Republic of th ippines:
House of Representatives.
Nineteenth Congress
2082

House Bill No.

Rep. Fidel Nograles
Fourth District
Province of Rizal

Explanatory Note

Teenage pregnancy affects 5.99 percent of Filipino girls, the second highest rate in Southeast
Asia based on Save the Children’s Global Childhood Report (2019). An estimated 538 babies
‘are bor to Filipino teenage mothers every single day, according to Philippine Statistical
‘Authority (2017).

It is disheartening to note that in the Philippines the incidence of teenage pregnancies is
increasing. In 2014, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that every
hour, 24 babies are delivered by teenage mothers. In fact, based on the Certificate of Live
Births submitted by the Local Civil Registry Offices from 2011 to 2014, about one in every ten
women of child-bearing age was @ teenager. According to the 2014 Young Adult Fertility and
Sewyality (VAFS) study, arou nt of Filipino girls aged 15 to 19 are pregnant
for the first time or are already mothers more than twice the rate recorded in 2002. Among six
major economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Philippines has the
highest rate of teenage pregnancies, and is the only country where the rate is increasing, per
the United Nations Population Fund

Early pregnancy has is deleterious effects to young gite and the socely es a whole Early

to take on pair bodies are often not ready. Carly
pregnancy can also tap girls in an escapable cycle of poverty, stigmatized by society for
being teenage mothers or forced into early marriage. It also creates a greater risk in terms of
maternal complications that affect the mother and the child they bear resulting in low survival
rates,

The prevalence of teenage pregnancy affects all levels: individualffamily (micro),
‘community/sub-national (meso) and national (macro). At the macro level, this means delayed
‘r incomplete human capital formation. Human capital formation is the process of enhancing
the productive power of human labor by investing in health, nutrition, education and training
with the expectation of future benefits such as income and growtn, Being pregnant means
dropping out of school, and shifting from girthood to motherhood. The lack of familial and/or
‘community support to assist the teenage mother in fuliling the requirements of this new role
means uncertainty in going back ta school This denotes foregone invesiments and delay in
achieving full human potential, and therefore delay in the formation of human capital. For
those who are already poor, going back to schoo! is no longer an option and accelerating to
employment becomes a more viable alternative, Without the education and skills, this means
low-paying and short-term jobs for the adolescent parent and therefore low investments for
health, nutrition and later education for the child. As this persists, the adolescent parent and
child are mired in the vicious cycle of intergenerational poverty.

bulge” to the populati mid with teenagers who
are copandent population themselves producing additional dependent population. This puts
pressures (a “shock’) to the already meager funds from the macro (national level) to the sub-
national and family levels. At the national level, this means revisiting the funds to
accommodate new expenses (2. maternal and child health care for adolescents, skill training,



schoo! programs 8 teaming system, among others) at the cost of reducing
funds from other budget items. This situation becomes more evident at the subnational level
(local government unit) more so at the family level. The additional expenses that comes with
the newly born child in the household now competes with the existing household expenses
and in extreme cases lead to school drop-outs among other siblings.

A more urgent concer is the direct health risk of pregnancy to the adolescent mom ie.
placental tears, obstruction at the time of delivery, obstetric fistulae and even death (UNFPA,
2015). As these adolescents mostly have poor nutrition and general health and poor
knowledge about pregnancy, prenatal care is poorly observed particularly at the first trimester
and thus the likelihood of foetal, perinatal and matemal death and disability are intensified
(Black et al, 2008 in UNFPA, 2015). Health-seeking behavior among adolescent moms is
also low because of the stigma in their situation; all of which poses a challenge in achieving
health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SMG) In arder to provide for the needs of
these adolescent moms, there is a need to allocate additional resources for matemal and
child health customized for adolescents. This requires additional training for health service
providers who were not fully trained to deliver care for adolescents. There is also a need to
establish a network of service providers particularly involving referrals to hospital as
Pregnancy among teens is high risk

Arte i! Section 13. of our 1987 Philippine Constitution provides th
The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social wellbeing, It shall include in the
youth patriotism and nationalism and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs

