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Introduced by the Honorable Deogracias Victor ‘DV’ B. Savellano

EXPLANATORY NOTE

ur Philippine Constitution states in Article II, Declaration of Principles and State Policies,
Section 15, that “The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
health consciousness among them. “This provision in our fundamental law is now one of the main
priorities of our government especially during this Global COVID19 Pandemic Crisis.

In March of 2020, most areas in the Philippines were placed under quarantine because of
the COVD19 pandemic and as a consequence, work and school activities came to a dead halt. As
schools brace themselves for the return of their students as quarantine restrictions are slowly eased,
‘measures have to be adopted to protect our children from the scourge of COVID19.

The virus that causes COVID1S is mainly spread by respiratory droplets. When someone who
has COVID19 coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets that contain the virus are expelled and can be
breathed in by someone nearby. Although the virus cannot enter the body through the skin, the
respiratory droplets carrying the virus can get into one’s airways or mucous membranes of the eyes,
nose, or mouth to infect the person. Making contact with a contaminated surface and then touching
one’s eyes, nose or mouth is another way of spreading the virus,

Thus, a standard system of routine cleaning and disinfecting is in the order to maintain a safe
environment for the elementary and high school's faculty, students and staff.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

DEOGRACIASMICTOR ‘DV’ B. SAVELLANO
1" District llocos Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRSENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.. 2021

Introduced by the Honorable Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano

AN ACT

INSTITUTIONALIZING A SANITATION SYSTEM TO PREVENT INFECTION AND THE SPREAD OF THE
COVID19 PANDEMIC IN THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy - The State recognizes Article lI, Section 15 of the Constitution
which pron that “The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and

instill health consciousness among them. “It is this statement from the Constitution that has
compelled us to pass a law that will place a sanitation system in our primary and secondary schools
for protection against COVID19.

SECTION 2. Routine Cleaning and Disinfecting. - Cleaning removes dirt and most germs and is
usually done with soap and water while Disinfecting kills most germs, depending on the type of
chemical, and only when the chemical product is used as directed on the label.

The school shall clean and disinfect at least daily (or more, depending on use patterns)
frequently touched surfaces and objects such as:

a) Door knobs and handles
b) Stair rails

©) Classrooms desks and chairs

d) Handrails

e) Light switches

f)_ Handles on common paraphernalia or toys

8) Shared telephones

h)_ Shared desktops, computer keyboards and mice
i) School bus seats and handrails.


SECTION 3, Access to Clean Potable Water, Toilets and Cleansing Materials. - The school must at
all times have access to clean potable water, toilets that have to be regularly sanitized and cleaning
equipment such as mops, soap, cleansing agents and disinfectants.

SECTION 4, Appropriations - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be
included in the budget of the concerned departments and agencies. For the concerned local
government units, the amount shall be taken from the internal revenue allotment.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations- Within sixty (60) days of the effectivity of this
Act, the Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health and the local chief
executive shall formulate the guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act,

SECTION 6. Separability Clause - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the
same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions hereof.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause ~ All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations contrary
‘or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,