SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez ant
Representative Maximo B. Rodriquez, Jr.

4234

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

House Bill No.

The chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in polycarbonate baby bottles
and in epoxy resins for canned food and beverages. At least 8 billion pounds of BPA are
used by manufacturers yearly.

Recent studies have however, shown that been it has been linked to reproductive
and developmental problems, including disruption of the body's hormonal system and that
the BPA migrates from plastic containers such as feeding bottles into the contents. BPA is,
an endocrine disruptor, which can mimic the body's own hormones and may lead to negative
health effects especially in the early development stages which appear to be the period of
greatest sensitivity to its effects.

‘Among the negative effects that could result in from the intake of BPA are obesity,
certain neurogical Issues like fetal and brain development and behavior, disruption of the
dopaminergic system resulting in the super-sensitivity to the drugs-of-abuse-induced reward
effects and hyperlocomotion, an effect on thyroid functions, an increase in risks of breast
cancer, and the promotion of the growth of neuroblastoma cells,

In View of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly requested.



SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No. 4234

AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE USE OF BISPHENOL A (BPA) IN THE MANUFACTURE OF PLASTIC
BOTTLES SPECIALLY INFANT BOTTLES, MANDATING TESTING OF ALL PLASTIC
BOTTLES BEING IMPORTED AND SOLD IN THE COUNTRY AND PROVIDING
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy ~ It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the
right to health of the people.

SEC. 2. Itis hereby prohibited for manufacturers of plastic bottles, especially infant bottles,
in the Philippines to use bisphenol A (BPA) in their manufacturing process.

SEC. 3. It is hereby mandated that all imported plastic bottles, especially infant bottles from
foreign countries be tested by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of
Health to ensure that they are BPA free before being sold in the Philippine market.

SEC. 4, Penal Provisions - Any person, whether juridical or natural, caught manufacturing
plastic bottles using BPA shall be held liable to pay a fine of not less than Five hundred
Thousand Pesos (P500,000) nor more than One Million Pesos (P1,000,000) and
imprisonment of not less than five (5) years nor more than ten (10) years.

‘Any person, whether juridical or natural, caught selling plastic bottles which contain
BPA and those which were not tested by the proper authorities and contain BPA shall be
held liable to pay a fine of not less than Five hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000) nor more
than One Million Pesos (P1,000,000) and imprisonment of not less than five (5) years nor
more than ten (10) years.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules — The Department of Health and the Department of Trade and
Industry shall issue such orders, rules and regulations and other issuances as may be
necessary to ensure the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause - If for any reason, any part of or provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force
and effect

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause - Any law, executive order, letter of instruction, rules and
regulations, circulars, issuances or any part thereof inconsistent with any of the provisions of
this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least
two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,