In fight of the said provision, it is the mandate of the state to protect our young and promote
their well-being. Given the magnitude of damaging effects of teenage pregnancy, not to
mention violation of rights of children (among those below 18 years old), there is a need for a
policy to prevent teenage pregnancy among those who are not yet in the situation, and for
those who have undergone such experience. In this context, approval of the bill is earnestly
sought. After all, this will benefit not only the individuals and their families, but also the
community, the local government units and the country as @ whole. Itis time to save our youth
from the damaging effects of teenage pregnancy and to institutionalize social protection for
teenage parents,

nf tl gale

4" District of Rizal Province

Nn



House of Representatives
Metro Manila
Nineteenth Congress

Introduced by:

Fidel Nograles
Fourth District
Province of Rizal

2062
AN ACT ESTABLIS!

ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL POLICY IN PREVENTING TCCNAGE
PREGNANCIES, INSTITUTIONALIZING SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR TEENAGE
PARENTS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the House of Representative of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 4. Short Title. This Act

Pregnancy Act of 2019.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. it shall be the policy of the State to:

(a) Recognize, promote, and strengthen the role of adolescents and young people in

the overall human and socio-economic development of the country not only in the

future but also in the present;

(b) Recognize and promote the responsibility of the State to create and sustain an
enabling environment for adolescents to enable them to achieve their development
aspirations and potentials as well as mobilize them to positively contribute to the

(©) Pursue sustainable and genuine human development that values the dignity of the
total human person and affords full protection to human rights, especially of

adolescent women and men and their families;

() Promote and protect the t

choose and make responsible decisions for themselves;

Provide full and her

prevent early and unintended pregnancies and their life-long consequences;

(Ensure corresponding interventions that could respond to the socioeconomic,
health and emotional needs of adolescents and youth, especially young women,
with due regard for their own creative capabilities, for social, family and community

to education, health, counselling and high-quality reproductive health services;

(g) Encourage adolescent mothers and fathers to continue and finish their education in
order to equip them for a better life, to increase their human potential, to help

the “Prevention of Adolescent

rights of all individuals including the adolescents
particularly in their exercise of their rights to sexual and reproductive health,
equality and equity before the law, the right to development, the right to education,
freedom of expression, the right to participate in decision-making, and the right to

that can help them



(ny

prevent early marriages, high-risk child-bearing and repeated pregnancy and ts
reduce associated mortality and morbidity through comprehensive social protection
interventions,

Recognize and promote the rights, duties and responsibilities of parents, teachers,
and other persons legally responsible forthe growth of adolescents to provide, in a
consi th the
direction and guidance in sexual and reproductive matters;

Section 3. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined
as follows:

(a)
(b)

fe)

o

i)

Adolescents — refers to the population aged 10 to 19 years.

Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Care — refers to the access to
1 full range of methods, techniques and services that contribute to the reproductive
health and wellbeing or young people by preventing and solving reproductive
health - related problems.

ity —

to the reproductive sys
beliefs, emotions, relationships and sexual behavior of young people as social
beings.

Comprehensive Sexuality Education — refers to the process of acquiring complete,
accurate, relevant and age-appropriate information and skills on all matters relating
to the reproductive system, its functions and processes and human sexuality and
forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, interpersonal relationship,
affection, intimacy and gender roles. It has the purpose of developing the skills
young people for them to make informed decisions such as the capacity to
distinguish between facts and myths on sex and sexuality, and cntically evaluate
and discuss the moral, religious, social and cultural dimensions of related sensitive
issues ion and abortion, and decide to prevent risky behaviors
that can undermine the realization of their aspirations and potentials.

Information and Service Delivery Network for Adolescent Health and Development
(ISDN) ~ refers to the network of facilities, institutions, and providers within the
province, district, municipality/city-wide health and social system offering
information, training, and core packages of health and social care services in an
integrated and coordinated manner.

Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) — refers to the local body to be created
based on RA 10742 (SK Reform Law) which is composed of representatives of
youth and youth-serving organizations in the provincial, city. and municipal ievel
with the primary function of assisting in the planning and execution of projects and

Normal Schools or College Teachers ~ refers to leaming institutions training or
‘educating teachers,

Partial and Permanent Emancipation — refers to a written consent by any or both
parents allowing a minor child to access modem family planning method, amending
for this purpose, Executive Order No. 209, or the “Tami
‘as amended by Republic Act No, 6809,

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) - is a cooperative arrangement between one or
more public and private sectors, typically of a long-term nature, for various
development programs or projects.



Gi) Reproductive ! snd social well
being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity in ali matters relating to
the reproductive system and to its functions and processes,

late physi

(k) Risky Behaviors — refers to ill-advised practices and actions that are potentially
detrimental to a person's health or general well-being

consists of poli
and vulnerability by promoting efficient labor markets, diminishing people's
exposure to risks, and enhancing their capacity to manage economic
and social risks, such as unemployment, exclusion, sickness, disability and old age.

Section 4. Development of National Program of Action and Investment Plan for the
Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy. The National Youth Commission (NYC), Department of
Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), and the Commission on Population (POPCOM) in collaboration with
other relevant national agencies and the civil society organization shall develop an evidence-
based medium-term National Program of Action for the Prevention of Teenage Pregnancies.
Tha progr mmawork for inter-agency and inter-
sectoral collaboration at all levels to address the various health, cultural, socio-economic and
institutional determinants of teenage pregnancy.

of action shail serve as the nationat tre

Based on the Program of Action, a National Program on the Prevention of Teenage
Pregnancy (NPPTP) which shall form a prionty program of the Philippine Population
coordinated by POPCON be devi
and funded at all levels. The NPPTP shall be based on the inter-agency program of action
involving all relevant government agencies and shall be considered as a program that is
eligible for multiyear funding and inter-agency obligational authority to ensure the allocation
for the key strategies in all concerned government agencies.

Section 5, tion of Regional and L and Service
Delivery Network for Adolescent Health and Development (ISON for AHD). All provinces and
chartered cities shall organize and operationalize an ISDN for AHD consisting of different
government and non-govemment organizations, institutions, and facilities catering information
and services to adolescents within their locality. The ISDN may be organized by the district in
each province or by the municipaliyicty. An effective colaboratve and referral system

& catchment

id Mobil

mong the members of the ISDN shall be established and implemented wi
area,

‘The ISDN shall perform the following tasks and functions:

(a) Map and analyze the various factors contributing to pregnancies among
adoles at the regional and tocal

(b) Identify, harmonize, coordinate, and implement inter-agency interventions to
address the various issues related to teenage pregnancies in the region and at the
local level;

(©) Capacitate {SDN agency-members in collaboration with relevant regional
government agencies to ensure quality information and services to adolescents;

h concemad LGt

adolescent development,
(©) Generate or share resources in the implementation of the joint strategic plan of the
ISDN; and



® M id evaluate effectiveness of coor

interagency interventions jointly implemented by the ISDN.

tor native and referral systems and other

The local ISDN shall be coordinated by the Provincial/City Population Office or, in its
absence, the Provincial/City Health Office in collaboration with the Sanggunian Kabataan (Sk)
Federation or Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) in the concerned localities with
n POPCOM and oth government agencies,

Section 6. Age and Development-Appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education. All
agencies under the education sector in collaboration with other relevant agencies shall
develop and promote educational standards, modules, and materials to promote
comprehensive responsible sexuality education in schools, communities, and other youth
‘The comprehensive sexuality education shalt start f
include age-appropriate topics such as, but not limited to, human sexuality, adolescent
reproductive health, health and nutrition, gender-sensitiviy, gender equality and equity, and
life-skils the purpose of which is to enable adolescents to be responsible in nurturing their
‘sexuality, prevent of sexual abuse, and avoid unintended pregnancy.

