SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
'' iSfitt.’ of ti|f fee n rtnrj’
'17 AUG-7 P3 :23
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
1 ,5 4 5
RECtiVLO
Introduced by Senator JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING 
NATIONAL 
INTEGRATED 
CANCER 
CONTROL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Cancer is a growing and serious public health concern in the 
Philippines which requires urgent and concerted action. Every day, 
people are needlessly dying and suffering; families are robbed of their 
loved ones; communities lose productive contributors to a brighter 
future, all because of cancer.
A recent report of the Philippine Statistical Autliority (PSA) states 
that one in every ten registered deaths in the country is attributable to 
cancer. In 2010, cancer ranked 3rd, in the list of top ten leading causes of 
adult mortality and morbidity; for child mortality and morbidity, cancer 
ranked 4th. As of 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer 
(lARC) estimates that in the Philippines, there are 269 new adult cancer 
cases every day, 11 every hour. Moreover, there are at least 7 Filipinos 
dying from cancer every hour. Experts opine that the actual cancer 
burden and cancer mortality in the Philippines is in fact very much 
higher. Many more cases and deaths from cancer remain uncounted, 
unrecorded and unreported.
Given the limitations of the health system in addressing current 
requirements for cancer care, the country is ill prepared and will be 
further overwhelmed to effectively care for the expected upsurge of new 
cancer cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),


incidence of cancer by 2030 is projected to exponentially increase by as 
much as 80%, with the greatest impact being felt in low resource 
countries, like the Philippines.
Thus, the government must act now to institutionalize an 
integrated, multi-disciplinary, multi sectoral, nationwide cancer control 
and management for all types of cancer, for all genders and ages. It needs 
to achieve a progressive and sustainable increase in its response capacity 
as well as build for expected future needs and requirements. It must scale 
up its investments in the different components and patient pathways of 
cancer control, to provide high-quality, adequately resourced, 
geographically distributed and connected networks of patient and family 
focused integrated cancer care services for the whole cancer care 
continuum. Failure to do so will be costly and can lead to a health system 
crisis in cancer care. Moreover, strengthening health systems capacity for 
cancer care will also provide opportunities for timely and effective 
response to the burden of other non-communicable diseases.
The bill aims to decrease overall mortality and impact of all adult 
and childhood cancer by institutionalizing a systematic, well-organized, 
well-coordinated, well-funded, patient and family centered integrated 
cancer control program. Furthermore, it seeks to provide adequate and 
even distribution of facilities, personnel, equipment and technologies. 
More importantly, the proposed measure mandates the establishment of 
Cancer Assistance Fund to make cancer treatments and medicine 
affordable and lessen tlie out-of-pocket costs.
In view of the foregoing, the enactment of this bill is earnestly 
sought.
- T
3
t y
' '
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO


9
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E
S.B. No. 1 5 4  5
or t';o i> <1
*17 AUG-7 P3 ;23
REuivi D5..
Introduced by Senator JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING 
NATIONAL INTEGRATED 
CANCER 
CONTROL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philipphnes in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National 
Integrated Cancer Control Act".
Sec.. 2. Declaration of Policies - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health 
development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and 
other services available to all the people at affordable cost including 
cancer treatment. Towards this end, the State shall support and expand 
efforts to strengthen integrative, multi-disciplinary, patient and family 
centered cancer control policies, programs, systems, interventions, and 
services at all levels of the existing health care delivery system.
The State shall likewise improve survivorship from adult and 
childhood cancers, by scaling up essential programs and increasing 
investments for robust prevention of cancer, better screening, early 
detection, prompt and accurate diagnosis, responsive palliative care and 
pain management, timely and optimal treatment, and late effects 
management and rehabilitation.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act,


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(a) Cancer refers to a generic term for a large group of diseases that 
can affect any part of the body. One defining feature of cancer is 
the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual 
boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the 
body and spread to other organs, the latter process is referred to 
as metastasizing.
(b) Cancer Control refers to an act that aims to reduce the incidence, 
morbidity and mortality of cancer and to improve the quality of 
life of cancer patients in a defined population, through the 
systemic implementation of evidence-based interventions for 
prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative 
care.
