigma associated with the disease, thereby alleviating the suffering 


of CFS patients and guiding them to a speedy recovery and restoring them to a productive 
and fulfilling life.! 
1 This bill was previously filed during the Fourteenth Congress, Second Regular Session. 
2 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENA\E 
S. B. No. 
~808 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
'15 
JUN -8 P 4 :17 
PROMOTING AWARENESS OF CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME 
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 "Chronic Fatigue 
2 
Syndrome Awareness Act." 
3 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is widely 
4 
misunderstood such that patients are viewed as malingering, wanting attention or feigning 
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CFS-like syndrome. The lack of recognition of the disease and support for CFS patients 
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affect them psychologically thereby prolonging their recovery from the disease. It is in 
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accord with the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people 
8 
and instill health consciousness among them that awareness of CFS be raised to dispel the 
9 
social stigma associated with the disease so that the patients may attain early recovery 
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and restoration to a productive and fulfilling life. 
II 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the term: 
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1. "DOH" refers to the Department of Health; 
13 
2. "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)" refers to CFS is an energy deficit disorder, 
14 
the impact primarily is on the immune system, the brain, the muscles and 
15 
endocrine system; and 
16 
3. "PIA" refers to the Philippine Information Agency; 
1 


SECTION 4. National Public Awareness Campaign. -
The Department of Health 
2 
(DOH) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) shall carry out a 
3 
national campaign to increase public awareness and knowledge of Chronic Fatigue 
4 
Syndrome. 
5 
Activities under the national campaign shall include: 
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1. The dissemination of information on recent findings about CFS, its probable 
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causes, prevention, diagnosis, and available treatments. 
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2. Information on how to provide the necessary emotional support to a family 
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member, relative or friend suffering from CFS. 
10 
SECTION 5. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Health (DOH), in 
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cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), is hereby authorized and 
12 
directed to adopt a system to implement and carry out the provisions of this Act. The 
13 
DOH shall, within 60 days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate rules and 
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regulations to carry out and enforce the provisions of this Act. 
15 
SECTION 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions 
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of this Act, are hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. 
17 
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other 
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provisions hereof. 
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SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, or 
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portions thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby 
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repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
2 


SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
2 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
IdpmMay2015 
3