Grade 5 and shail

Section 7. Training of Teachers, Guidance Counselors, and Schoo! Supervisors on CSE.
The DepEd, Technological Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and
‘Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall ensure that all teachers, guidance counselors,
instructors, and other school officials entrusted with the duty to educate adolescents on CSE
shall be properly trained on adolescent health and development to effectively educate or
guide adolescents in dealing with their sexuality-related concerns. The training shall be in
coltaboration with DCH, POPCOM, an ass
training shall be allotted in the concemed government agencies’ annual allocation to be
approved by Congress

‘The CHED shall ensure that CSE standards integrated in the curriculum and across
specializations in the professional preparation and training for would-be teachers in normal

Section 8. CSE for Qut-of-Schoo! Adolescents and those with Special Concerns. The DSWD,
DOH, POPCOM, and the local government units (LGUs) shall collaborate to intensify and
institutionalize interactive learning methodologies for CSE among out-of-school adolescents
in the communities and workplaces. Provided, that the needs of indigenous, working,
persons-with-disabilities, and adolescents in social institutions are considered in the design,
and promotion of sexuality education among adolescents.

Section 9. Promoting the CSE using the Social Media and other Digital or Online
Communication Platforms. All concemed goverment agencies shall optimize the social
media and other online platforms to reach adolescent netizens with accurate information and
5a adolescent sexual and reproductive health (AGRI) 8. A web ps
the NPPAP shall be developed and promoted by POPCOM to harmonize and link various
government websites and online services for ASRH including the networked
operationalization of ISON for AHD.

Section 10. Mandatory Establishment of Functional Local Teen Centers for Adolescent
established and operationalized in all municipalities and cities in the country. Such Teen
Centers shall serve as facilities where adolescents and youth can access appropriate
information and services on ASRH and other concerns relevant to their holistic development,

6


fs shail be the
AHD members as provided in Section 5 of this Act.

‘The Center shall also serve as peer helping, counseling, and treatment center
especially for adolescents in crisis or victims of abuse and violence.

The Center shai! be mainly managed and oj
members, youth volunteers and workers and other organized AY groups recognized by the
LGU with the assistance of various adult service providers and youth-serving professionals
including the civil society organizations (CSOs). The establishment and operationalization of
the Teen Centers shall be funded using the 10% SK fund and other relevant local budget
sources,

ted by the LGUs through SK

‘The POPCOM in collaboration with Oepld, CHD, OO!!, DILG, and CSOs shat!
formulate the guidelines and standards in setting-up of Teen Centers in schools and
communities. National government agencies shall provide assistance to LGUs and schools in

setting-up the Teen Centers.

Section 11. Participation of the Private Sector in the Promotion of CSE. The government
may enter into public-private partnership agreement in mobilizing private comn
networks and companies in promoting CSE through text or short message service (SMS) or
media messages. An incentive mechanism for telecommunication companies shall be
developed and implemented by concerned agencies to recognize private participation in
promoting CSEs and AY health-seeking behavior, positive attitude towards sex, sexual
relations and sexuality, etc

ication

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Soard (MTRCB) shall review
their existing guidelines to ensure that no movie and television programs portray, depict,
promote, and encourage sexual activities among adolescents as a normative behavior in the
society. An incentive scheme for adolescent-friendly television programs shall likewise be
developed and implemented to encourage movie and television networks to produce
materials and programs that promote responsible sexuality among adolescents

Other private companies may bs engaged to partner with the goverment agencies
designing and implementing innovative programs to prevent adolescent pregnancy,

Section 12. Regulating Access of Minors to Pornographic Materials and Obscene Shows.
Existing laws penalizing pornography and obscenity in the country shall be strengthened by
the following regulatory provisions:

(@) Ail businass establishments providing computer and intemet services shalt strictly
restrict or prohibit minors from accessing pomographic websites by setting-up filters
6 parental control programs to block or flter-out pornographic internet contents in
all their computer units and by posting a signage prohibiting minors from access
Pomographic materials. Non-compliance to this provision shall cause the
cancellation of the business permit of the said establishment.

(b)  Seting and distribution of pomographic printed materials and videos
to minors shall be prohibited and penalized under existing laws and this Act.

i any format

(c) Persons within the age of majority who shall encourage or exert influence to minors
to access pornographic products and contents shall be penalized under this Act.


