Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

491

HH. B. No.

Introduced by HONORABLE JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

his bill provides for the establishment of barangay drugstores or Botica sa Barangay in
every barangay in the country to provide access to adequate and affordable medicines.

Since its establishment in 2003, the Botika ng Barangay Program of the Department of
Health has 8,525 outlets all over the country, providing access to low-priced generic over-the-
counter drugs and five medicated drugs. On the other hand, as of the 2007, there are 26,386
drugstores under the supervision of the Bureau of Food and Drugs. Clearly, the established
boticas service less than 10 percent of the country's 41,943 barangays.

‘This bill aims to remedy the limited number of boticas in the Philippines by making it
mandatory for the Department of Health to establish public drug stores in each and every
barangay in the country and offer drugs included in the "core list" of the National Drug
Formulary such as analgesics, anticonvulsants, anti-migraine and antipyretics. Areas which have
high poverty and population rates and limited medical and/or health services will be prioritized.
Other factors to be considered are the geographical and socio-economic conditions of the areas,
The highest priority will be given to the economically depressed areas. Existing public drug
stores in the area shall be maintained and covered by this proposed measure. *

Finally, this bill guarantees the safety in the sale of medicines through the supervision of

a Botica sa Barangay aide to be chosen and trained under the direction of the Department of
Health.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

JUAN EDGARD!
Representative
Lone District, Province of Aurora


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

AR? 1
WBN __ 494

Introduced by Honorable JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

AN ACT

PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BARANGAY DRUGSTORES,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS *BOTICA SA BARANGAY” AND FOR OTHER,

PURPOSES

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

SECTION. 1.
Act”.

Title, - This Act shall be known and cited as the “Botica sa Barangay

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy, - The State shall protect and promote the right to health of
the people and instill health consciousness among them. Towards his end, the State shall provide
adequate social services and endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services
available to every barangay at affordable cost.

SEC. 3. Botica sa Barangay. - ‘The Department of Health shall, within thirty (30) days
afler the approval 0: this Act, undertake a three (3)- year program for the establishment of
barangay drugstores or botica sa barangay (BSB) in every barangay, giving priority to barangays
on the basis of population, poverty incidence, extent of medical and health care and/ or services,
geographical conditions, financial and other socio-economic factors and such other
considerations as may be deemed necessary in undertaking the program within the context of the
national plans and policies on social services, health and medical care.

SEC. 4. Establishment Priority. - The Department of Health shall, in the establishments
of the BSB, undertake prior consultations with the Municipal Development Council concerned:
Provided That in the establishment of the BSB, highest priority shall be given to those
economically depressed barangays.

5. Drugs Avaitable. - The BSB shall make available, only those drugs included in
the "core list” of the national drug formulary, and the names thereof listed in their respective
generic and trade names made available to the public.

SEC. 6. Botica sa Barangay Aide. - Sale of medicines at the BSB shall be facilitated by
an aide, known as the Botica sa Barangay Aide, who shall be chosen by and trained under the
direction of the DOH.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Guidelines. - Vhe Department of Health shall issue the
necessary rules and guidelines as may be needed to fully implement the provisions of this Act. In
addition, the DOH shall also embark on a sustained promotional campaign to increase the
communi awareness of the BSB through its personnel, non-governmental organization,
barangay official and the print ard broadcast media.



SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees and other executive issuances,
rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9, This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,