SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2 4 8 0 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
"14 
DEC --1 
1\10:59 
PRESCRIBING SANITATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OPERATION OF 
ESTABLISHMENTS AND 
FACILITIES 
FOR THE 
PROTECTION 
AND 
CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
A study, "Economic Impacts of Sanitation in the Philippines, Summary" was led 
by the East Asia and Pacific Office of the Water and Sanitation Program (WSP-
EAP) of the World Bank. It was conducted under the Economics of Sanitation 
Initiative (ESI) in four countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and 
Vietnam in 2008. According to the study, "Sanitation is often a neglected aspect 
of development in developing countries." It further stated that, "The total number 
of tourists chOOSing a country for their holiday is partially related to the general 
sanitary conditions of the country." The following are some of the observations 
and findings of the said study: 
• 
"Poor sanitation causes illness and premature death in the Philippines"; 
• 
"Public toilets are important for many Filipinos as a largely daytime 
necessity, but these were shown to be of inadequate quality and 
insufficient number. Many public toilets in the Philippines are not clean 
and do not have the basic necessities such as running water, toilet paper, 
soap, and hand towels. 
As a result, people are forced to make 
adjustments to cope with the situation. For example, one study reported 
that the absence of water for flushing and hand washing in public 
restrooms in the Philippines had made it habitual for women to bring their 
own toilet paper." 
Presidential Decree 856, otherwise known as the "Code on Sanitation of the 
Philippines" provides for the establishment and upkeep of sanitation facilities, 
including comfort rooms, in various public areas. The Code, however, is silent on 
the details and specifications particularly regarding to establishment of toilets. 
In view of giving practical solution to this problem, this measure proposes to 
mandate all government and private establishments to put up a specific number 
of comfort rooms designed to cater to specific users. It also proposes incentives 
and penalties to ensure strict implementation, if it becomes a law. 


This measure was introduced by Senator Manny Villar in the 15th Congress but 
was not enacted into law. To address the common problem of poorly maintained 
comfort rooms, to the point that they can no longer be used, this representation 
included a requirement for .funds and manpower to keep said comfort rooms 
functional and clean. 
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
JIN 
OY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. :2 4 B () 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
'iii 
!JEC -1 
A10 59 
PRESCRIBING SANITATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OPERATION OF 
ESTABLISHMENTS AND 
FACILITIES 
FOR THE 
PROTECTION 
AND 
CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
1 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the responsibility of the Government to 
2. 
regulate the basic facilities for the health and convenience of the people. There 
3' is a need for providing for adequate comfort rooms to cater to the comfort and 
4 
personal conveniences and needs of the public. 
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SEC. 2. The State shall mandate every private and government institutions and 
.8 
establishments, including schools, to put up three (3) sets of comfort rooms: one 
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for gentlemen, one for ladies and another one which may be used by anyone 
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from both genders including persons with disabilities or with special needs, 
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senior citizens, and pregnant women. They shall likewise allocate funds and 
12 
manpower to keep said comfort rooms functional and clean. 
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SEC. 3. All establishments covered by this Act are hereby given six (6) months 
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from its promulgation within which to comply with the provisions thereof. 
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SEC. 4. Incentives. - The expenses incurred by institutions and establishments 
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in complying with the provisions of this Act shall be deductible expenses for 
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income tax purposes up to twice the actual amount incurred; Provided, That the 
22 
deduction shall apply for the taxable period when the expenses were incurred; 
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Provided, furlher, That the hospital shall comply with the provisions of this Act 
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within six (6) months after its promulgation. 
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Government institutions shall receive an additional appropriation which shall be 
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included in their budget for the next fiscal year. 
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SEC. 5. Sanctions. - Any institution or establishment which unjustifiably refuses 
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or fails to comply with this Act shall be imposed a fine of not less than Fifty 


, . 
• 
1 
Thousand Pesos (P50,OOO.00) but not more than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos 
2 
(P200,000.00) on the first offense. 
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On the second offense, a fine of not less than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos 
5 
(P200,000.00) but not more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) 
6 
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On the third offense, a fine of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos 
8 
(P500,OOO.00) but not more than One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) and the 
Q 
cancellation or revocation of the business permits or licenses to operate. 
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SEC. 6. Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Health, in consultation with 
13 
other government agencies, professional and non-government organizations 
14 
concerned shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the 
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provisions of this Act. 
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SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is 
19 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby 
20 
shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
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SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree, executive order, or 
24 
issuance, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act is hereby repealed or 
25 
modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
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following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers 
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of general circulation. 
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Approved,