(c) 
Cancer Prevention is categorized into three:
i. Prinianj Cancer Prevention refers to measures and 
interventions that will decrease the likelihood or risk of an 
individual of acquiring cancer;
ii. Secondary Cancer Prevention refers to tlie use of tests to detect 
a cancer before the appearance of signs or symptoms 
(screening) followed by prompt treatment;
iii. Tertiary Cancer Prevention refers to diagnosis and treatment 
of clinical apparent disease
(d) Cancer Registry refers to the systematic collection, storage, 
analysis, interpretation and reporting of data on subjects with 
cancer. There are two main types of cancer registry - population- 
based and hospital-based cancer registries;
a. Population-based cancer registries seek to collect data on all 
new cases of cancer occurring in a well-defined population. 
As a result, and iii contrast to hospital-based registries, the 
main objective of this type of cancer registry is to produce 
statistics on the occurrence of cancer in a defined population 
and to provide a framework for assessing and controlling 
the impact of cancer in the community. Thus, the emphasis 
is on epidemiology and public health;
b. Hospital-based cancer registries are concerned with the 
recording of information on the cancer patients seen in a 
particular hospital. Tlie main purpose of such registries is to 
contribute to hospital patient care by providing readily


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accessible information on the subjects with cancer, the 
treatment they received and its result.
(e) 
Cancer Survivorship starts at the time of disease diagnosis and 
continues throughout the rest of the patient's life. Family 
caregivers and friends are also considered survivors.
(f) 
Cancer Treatment is the series of intei'ventions, including 
psychosocial and nutritional support, surger}^, radiotherapy, 
radio-isotope therapy, and drug therapy such as chemotherapy, 
hormonotlierapy, 
biotherapuetics, 
immunotherapy, 
gene 
therapy, and supportive therapy among others. It is aimed at 
curing the disease or prolonging the patient's life considerably 
while improving the patient's quality of life.
(g) Carer refers to anyone who provides care to a cancer patient who 
do not receive any salary or other form of compensation.
(h) Alternative Medicine Practices refers to medicine practices that 
includes dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal 
preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, 
and spiritual healing, not generally recognized by the medical 
community as standard or conventional medical approaches.
(i) 
Comprehensive Cancer Care Center Model refers to an 
integrated, highly functioning network, with different categories 
of cancer centers, equitably distributed geographically for easier 
patient access and effectively and quickly address the multi­
faceted challenges of cancer.
(j) 
Continuum of Care refers to the care that includes risk 
assessment, primary prevention, screening, detection, diagnosis, 
treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care. Palliative care and 
pain management are considered as an integral, cross cutting 
part of the continuum of care. Movement across the span of the 
cancer care continuum involves several types of needed care, as 
well as transitions between the types of care.
(k) High Quality Cancer Care Delivery System. There are six 
essential components:
i. Engaged patients refers to a system that supports all patients 
in making informed medical decisions consistent witli tlieir


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needs, values, and preferences in consultation with 
clinicians 
who 
have 
expertise 
in 
patient-centered 
communication and shared decision making;
ii. An adequately staffed, trained, and coordinated workforce 
refers to a system that provides competent, trusted, 
interdisciplinary cancer care teams that are aligned with 
patients' needs, values, and preferences, as well as 
coordinated with the patients' non-cancer care teams and 
their caregivers;
iii. Evidence-based cancer care;
iv. A system that uses advances in IT to enhance the quality and 
delivery of cancer care, patient outcomes, innovative 
research, 
quality 
measurement, 
and 
performance 
improvement;
V. A system that rapidly and efficiently incorporates new 
medical knowledge into clinical practice guidelines; 
measures and assesses progress in improving the delivery of 
cancer care; publicly reports performance information; and 
develops innovative strategies for further improvement;
vi. Accessible, affordable cancer care
(l) 
Hospice care is a type of care and philosophy of care that focuses 
on the palliation of a chronically ill, terminally ill or seriously ill 
patient's pain and symptoms, and attending to their emotional 
and spiritual needs. Hospice care is part of palliative care 
particularly at the latter stage of cancer. Tlie goal of the care at 
end of life is to help people die in peace, comfort, and dignity,
(m) Interdisciplinary approach to cancer care refers to the process of 
answering a question, solving a problem, or addressing a topic 
that is too broad or complex to be dealt with adequately by a 
single medical discipline, and draws on the different disciplines 
with the goal of integrating their insights to construct a more 
comprehensive understanding.
