TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No.
o( Hk fefcvft:<cp
25 AUG 11 P3.-08
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11036 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
"MENTAL HEALTH ACT", AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 2 of Republic Act No. 11036, or the "Mental Health Act", affirms the 
basic right of all Filipinos to mental health and the fundamental rights of those who 
require mental health services. It further states that, "The State commits itself to 
promoting the well-being of people by ensuring that mental health is valued, promoted 
and protected; mental health conditions are treated and prevented; and timely, 
affordable, high quality, and culturally-appropriate mental health case is made available 
to the public."
In a fast-changing world, plagued with sickness, pandemics, stress and 
inevitable economic fluctuations, many Filipinos struggle simply to survive. In 2024, 
mental disorders were estimated to affect 11.3% to 11.6% of the Philippine population, 
or roughly 12.5 million Filipinos, with depression and anxiety as the most prevalent 
conditions.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. The right to access mental 
health services for any mental, neurological, or substance-abuse health condition, 
requires a multifaceted approach that is grounded on science, cultural sensitivity, and 
an ethic of care.
As we aspire for a better Philippines, it is imperative for the government to 
prioritize the provision of free mental health care services, particularly for minors, 
victims of domestic violence or trafficking, and individuals experiencing homelessness. 
Meeting the fundamental needs of food, clothing, and shelter must go hand in hand 
with fostering a mentally healthy and resilient citizenry.
This bill seeks to bring free mental health care services, treatment, and support 
closer to the people, break mental health stigmas and stereotypes, and ensure


adequate and sufficient equipment, supplies and medicines, by establishing and 
empowering a responsive community-based mental health facility in every province, 
city, and cluster of municipalities in the entire country.
For the foregoing reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARCOS


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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1171
Senate ,
25 AUG 11 P3«8
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11036 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
"MENTAL HEALTH ACT", AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Section 16 of Republic Act No. 11036, otherwise known as the 
"Mental Health Act", shall be amended to read as follows:
"Section 16. Community-based Mental Health Care Facilities.
- The national government, through the DOH, IN
COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR 
AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (DILG), shall fund the establishment 
and assist in the operation of community-based mental health care 
facilities in the provinces, cities and cluster of municipalities in the 
entire country based on the needs of the population, to provide 
appropriate mental health care services, and enhance the rights- 
based approach to mental health care. PROVIDED THAT, WHERE 
THE RESIDENT OF THE PROVINCE, CITY, OR 
MUNICIPALITY IS HOMELESS, A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC 
VIOLENCE OR TRAFFICKING, OR A MINOR, HE OR SHE 
SHALL BE GIVEN PRIORITY IN THE AVAILMENT OF 
SERVICES. PROVIDED FURTHER THAT, THE PARENT OR 
DULY-DESIGNATED OR APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE OF 
THE MINOR SHALL BE PRESENT OR MUST HAVE GIVEN 
CONSENT DURING THE AVAILMENT OF SERVICES.
THE AVAILMENT OF SUCH SERVICES, TREATMENT,
AND SUPPORT SHALL BE FREE OF CHARGE TO THE 
RESIDENTS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE FACILITY 
WHERE IT IS LOCATED.
Each community-based mental health care facility shall, in 
addition to adequate room, office or clinic, have a complement of


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mental health professionals, allied professionals, support staff, 
trained barangay health workers (BHWs) volunteer, family 
members of patients or service users, basic equipment and supplies 
and adequate stock of medicines appropriate at that level."
SEC. 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations 
or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 3. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected 
thereby shall remain in force and effect.
SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following the completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a 
newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.
Approved,