QEPRESE

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

533
HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Rep. JOSEPH STEPHEN S. PADUANO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Drug abuse and addiction has become a social menace in the country that
affects all sectors of the Philippine society. While addiction to some substances is
not necessarily criminal in nature, such as alcohol and prescription drugs, they still have
the same detrimental effects with illegal substances if abused.

Drug dependency is considered as a disease which needs professional intervention
through rehabilitation. However, rehabilitation of illegal drug dependents is expensive and in the
Philippines, a lot of people suffering from drug or alcohol addictions prefer not to have
themselves rehabilitated mostly for two reasons: the fear of being discriminated by others for
having an addiction, and the concern to the costs and fees with doubts of whether or not the
rehabilitation will succeed in taking away that person's addictions.

Rehabilitation in privately-owned facilities usually costs PhP10,000.00  —
PhP100,000.00 per month, depending on the facility and the type of rehabilitation that a patient
may require. On the other hand, the cost of rehabilitation in government operated centers
ranges from PhPS5,000.00 PhP10,000.00 a month. The monthly fees cover the patient's stay,
the rehabilitation programs and most often, the day-to-day needs of the person. In government
operated rehab centers, daily necessities such as food and water are taken care of by government
funding, while in privately-owned rehab centers, they usually charge additional monthly personal
allowance fees.

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) listed forty-two (42) Drug Rehabilitation
Residential Centers and three (3) Out-Patient Centers accredited by the Department of
Health (DOH) nationwide as of 31 December 2012. Thirty six (36) of the Residential
Centers are located in Luzon and Visayas while six (6) are located in three (3) regions of
Mindanao. Eleven (11) of these Residential Centers are operated by government
organizations, four (4) by local government units and twenty-seven (27) by non-
governmental organizations (NGOs). On the other hand, two (2) of the Out-Patient
Centers are operated by government organizations in Region XI and ARMM while the
other one is operated by an NGO in the National Capital Region.

Section 15, Article Il of the 1987 Constitution provides that: "The State shall protect
and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness

‘among them." Further, Sec. 11, Art. XIII states that: "The State shall adopt an integrated and
comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods,
health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be priority
for the needs of the under-privileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. The State
shall endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers.”


In consonance with the above-cited constitutional mandates, this bill aims to establish
‘a more accessible and affordable Rehabilitation Center for Illegal Drugs Users who voluntarily
submit themselves for treatment in every province of the country. It provides for the
collaboration between the provincial government and the concerned government agencies for
its establishment. The bill also seeks to make available a comprehensive social reintegration
program and follow-up for illegal drug dependents to prepare them for re-integration in the
community after the treatment.

In support of the Duterte administration's intensified campaign against criminality and
illegal drugs use, the expeditious passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

3

REP. JOS 'PHEN S. PADUANO


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

‘ 533
House Bill No.

Introduced by REP. JOSEPH STEPHEN S. PADUANO

AN ACT
MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REHABILITATION CENTER FORILLEGAL
DRUGS USERS IN EVERY PROVINCE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. There shall be established, through the Department of Health (DOH), jointly
with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of
Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the concerned provincial government, a
Rehabilitation Center for Illegal Drugs Users in every province in the country.

Section 2. The Provincial Governor, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and the
Secretary of Public Works and Highways, shall determine the location of each Rehabilitation
Center for Illegal Drugs Users, taking into consideration its accessibility of to the residents of
remote areas.

Section 3. The DOH, in coordination with the provincial government, shall exercise
supervision and control over each Rehabilitation Center for Illegal Drugs Users, in addition
to the duties and responsibilities of the Department under Section 76 of Republic Act No. (RA)
9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Section 4. The program for the voluntary or compulsory submission of a drug dependent
and other legal processes related thereby shall be in compliance to the provisions in Article
VIII of RA 9165.

Section 5.The Rehabilitation Center for Illegal Drugs Users shall provide affordable
and accessible treatment and care to persons who committed abuse of illegal drugs and
voluntarily submit for rehabilitation. It shall further make available a comprehensive social
reintegration program and follow-up for illegal drug dependents to prepare them for re-integration
jin the community after the treatment.

Section 6. Funding - the funds necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included
in the General Appropriations Act of the concemed government agencies as part of their annual
budget.

Section 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations- The DOH, in consultation with the DSWD
and the DILG, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions
of this Act.


Section 8. Separability Clause- If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions not
affected thereby.

Section 9. Repealing Clause- All laws, parts of laws, decrees, presidential 5
issuances, proclamations, orders, ordinances, and administrative regulations in conflict with the
provisions of this Act are hereby amended, modified or repealed accordingly.

Section 10. Effectivity Clause- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its pul
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever, comes
earlier.

Approved.