(n) Multidisciplinary care refers to an integrated (interdisciplinary) 
approach to cancer care in which medical and allied health care 
professionals consider all relevant treatment options and


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develop collaboratively an individual treatment plan for each 
patient.
(o) National Integrated Cancer Control Program (NICCP) refers to 
the program of the national government for the management of 
cancer in the Philippines
(p) National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) refers to the 
public health programme designed to reduce the number of 
cancer cases and deaths and improve quality of life of cancer 
patients. This is done by implementing systematic, equitable and 
evidence-based strategies for prevention, early detection, 
diagnosis, treatment, palliation and rehabilitation, using 
available resources
(q) Out-of-pocket expenditxire refers to any direct outlay by 
households, including gratuities and in-kind payments, to health 
practitioners and suppliers of pharmaceuticals, therapeutic 
appliances, and other goods and services whose primaiy intent 
is to contribute to the restoration or enhancement of tlie health 
status of individuals or population groups.
(r) 
Palliative Care refers to a treatment to relieve, ratlier than cure, 
symptoms caused by cancer. It relieves suffering and improves 
quality of life for people of any age and at any stage in a serious 
illness, whether that illness is curable, chronic, life limiting or 
life-threatening.
(s) 
Patient Navigation refers to individualized assistance offered to 
patients, families, and caregivers to help overcome health care 
system barriers and facilitate timely access to quality medical 
and psychosocial care
(t) 
Practical assistance refers to help on non-medical costs such as 
financial assistance for transient housing, transportation, food 
and nutrition, among others.
(u) Psychosocial services include interventions that enable patients, 
their families and health care providers to optimize biomedical 
health care and to manage the psychological, behavioral and 
social aspects of illness and its consequences so as to promote 
better health


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(v) Treatment compliance refers to medication or drug compliance, 
but it can also apply to other situations such as medical device 
use, self-care, self-directed exercises, or therapy sessions.
CHAPTER I
Establishing the National Integrated Cancer Control Advisory Board 
and Strengthening the Cancer Program in the Disease Prevention and 
Control Bureau of the Department of Health
Sec. 4 Creation and Composition of the National Integrated Cancer 
Control Advisory Board (NICCAB). - Tlie State, through the Department 
of Health, shall establish a NICCAB to provide teclmical guidance, 
support and oversee the implementation of this law, ensuring judicious 
and best use of available resources for tlie benefit of all, especially the 
most vulnerable sectors of society, the elderly, women and children, the 
poor, marginalized, and disadvantaged. The NICCAB shall be composed 
of:
1. The Secretary of the Department of Health who shall serve as the 
Chairperson or a designated representative, as ex officio member.
The Vice-Chair shall be elected by the non-ex officio members, 
from among themselves, and shall serve for a term of two (2) years;
2. Tlie Director General of the Food and Drug Administration or a 
designated representative as ex officio member;
3. The Director General of the National Economic and Development 
Authority or a designated representative, as ex office member;
4. The President and CEO of the Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation (PhilHealth) or a designated representative, as ex 
officio member;
5. The Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development (DSWD) or a designated representative, as ex officio 
member;
6. The Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment 
(DOLE), or a designated representative as ex officio member;


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7. The Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local 
Government (DILG), or a designated representative as ex officio 
member;
8. The Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF), or a designated 
representative as ex officio member;
9. The Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology 
(DOST), or a designated representative as ex officio member;
10. The Chairperson of tlie Commission on Higher Education, or a 
designated representative as ex officio member;
11. Three (3) members, in total, drawn from among the major 
oncology societies as later determined in the Implementing Rules 
and Regulations of this law, to be appointed by the President of the 
Philippines and shall serve for a term of 3 years, renewable every 
year, upon recommendation of the DOH Secretary;
12. Two (3) members, in total, drawn from the academe representing 
key disciplines of oncology as later determined by the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations of tliis law, to be appointed 
by tlie President of tlie Philippines and shall serve for a term of 3 
years, renewable every year upon recommendation of the DOH 
Secretary; and
13. Two (3) members, in total, drawn from cancer-focused patient 
support organizations and advocacy network, to be appointed by 
the President of the Philippines and shall serve for a term of 3 
years, renewable every year, upon recommendation of the DOH 
Secretary.
