Republic of the Philippines
& HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
‘Quezon City, Metro Manila
Thirteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._ 149

Introduced by Honorable Constantino G. Jarauln

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Bill was filed with the 12" Congress as House Bill No. 6179, with the
following Explanatory Note:

“The Constitution mandates that the “The State recognizes the sanctity of family
life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It
shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. ‘The
natural right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the
development of the moral character shall receive the support of the Government.” (Section
12, Article Hf)

“in the debate of the Constitutional Commission of 1986 on the above-quoted
provision two matters were clarified and emphasized namely: a) that conception begins
with the combination, fusion, or integration of the ovum and the sperm cell forming the
human nucleus, or the fertilization itself, and b) that the definition of the beginning of
human life as from ‘conception’ shall be provided by appropriate legislation.

“Sixteen (16) years have since passed without this provision being given the
“flesh”, neglecting the constitutional mandate. This hiatus has given misconceptions, and
misdirection in the appreciation of hurman life — its beginning, its dignity, its value. This is
unfortunate as it is miserable.”

It is imperative that the true meaning of the beginning of human life as clearly
articulated and intended by the Constitutional Commission must be by law. This
is a solemn duty as it is the exclusive responsibility of Congress. This Bills fed, with all
humility, in fulfillment of this duty and responsibility.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City, Metro Manila
Thirteenth Congress
First Regular Session
House BuLNo,__149
eee
Introduced by Honorable Constantino G. Jaraula

AN ACT
DEFINING THE BEGINNING OF HUMAN LIFE,
RECOGNIZING RIGHTS THEREUNDER, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

it and He of n yf the Philippines in
as: ed:

SECTION 1. This Act shail be known as the HUMAN LIFE ACT of 2004.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to fully implement
constitutional mandates especially in regard to persons, human dignity, ethical and moral
standards. Correspondingly, it is imperative that appropriate legislation be enacted to give
flesh to said mandates or standards.

SEC. 3. Beginning of human life. The beginning of human life shall be reckoned
from the moment of the combination, fusion, and integration of the ovum and the sperm
cell resulting to the formation of the human nucleus, or fertilization thereof.

SEC. 4. Recognition of rights. From the moment of the formation of the human
nucleus or fertilization, all rights inherent in, or accorded to human persons, as
appropriate, shall be recognized in the unborn.

SEC. 5. Penalty. Any violation of any provision hereof shall be punished with a
fine of not less than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (200,000), or imprisonment of not
less than prision mayor, or both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the Court
considering all attendant circumstances.

SEC. 6. Separability clause. If any part, section or provision of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and
effect.


SEC. 7. Repealing clause. All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, rules and
regulations, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.

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

APPROVED,

Approved,