Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

9
HOUSE BILL NO. __1523

INTRODUCED BY HON. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is one of the leading known preventable

causes of mental rétardation and birth defects. If a woman drinks alcoho! during
pregnancy, her baby can be born with FAS, a lifelong condition that causes
physical and mental disabilities. FAS is characterized by abnormal facial
features, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system (CNS) problems.

The Constitution, Article Il, Section 12 provides that 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 fram 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 labeling of
products containing alcohol

Premises considered, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

Makin 1 borin

MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO
Representative
1" District, City of Marikina



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

9
House Bil. no, 1523

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 House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. ~ This Act shall be known as the "Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome Warning Act of 2013."

SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the term —

A) “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome” or FAS is 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 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 psychoactive drug, with depressant effects; and

C) “Department” means the Department of Health.

SEC. 3. Packaging Requirement, — Any person who offers any alcoholic
beverage for sale shall include a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable warning
on the packaging or 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.”

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

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



SEC. 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 provisions of this Act is hereby repealed,
modified or amended accordingly.

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

Approved,