Sec. 5. Role ami Functions. - The NICCAB shall recommend policies, 
programs and reforms tliat shall enliance synergies among stakeholders 
and ensure well-coordinated, effective and sustainable implementation 
of the provisions of tliis law. It shall advise and assist in planning, policy 
making, program development, development of good practice models, 
standard setting, stakeholder engagement, program monitoring, 
evaluation and assessment, strategic, programmatic and operational 
review. It shall, as necessary, create experts' groups or technical working 
groups to assist the DOH to undertake any of the following key tasks.


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(a) 
Secure from government agencies and other stakeholders 
concerned, recommendations and plans on how their respective 
agencies could operationalize specific provisions of this Act. The 
Board shall consider and integrate sound recommendations in 
the implementing rules and regulations for this Act.
(b) 
Develop the National Integrated Cancer Control (NICC) 
roadmap with annual targets, priorities and performance 
benchmarks, for the effective institutionalization of integrated 
cancer control strategies, policies, programs and services in the 
national and local health care system;
(c) 
Develop integrated and responsive cancer control policies and 
programs tailored 
to the socio-economic context and 
epidemiological profiles of the Philippines and aimed at 
improving survivorship, making cancer care more accessible 
and affordable, expanding and enhancing cancer care to include 
the 
whole continuum 
of care, 
promoting 
integrated, 
multidisciplinary, patient- and family-centered care, and 
enhancing the well-being and quality of life of cancer patients 
and their families;
(d) 
Develop, periodically update and promote, evidence based 
treatment standards and guidelines for all adult and childhood 
cancers, of all stages, including the management of late effects;
(e) 
Develop innovative and cost-effective cancer care service 
models for effectively delivering integrated cancer care in the 
most appropriate settings and improving patient care flow from 
primary to tertiary care;
(f) 
Develop clearly defined patient care pathways and evidence 
based standards of care for the network of cancer centers, i.e.. 
Comprehensive Cancer Care Centres, Specialty Care Centers, 
Regional Cancer Centers, Satellites and others, as deemed 
essential;
(g) 
Set quality and accreditation standards for oncology focused 
health service facilities, health care providers, medical 
professionals, allied health professionals, as well as, ethical 
cancer research;
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(h) 
Monitor and assess the implementation of prioritized packages 
of cancer services, for all ages and all stages of cancer, ensuring 
they are provided in an equitable, affordable and sustainable 
manner, at all levels of care; that is, primary to tertiary health 
care;
(i) 
Recommend responsive and proactive medicine access 
programs, as well as, improvements of core systems and 
processes related to: a) availability and affordability of quality, 
safe, and effective medicines, not limited to those in the WHO 
List of Essential Medicines and the Philippine National 
Formulary, b) increased access to cost effective vaccinations to 
prevent infections associated with cancers, c)diagnostics for 
cancer, d) innovative medicines and technologies, and 
e)compassionate use protocols, as necessary;
(j) 
Establish mechanisms and platforms for multi-sectoral and 
multi-stakeholder collaboration, coordination, and cooperation, 
especially in, health promotion, disease prevention, capacity 
development, education, training and learning, information and 
communication, social mobilization and resource mobilization;
(k) 
Establish mechanisms and platforms for patient, family, and 
community 
engagement, 
especially 
on 
protection and 
promotion of the rights of patients, survivors and their families 
and their active involvement in multi-disciplinary patient care, 
patient navigation, and survivors' follow-up care;
(l) 
Strengthen linkages with local and international organizations 
for possible partnerships in treatment and management of 
cliallenging and rare cases, education, training and learning, 
advocacy, research, resource mobilization and funding 
assistance; and
(m) Establish a system for program review, monitoring and 
evaluation, inclusive of financial aspects and submit an annual 
report to the Secretary of Health on the progress, 
accomplishments, implementation challenges encountered and 
recommendations for wav forward.
