Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
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 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 and possible mental health concerns to 
the patient. 
Amidst 
the 
coronavirus 
(COVID-19) 
pandemic, 
scientists 
and 
researchers have noted possible links between long COVID (symptoms of 
COVID-19 persisting for four weeks or more) and CFS.1 
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8641402/ 
August 8, 2022
5:34 pm
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Experts have warned that there may be an influx of people who develop 
CFS after COVID-19. It remains to be one of the most commonly reported 
symptoms among those with long COVID, and experts say the increasing 
number of people dealing with fatigue due to COVID-19 could have a 
substantial social impact.2 
Under Article 2, Section 15 of the Constitution, the State shall protect 
and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness 
among them. 
With the growing intersections of CFS cases and the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic, it is imperative that the government put a spotlight on this looming 
health concern. 
The State must endeavor or 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. At the same time, health institutions 
must prepare for the long haul of dealing with CFS alongside the threats of 
the pandemic. Ultimately, the country’s public health systems must be 
strengthened in order to fully and skillfully address these health concerns. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
REP. PM VARGAS   
Fifth District, Quezon City 
2 https://www.healthline.com/health-news/will-long-covid-create-a-new-wave-of-chronic-fatigue-syndrome 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
PROMOTING AWARENESS OF CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Chronic Fatigue 
Syndrome Awareness Act”. 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is 
widely misunderstood such that patients are viewed as malingering, wanting 
attention or feigning CFS-like syndrome. The lack of recognition of the disease 
and support for CFS patients affect them psychologically thereby prolonging 
their recovery from the disease. It is in accord with the policy of the State to 
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health 
consciousness among them that awareness of CFS be raised to dispel the 
social stigma associated with the disease so that the patients may attain early 
recovery and restoration to a productive and fulfilling life. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act, the term: 
a) “DOH” refers to the Department of Health;
b) “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)” refers to CFS is an energy deficit
disorder, the impact primarily is on the immune system, the brain,
the muscles and endocrine system; and
c) “PIA” refers to the Philippine Information Agency.
SECTION 4. National Public Awareness Campaign. – The Department of 
Health (DOH) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 
shall carry out a national campaign to increase public awareness and 
knowledge of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 
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Activities under the national campaign shall include: 
 
1. The dissemination of information on recent findings about CFS, its 
probable causes, prevention, diagnosis, and available treatments. 
 
2. Information and workshops on how to provide the necessary 
emotional support to a family member, relative or friend suffering 
from CFS. 
 
SECTION 5. Implementing Agency. – The Department of Health (DOH), in 
cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), is hereby authorized 
and directed to adopt a system to implement and carry out the provisions of 
this Act. The DOH shall, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, 
promulgate rules and regulations to carry out and enforce the provisions of 
this Act. 
 
SECTION 6. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the 
provisions of this Act are hereby authorized to be appropriated from the 
annual budget of the Department of Health. 
 
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is held invalid 
or unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the 
other provisions hereof. 
 
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, 
or portions thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,