{@) Any business establishment that causes the participation and access of minors
obscene shows shall be penalized and shall be ground for the cancellation of the
business permit of such establishment.

‘The SK at the barangay and municipal/city level shall organize and mobilize group of
youth volunteers in colaboration with barangay ofiials and peace officers to monitor
of computer shops and but ¢ distributing videos
and printed materials in restricting minors from accessing pornographic products.

Section 13. Access to Reproductive Health Services. Sexually active adolescents, or those
who have already engaged in sexual activities, who have been granted partial and permanent
‘emancipation shall be allowed to access modern family planning methods without the consent
of thei socass to such modem famity
shall not be given without the written prescription from a duly licensed and trained health
service provider in public and private facilities including in the Teen Centers. Provided, further:
that all health service providers in health facilities including schoo! clinics shall be trained on
providing adolescent-friendly and responsive information and services. Provided, finally; that
ail health facilities shall be enhanced to become an adolescent-friendly facility by ensuring
identialty, exclusive schedule for adolescents, availabilty of services for adolescents,
and non-judgmental health service providers.

rent oF gu Provided

Section 14, Social Protection for Teenage Mothers or Parents. A comprehensive social
protection service shall be provided to teenage mothers or adolescents who are currently
pregnant and their partners to prevent repeat pregnancies and to ensure the wellbeing of
bitties Gf being young pai

adolescents while
include the following

(2) Maternal health services including antenatal check-ups and facilty-based delivery:
(b) Post-partum family planning counseling and services for either or both teenage
parents;

ro) mothers;

(d) Personal PhilHealth coverage, making mandatory enrollment and membership of
indigent and indigenous teenage mothers;

(e) Training and support to livelinood programs for the household of the teenage
parents especially for the indigents; and

(Continuing CSE for teenage parents.

Development (LSWD) andior the

Population Office shall implement a continuing CSE program for teenage mothers and fathers
with technical assistance from POPCOM and DOH.

Section 15. CSE for Parents and Guardians with Adolescent Children. A CSE program for
parents and guardians with the main objective of capacitating them to effectively guide,
‘counsel and provide consent ts their adolescent children in concerns retated to tt
health shall be developed and implemented by POPCOM in collaboration with relevant
ational government agencies, LGUs, and CSOs. The POPCOM shail endeavor to reach to

parent organizations in schools and communities to promote such program

sexual

Section 16. Designating February of Every Year as the Month for Raising Public Awareness

on Preventing Teenage Pre
To raise public consciousness on the issues on teenage pregnancy and generate support

it Conduct of Nationwide Communk

8


4 various stakeholders, the entire month of February shail be desi
Public Awareness on Preventing Teenage Pregnancy which shall be observed nationwide.
‘Schools and other stakeholders shall hold activities with the objective of raising awareness
land generate critical actions to address the issues of increasing teenage pregnancy.

Further, the POPCOM in collaboration with relevant agencies including the CSOs and
private sector shall develop, launch, and sustain 2 nai the
teenage pregnancy.

Section 16. integration of Local Program for the Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy in GAD
and SK Programs. Strategies and programs which aim to prevent incidence of teenage

implementation. Likewise, these strategies and program shall be incorporated in the SK
programs at the local and community level using the 10% SK funds. The NYC shall issue
Guidelines to ensure the implementation of this provision

The SK shall likewise implement programs and activities that aim to develop the
potentials and skits of adolescents to ore productive members of the society
SK shall encourage youth participation in these activities as means of diverting the focus and
potentials of adolescents into more meaningful and productive endeavors.

Section 17. Preventing Adolescents’ Involvement in other Risky Behaviors that are
Faciltative of Engagement in Sexual Activities. All barangays shall implement legal
measures to prevent adolesc haviors particularly drinking
alcoholic beverages, illegal drug use, hanging-out in very late at night doing risky behaviors
and other behaviors that can lead them to sexual activities or engaging in sexual assault or
violence. The barangays shall also strictly prohibit the access of minors to videoke bars, beer
houses/pubs, clubs, and other similar facilities that can encourage adolescents to engage in
sexual activities or sex-related violence and crimes,

from &i

Duties and Functions. in accordance to their existing mandates, the fotlc
national and local government agencies shall perform the following duties and functions in
relation to the implementation of this Act:

(a) The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA shall

Ensure the development and promotion of CSE
corresponding learning modules for teachers and students;
(ii) Ensure the comprehensive training of all teachers on CSE;
(iii) Support the development of school-based Teen Center
(iv) Conduct other extra-curricular activities for ASRH.