Sec. 6. Strcnglhcning of the human resource complement for the cancer 
program in the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of the 
Department of Healtlu - In order to ensure that this law shall be


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effectively operationalized and implemented, the human resource 
complement of the cancer unit under the Department of Health shall be 
strengthened. A Director for Cancer Control shall be designated to 
provide operational leadership, undertake coordination with program 
stakeholders and ensure effective and sustainable implementation of the 
program.
CHAPTER II
Optimizing Quality Health Care Systems for Cancer Prevention,
Control and Management 
in All Levels
Sec. 7. Strengthen Cancer Care Infrastructure and other resources. -  The 
State through the Secretary of Health, the Local Government Units and 
its instrumentalities, shall strengthen the capacity of public health 
systems and facilities, in the provision of services, in the cancer care 
continuum, through the following key activities, but not limited to:
(a) Allocate adetjuale resources for investments in health facility 
renovation or upgrade, inclusive of teclmologies and equipment 
for use in cancer treatment and care (from diagnosis to 
rehabilitation);
(b) Develop robust and effective patient referral pathways across 
levels of health service delivery;
(c) 
Provide reliable supply of cancer drugs and cancer control 
related vaccines (e.g. HPV, Hepatitis B etc.) to patients by 
ensuring that health facilities and local health centers, through 
coordination with local government units (LGUs), consistently 
have sufficient supply of essential medicines and vaccines;
(d) Enhance and strengthen the oncology related competencies 
of healtli providers in all levels of care as well as capacities to 
collaborate and work effectively in integrated, multidisciplinary 
settings;
(e) 
Institutionalize work place retention programs for priority 
oncology disciplines, disciplines where shortages exist and in 
underserved areas, where there are no oncology related 
practitioners;
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(f) 
Establish clear standards and guidelines for patient care, 
psychosocial support, palliative care and pain management, and 
patient navigation;
(g) Establish and strengthen community level of care for cancer 
patients, cancer survivors, and people living with cancer, of all 
gender and ages;
(h) Ensure the proper recording, reporting and monitoring of cancer 
cases, of all gender and ages, in all levels of care;
(i) 
Network and link-up with Comprehensive Cancer Centers, 
Regional Cancer Centers, Specialty centers, privately managed 
cancer centers and relevant health facilities and international 
institutions, for knowledge and resource sharing;
(j) 
All other activities and initiatives as may be identified by the 
NICCAB.
Sec. 8. Establish an integrated network of cancer care centers in strategic 
areas of the country. The State, through the Secretary of Health, and witli 
assistance from NICCAB, shall develop standards to classify cancer 
centres, accredit, regulate and designate Comprehensive Cancer Centers, 
Specialty Centers and Regional Cancer Centers and satellites.
The Regional Cancer Centre shall have the following objectives and 
functions:
(a) Provide timely and 
high 
quality 
cancer 
services 
such 
as screening, diagnosis, optimal treatment and care, supportive 
care and palliative care, survivorship follow-up care and re­
integration, rehabilitation, to cancer patients of all gender and 
ages;
(b) Establish as necessary, networks with both public and private 
facilities, to improve access, expand range of services, reduce costs 
and bring services closer to patients;
(c) Provide and promote supportive care, palliative care and pain 
management, patient navigation, hospice care and other measures 
to improve tlie well-being and quality of life of cancer 
patients, people living with cancer, their families and carers;
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(d) Ensure 
tliere 
are 
separate 
units 
and 
facilities 
for 
children/adolescents with cancer and that they are not mixed with 
the general population;
(e) Design and implement high-impact, innovative, and relevant local 
communications campaigns that are context and culture-sensitive, 
and aligned with national programs;
(f) Undertake and support the training of physicians, nurses, medical 
technicians, pharmacists, healtli officers, and social workers on 
evidence-based, good practice models for delivery of responsive, 
multi-disciplinary, integrated cancer services;
(g) Address the psychosocial and rehabilitation needs of cancer 
patients and survivors;
(h) Adapt and promote evidence based innovations, good practice 
models, equitable, sustainable strategies and actions across the 
continuum of care;
(i) Engage and collaborate with LGUs, private sector, philanthropic 
institutions, cancer focused patient support and advocacy 
organizations, civil society organizations, to make available 
programs and services for practical assistance to cancer families 
and cancer survivors;
(j) Promote and/or assist in ethical scientific research on matters 
related to cancer; and
(k) Institutionalize and implement the Integrated Philippine Cancer 
Control Program.
