Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1739

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY HON. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is one of the leading known preventable
causes of mental retardation and birth defects. If a women drinks alcohol during
pregnancy, her baby can be born with FAS, lifelong condition that causes physical and
mental disabilities. FAS is characterized by abnormal facial feautures, growth
deficiencies, and central nervous system (CNS) problems.

The Constitution, Article Il, Section 12 provides that “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 and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the
youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the
support of the Government.”

Thus, this measure seeks to increase awareness of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
and prevent its occurrence by providing mandatory labelling of products containing
alcohol.

Premises considered, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

ae ee en
MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO.

Representative, 1st District
City of Marikina


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,__1'739

INTRODUCED BY HON. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

AN ACT
PREVENTING THE DANGERS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN CAUSING FETAL
ALCOHOL SYNDROME IN MOTHERS

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 know as the “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Warning Act of 2010."

SECTION 2. Definition of terms. - As used in this Act, the term

(A) “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome” or FAS in a disorder of permanent birth defects that
occurs in the offspring of women who drank alcohol during pregnancy. The main effect of FAS
is permanent central nervous system damage. Developing brain cells and structures are
underdeveloped or malformed by prenatal by prenatal alcohol exposure, often creating an array
of primary cognitive and functional disabilities (including poor memory, attention deficits,
impulsive behavior, and poor cause-effect reasoning) as well as secondary disabilities;

(B) * Alcoholic beverage” is any drink containing ethanol, commonly known as
alcohol, which is a p sychoactive drug, with depressant effect; and

(C)’ Department” means the Department of Health;

SECTION 3. Packaging Requirement. Any person who offers any alcoholic beverage for
sale shall include a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable on the packaging or warning in the
business establishment stating:

WARNING:Consumption of alcohol, spirits, wine or beer shortly before conception or during
pregnancy can cause'birth defects, including fetal alcohol syndrome and alcohol related
neurological disorders.

SECTION 4. Penalties. - The Department is empowered to establish and assess
penalties or fines against an employer for violations of this Act or regulation adopted under this
Act. In no circumstance will any penalties or fines exceed Ten Thousand pesos (10,000.00) for
each day the permit holder remains in violation.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. -- If any provision, or part hereof is invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain
valid and subsisting.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with,
the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,