(

nd

(b) The Departmer

of He:

() Ensure the availability and provision of ASRH services for adolescents in all
public health facilities;

(ii) Ensure the training of health service providers in providing adolescent-friendly
and responsive health services using the enhanced Adolescent Job Aid; and

ice in the establishment of [SDN

(iil)

local level.



of Sociat Wettare and Development (OSW0}:
(i) Take the lead in providing social protection for teenage parents;

(ii) Ensure the integration of social protection services in teen centers; and

(iv) Promote CSE for adolescents with special needs and in difficult circumstances.

NYC)

(Ensure the integration of ASRH and CSE promotion in the SK programs and
projects; and

(i) Capacitate the SK in the implementation of this Act at the local levet,

) The Commi

(Develop and coordinate with relevant agencies the National Program for the
Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy as part of the national population
management program;

(ii) implement a program for the training of parents and guardians in effectively
Guiding adolescents on ASRI1 issues;

(il) Set-up national database for adolescent pregnancy that shall be used for plan
and program development and M&E of indicators at ail levels; and

(iv) Take the lead in the nationwide and community-based campaign for the
prevention of teenage pregnancy including the development and maintenance
of web portal for relevant online information and services

mission on Welfare of Children (Cw

strategies for adolescents aged 10-14.

) The MTRCB to review its guidelines to discourage television networks and movie
producers to portray sexual activities involving adolescents as a normative behavior.

) The LGUs:

Ensure the development of local strategies for the prevention of teenage
pregnancy in their localities;

(i) Ensure the promotion of CSE in schools and communities

(i) Mobilize the SK for key strategies in the prevention of teenage pregnancy in the
tocatity;

(@v) Facilitate the organization and mobilization of ISDN for AHD;

(V) Ensure the availability and provision of appropriate health and social services
for adolescents;

(vi) Set-up database on teenage pregnancy for programming and planning:

(vii) Implement a program for the training of parents and guardians in effectively
guiding adolescents on ASR! issues; and

(vil) Allocate funds necessary for the strategies in preventing teenage pregnancy.

‘The Civil Society Organization (CSOs) shall serve as partners of the national and
local government units in the implementation of the provisions of this Act.

10


ta) Owner

agers, and stat of c shops or establishments providir
to internet services who shall allow minors to access pornographic materials from
their facility.

{b) Any person who shall sell and distribute pomographic materials to minors.

higher penalty than those provided by the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

(d) Owners, managers, and staff of motels who shail allow wash-up rates or short-time or
abbreviated stay in motels involving minors with clear or at least indicative intention to
conduct sexual activities,

Section 19. Annual Allocations. All concemed govemment agencies including the LGUs
shall include in their annual budget the necessary funds for strategies and activities within
their mandates that are contributory to the implementation of this Act,

Section 20. Implementing Rules end Regulations. Within 120 days upon the effectivity of this,
Act, an inter-agency Technical Working Group (TW) consisting of NYC, DSWD, DOH, CWC,
DepEd, TESDA, CHED, DILG, POPCOM as Secretariat, and 4 representatives from CSOs

shall be organized to formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act.

Section 21. Reporting Requirements. Before the end of April each year, the POPCOM shall

of the Pt

lidated report, which

shall provide a definitive and comprehensive assessment of the implementation of its
programs and those of other government agencies in relation to the implementation of this Act
and recommend priorities for executive and legislative actions. The report shall be printed and
distributed to all national agencies, the LGUs, NGOs and private sector organizations
involved in said programs.

unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect

Section 23, Repealing Clause. All other statutes, executive orders, and administrative
issuances or rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

115) days after its publication in

24, Ctfectivity Clause.

Approved,