Sec. 9. Strengthen the capacities of the Human Resources for Health in 
Cancer Care. - The Department of Health in collaboration with cancer 
focused professional societies, ECU leagues and LGU-based health 
associations, academic institutions, human resources units of designated 
Comprehensive Cancer Centers, designated Specialty Cancer Centers, 
designated Regional Cancer Centers, civil society organizations, and tlie 
private sector shall create and implement competency-based learning 
packages, for all health care workers providing cancer care service and 
support at all levels of the healthcare delivery system. This continuing 
learning program shall include adoption and institutionalization of cost- 
effective, learner friendly, learning platforms and modalities, so as to
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broaden reach and accelerate enhancement of key competencies of health 
providers.
Sec. 10. Strengthen oncology-related academic airriaila of higher 
educational institution(HEI)s. The Commission on Higher Education in 
collaboration with DOH, PSC, HEIs, cancer focused professional 
societies, accrediting institutions and patient support organizations, shall 
undertake an assessment of current oncology-related academic 
curriculum and ensure that it meets local needs and global practice 
standards. It shall encourage HEIs to offer degree programs for liigh 
priority oncology related specializations as well as continuing education 
programs related to oncological treatment and care.
CHAPTER III
Enhancing Public Awareness of Cancer through Health Education 
and Health Promotion in Schools, Workplaces, and Communities and 
Creating a Supportive and Safe Environment in various settings
Sec. 11. National Cancer Information Service. The State shall intensify 
provision of up-to-date, evidence-based information, as well as practical 
advice, support, and referral for cancer patients, people living with 
cancer, sui*vivors, their families, carers, and caregivers. The service shall 
be provided through tlie existing Department of Healtli Call Center, 
website, help line or other platforms that may be developed, including 
that 
of 
the 
Department 
of 
Information, 
Technology 
and 
Communications. Comprehensive Cancer Care Centers and Regional 
Cancer Centers shall likewise have a provision for cancer information 
services.
Sec. 12. Health Education and Health Promotion in Schools, Colleges, 
and Universities. - Tlie Commission on Higher Education and 
Department of Education shall develop policies and provide teclmical 
guidance to academic institutions and administrators to:
a) Promote and facilitate integration of age appropriate key 
messages on cancer risk factors, early warning signs and 
symptoms of adult cancers and childhood cancers, cancer 
prevention and control, adoption of healthy lifestyles and healthy 
diets, in their curriculum, health and wellness programs, and co- 
curricular activities;
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b) Undertake mainstreaming of practical supportive care and 
psychosocial support programs for people living with cancer, 
cancer survivors, and their family members, especially those who 
act as carers for cancer patients; and
c) Adopt initiatives that shall minimize or eliminate stigma and 
discrimination in schools, colleges, and universities. For this 
purpose, funds shall be allocated for training of key staff, lead 
personnel and counsellors.
Sec. 13. Health Education and Health Promotion in the Workplace. -  The 
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Civil Service 
Commission (CSC), and Technical Education and Skills Development 
Authority (TESDA), shall develop policies and provide technical 
guidance to employers, employees associations, and unions to:
a) Promote and facilitate integration of key messages on cancer risk 
factors, early warning signs and symptoms of adult cancers and 
childhood cancers, cancer prevention and control, adoption of 
healthy lifestyles and healthy diets, in their commmiication 
initiatives, health and wellness programs, and employee 
development programs;
b) Undertake mainstreaming of practical supportive care and 
psychosocial support programs for people living with cancer, 
cancer survivors, and their family members;
(c) Integrate appropriate cancer services in their health services 
and clinics;
(d) Develop programs, initiatives or mechanisms that shall 
minimize or eliminate stigma and discrimination in the work place 
that is experienced by people living with cancer, survivors, and 
their families. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the 
Philippine National Police shall likewise be engaged and assisted 
by the Department of Health in collaboration with appropriate 
agencies.
Sec. 14. Health Education and Promotion in Communities. -  The DILG, 
League of Provinces, League of Cities and League of Municipalities, in 
collaboration with the Department of Health, Centers for Health 
Development, local cancer focused patient support organizations and 
cancer focused professional societies, shall implement a locally based.
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multi-sectoral community response to cancer. This shall not be limited to 
information and cancer focused health education but shall include 
assisting cancer patients, people living with cancer, cancer survivors and 
their families in accessing community resources for cancer services and 
support for effectively coping and living with cancer. Gender and 
Development Funds and other appropriate local sources may be utilized 
for these purposes.
Tlie DILG shall, in coordination with the DOH Centers for Health 
Development and the DSWD, conduct age appropriate cancer focused 
healtli education and healtli promotion for out of school youtli.
CHAPTER IV
Making Cancer Care and Treatment More Affordable
Sec. 15. Establishment of the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF). - There is 
hereby established a Cancer Assistance Find (CAF) to support the cancer 
medicine and treatment assistance program. For the initial year of 
implementation of this act, the amount of Fifty Million Pesos 
(P50,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated, thereafter, funds for the CAF 
shall be included in the budget of the DOH.
Sec. 16. Expansion and introduction of innovative PhilHealth Benefits 
for Cancers. - The Pliilippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) 
shall expand current benefits to include screening, detection, diagnosis, 
treatment assistance, supportive care, survivorship follow up care and 
rehabilitation, for all types and stages of cancer, in both adults and 
children. It shall also develop innovative benefits such as support for 
community-based models of care to improve cancer treatment journey 
and reduce costs of care; this may include, but not limited to, standalone 
chemotherapy infusion centers, ambulatory care, community and/or 
home based palliative care and pain management, community based 
hospice facility.
Sec. 17. Institutionalizing Social Protection Mechanisms for cancer 
patients, persons living with cancer, survivors, their families and carers. 
- The DOH, in close coordination with SSS, GSIS, PCSO, PAGCOR, 
DOLE, DSWD, and LGUs shall develop appropriate, easily accessible 
social protection mechanisms for cancer patients, people living with 
cancer, survivors, their families and carers, to support their practical 
needs which serve as barriers to access to care, and to reduce, if not
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eliminate catastropliic costs of cancer, improve survivorship outcomes 
and ensure their well-being.
CHAPTER V
Ensuring Essential Medicines are Available, Accessible, Affordable
and Safe
Sec. 18. Facilitating Access to Cancer Center, Supportive Care Medicines 
and Pallative Care and Pain Management. - The DOH and other 
concerned agencies (i.e. Food and Drug Administration, PhilHealth, 
Philippine Pharma Procurement Inc., Bureau of Customs, among otliers) 
shall implement reforms supporting early access to essential medicines, 
innovative medicines and health technologies, to ensure highest possible 
fighting chance of survival among people with cancer. This shall include 
facilitating quick access to drugs for compassionate use and developing 
a more responsive system for effectively addressing emergency cases.
Moreover, DOH is mandated to ensure that medicines and 
treatments for palliative care and pain management are available and 
accessible for cancer patient.
Sec. 19. Misinformatiott on Cancer. False and misleading advertising and 
claims in any of the multimedia and/or promotional marketing of drugs, 
devices, agents or procedures without prior approval by the FDA and 
without the requisite medical and scientific basis, purporting to be a cure 
for cancer or a failsafe prophylactic against cancer, shall be deemed 
illegal and be punishable with a fine amounting to not more than Five 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php500,000.00) and/or imprisonment of not 
more tlian two (2) years.
CHAPTER VI
Creating a Supportive Environment for Persons Living with Cancer
and Cancer Survivors
Sec. 20. Designation of Cancer Patients, Persons Living with Cancer and 
Cancer Survivors as Persons with Disabilities. - Cancer Patients, 
Persons Living with Cancer and Cancer Survivors shall be considered as 
persons with disabilities (PWDs), in accordance with Republic Act No. 
7277, as amended, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.
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Sec. 21. Rights and Privileges of Persons with Cancer and Cancer 
Survivors. - The appropriate national government agency shall ensure 
that tliey are accorded the same rights and privileges as PWDs, to wit:
(a) The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall 
provide assistance to persons witli cancer and cancer survivors to 
ensure that their social welfare and benefits provided under 
Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, or the Magna Carta for 
Disabled Persons, are granted; and
(b) Tlie Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall adopt 
programs tliat promote the availability of opportunities for work 
and employment of able-persons with cancer and cancer survivors.
Sec. 2Z Promoting non-discrimination. - 
The State and its 
instrumentalities shall ensure tliat people living with cancer and 
survivors of cancer have the right to freedom from discrimination with 
regards to access to and continued employment, conditions of 
employment, access to education, use of public facilities, and other social 
services.
CHAPTER VII
Establishment of National Cancer Registry and Surveillance System 
and Hospital Based Cancer Registries
Sec. 23. Establishment of National Cancer Registry and Surveillance 
System. - Tlie DOH through its Disease Prevention and Control Bureau 
(DPCB), Epidemiology Bureau (EB), Kiiowledge Management and 
Information Technology Service (KMITS), Health Facilities Services and 
Regulatory Bureau, the Philippine Health Insurance Cooperation, the 
Philippine Cancer Society Tumor Registry, and other private 
organizations shall collaborate in the design and implementation of a 
national cancer registry and surveillance system covering all forms of 
cancer among adults and children to guide policy development and 
program decision making. The DOH shall undertake a review of the 
current population based cancer registries and determine the feasibility 
of establishing a separate childhood cancer focused national cancer 
registry and sui'veillance system.
Sec. 24. Strengthen Hospital based Cancer Registries. - The DOH shall 
mandate all public and private hospitals to establish Cancer Registries. 
Such registries shall be made available to patient, current doctors of the
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cancer patient, carers and other person autliorized by the cancer patient. 
The registry shall include but not limited to personal detail, medicines 
and treatnients they received and its result. Administrator of Hospitals 
shall be liable for a fine not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(Phpl00,000.00) for failure to establish a cancer registries or to provide 
information to authorized person herein.
Sec. 25. Recording and Reporting of Cancer Cases. - Adult and childhood 
cancer shall bo considered as a notifiable disease in all levels of the healtli 
care system.
CHAPTER Vlll 
Final Provisions
Sec. 26. Report to Congress. - The Secretary of Health shall submit an 
annual report to the Committees on Health of the Senate and the House 
of Representatives on the activities carried out in compliance with the 
provisions of this Act.
Sec. 27. Appiropriations.-The amount necessary to implement the 
provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current year's 
appropriation of the DOH and DSWD. Tliereafter, ten percent (10%) of 
the incremental revenues from the excise tax on alcohol and tobacco 
products collected by the government pursuant to Republic Act No. 
10351 shall be earmarked for the implementation of this Act, in addition, 
such sums as may be necessary for the continues implementation of this 
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 28. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH, in 
consultation with its attached agencies, DSWD, DOLE, DOF, DBM, 
DepEd, CHED, TESDA, SSS, GSIS, the LGUs, private sector, cancer 
focused professional societies, patient support organization and 
advocacy network representatives, and otlier interest groups, shall issue 
the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Act within 
ninety (90) days from its effectivity.
Sec. 29. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held 
invalid or declared unconstitutional, the other provisions which are not 
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 30. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or
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regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is 
hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.
Sec. 31. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Ojficial Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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