Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

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Quezon City roe ae cate
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 8: eT
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1883

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRE

yYARGAS a

AN ACT
PROMOTING AWARENESS OF CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been described as an energy deficit
disorder, the impact primarily is on the immune system, the brain, the muscles and
endocrine system. This ailment brings sudden, unexplained, and extreme fatigue that
severely impairs the performance of daily activities and continues for months. Because
the cause of CFS is unknown, the prevention methods cannot be specified. There are,
however, ways to manage the condition which include minimizing stress, maintaining

an exercise routine, getting sufficient sleep and maintaining a healthy and balanced
lifestyle

One of the challenges faced by CFS affected persons is the apparent lack of
recognition regarding the seriousness of the disease. Aside from its physical impact, the
patient likewise suffers from a social stigma wherein the individual is perceived to be
malingering, wanting attention, or feigning CFS-like symptoms. This affects the
individual psychologically and may cause prolonged recovery from the disease

The Constitution, Article 2, Section 15 provides:

The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people
and instill health consciousness among them

Hence, the State must endeavor or promote awareness of CFS in order to
eliminate the social stigma associated with the disease, thereby alleviating the suffering
of CFS patients and guiding them to a speedy recovery and restoring them to a
productive and fulfilling life

.LFRED VARGAS


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No, 2883

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROMOTING AWARENESS OF CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

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

SECTION 1. Short Title This Act shall be known as the “Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome Awareness Act”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is
widely misunderstood such that patients are viewed as malingering, wanting attention
or feigning CFS-like syndrome. The lack of recognition of the disease and support for
CES patients affect them psychologically thereby prolonging their recovery from the
disease. It is in accord with the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them that awareness of CFS
be raised to dispel the social stigma associated with the disease so that the patients may
attain early recovery and restoration to a productive and fulfilling life.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. ~ For purposes of this Act, the term:
1 “DOH” refers to the Department of Health

2. “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)” refers to CFS is an energy deficit
disorder, the impact primarily is on the immune system, the brain, the
muscles and endocrine system, and

3 “PIA” refers to the Philippine Information Agency;

SECTION 4, National Public Awareness Campaign, ~ The Department of
Health (DOH) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) shall carry
out @ national campaign to increase public awareness and knowledge of Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome


Activities under the national campaign shall include:

|. The dissemination of information on recent findings about CFS, its probable
causes, prevention, diagnosis, and available treatments

2. Information on how provide the necessary emotional support to a family

member, relative or friend suffering from CFS.

SECTION 5. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Health (DOH), in
cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), is hereby authorized and
directed to adopt a system to implement and carry out the provisions of this Act. The
DOH shall, within 60 days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate rules and
regulations to carry out and enforce the provisions of this Act

EA ions. — The amount necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Act are hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National
Treasury

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act is held invalid
oF unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other
provisions hereof.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, or
portions thereof, which are inconsistent with the: provisions of this Act, are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly

SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation

Approved,