SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
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S. No. 
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Introduced by SENATOR PIA S. CAYETANO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill deSignates every third week of November as "National Consciousness 
Week Against Counterfeit Medicines" in order to draw and raise public attention and 
awareness about counterfeit medicines and the urgency to control its proliferation in the 
country. 
The proliferation of counterfeit medicines is a serious public health concern not 
only in the Philippines but worldwide, The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 
between 8 - 10 percent of pharmaceutical products in the market are 'counterfeit' 
medicines, Likewise, the Department of Health estimates around 10 percent of the 
medicines available in the country are counterfeit or fake medicines. Despite the 
passage of Republic Act No. 8203, or the "Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs," this 
serious threat to public health continues to exist and may potentially harm thousands of 
Filipinos. 
An individual who takes a counterfeit drug may be at risk for a number of 
dangerous health consequences, including death. With counterfeits, patients may 
experience unexpected side effects, allergic reactions, or worsening- of their medical 
condition that could result in death. 
This bill mandates a comprehensive public education and awareness program on 
counterfeit medicines to help enlighten people about this serious concern and push for 
the strict implementation of the laws aimed to curb the proliferation of counterfeit 
medicines. A focal point of this program is an information campaign about the 
importance of protecting the Filipinos from the harmful effects of counterfeit medicines. 
For the health and protection of our people, immediate approval of this bill is 
sought. 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
JUL -3 Pl2:25 
SENATE 
S. No. 
328 
Introduced by SENATOR PIA S. CAYETANO 
--.----------------------------------------------------------------------------.----------------------------
AN ACT DECLARING EVERY THIRD WEEK OF NOVEMBER OF EVERY 
YEAR AS "NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS WEEK AGAINST COUNTERFEIT 
MEDICINES" 
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 "National Consciousness 
Week Against Counterfeit Medicines Act." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - In line with the principles and mandates set 
by the Philippine Constitution that "the State shall protect and promote the right 
to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them" (Article 2. 
Section 15) and that "the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive 
approach to health development" (Article 13, Section 11), the third week of 
November of every year throughout the Philippines shall be known under the 
name of "National Counterfeit Medicines Consciousness Week." 
SECTION 3. Public Education and Awareness Program. - To ensure the 
meaningful observance of the week as herein declared, a comprehensive public 
education and awareness program shall be undertaken on the proliferation and 
dangers of counterfeit medicines which poses detrimental effects to health of 
patients, The program shall specifically discuss the sources, 
common 
characteristics, and effects of counterfeit medicines, including the urgent need for 
reporting of incidents to the Bureau of Food and Drugs and the strict enforcement 
of RA 8203, otherwise known as "The Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs." 
SECTION 4. Inter-Agency and Multi-Sectoral Effort, - The Department of Health 
shall lead in the implementation of the comprehensive public education and 


awareness program on counterfeit medicines through a collaborative inter-
agency and multisectoral effort at all levels. It shall particularly ensure 
widespread and expeditious public information about the proliferation and 
dangers of counterfeit medicines. 
SECTION 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved.