Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House sritno, 3678

Introduced by
OFW Family Party-List Representative ROY V. SENERES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill is in furtherance of the mandate of Section 11, Article XIII,
of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, which declares
that the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to
health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health
and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. For
this reason, the State shall protect the interest, promote, and enhance the
well-being of overseas Filipino workers, including their families and
dependents through the provision of personal health care services in
particular, and social welfare services in general.

It is a known fact that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) daringly
venture outside our shores to countries many of us do not have the
courage to go into. They took great risks and hazards of exposing
themselves to unfamiliar surroundings, different cultures, customs,
traditions, and idiosyncracies of peoples of the host countries, simply
because they wanted to provide their families, dependents and loved ones
financial sustenance for their daily needs.

Every year, our OFWs are increasing in number as we do not have
enough jobs available for them to stay with higher pay. In the process,
the foreign exchange remittances of our OFWs to their families and
dependents have increased tremendously. Thus, the Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP) gave the following figures of cash remittances of foreign
exchange by OFWs: US$20.117 Billion in 2011; US$21.391 Billion in
2012; and for 2013 with an estimated increase of 5%, it will be
US$22.460 Billion for this year. The continuous influx of foreign exchange
remittances of our OFWs to their families and dependents have further
strengthened the Philippine economy and sustained our economic growth
and economic development. As such, it is expected that the projected
economic growth rate of 6.5% to 7% for 2013 will be realized. Such
growth rate will be the highest, if not one of the highest in South East Asia
region.


Indeed, the Philippine economy withstand and overcame the worst
financial crisis in the world of not long ago, and the endanger of
encountering the same in the future, through the continuous and steady
flow of foreign exchange remittances of our OFWs to their families and
dependents in the country.

ely and a solemn

ge aan is

Clearly, then, the passage of this measefe is ti
tribute to our OFWs, the modern-day heroeg/f our time

In view of the foregoing, the irh
earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3678

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by 5
OFW Family Party-List Representative ROY V. SENERES

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A HOSPITAL FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS
AND THEIR DEPENDENTS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFWs) Hospital Act of 2013.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Section 11, Article XIII, of the
1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, declares that the
State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health
development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and
other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. For this
Constitutional mandate, the State shall protect the interest, promote, and
enhance the well-being of overseas Filipino workers, including their
families and dependents through the provision of personal health care
services in particular, and social welfare services in general.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following
terms shall be defined to mean as:

(a) “Overseas Filipino Worker” shall refer to a person who is to

be engaged, is engaged, or has been engaged in a

remunerated activity in a state of which he or she is not a

legal resident. A person “to be engaged in a remunerated

activity” refers to an applicant worker who has been


Promised or assured employment overseas and acting on
such promise or assurance sustains damage and/or injury.
The term “Overseas Filipino Worker” shall be used
interchangeable with “Migrant worker”.

(b) “Overseas Filipinos" shall refer to migrant workers, other
Filipino nationals and their dependents abroad.

(c) “Legal Resident” shall refer to a person who has obtained
permanent residency status in accordance with the law of the
host country.

(d) “Host Country” shall refer to a country or State where
overseas Filipinos are located or found.

(e) “Dependents” shall refer to the following: (1) the legal
spouse entitled by law to receive support from the overseas
Filipino worker; (2) the legitimate, legitimated, or legally
adopted, and illegitimate child who is unmarried, not
gainfully employed, and has not reached twenty-one (21)
years of age, or if over twenty-one (21) years of age, he is
congenitally incapacitated or while still a minor has been
Permanently incapacitated and incapable of self-support,
physically or mentally; and (3) the parents who are receiving
regular support from the overseas Filipino worker.

SEC. 4. Overseas Filipino Workers’ Hospital and Wards:
Creation. - To implement the policy declared in this Act, there is hereby
established an Overseas Filipino Workers’ Hospital in the National Capital
Region, which shall be the primary medical facility for the hospitalization,
confinement, medical treatment and medical care of overseas Filipino
workers, including their families and dependents. In addition, each
regional hospital shall establish an Overseas Filipino Workers’ Ward as the
facility for the hospitalization and medical care of overseas Filipino
workers, including their families and dependents residing outside the
National Capital Region, with an initial capacity of at least fifty (50) beds.

The hospitalization, confinement, medical treatment and medical
care of overseas Filipino workers, including their families and dependents
at the Overseas Filipino Workers’ Hospital shall be free of whatever
charges.


SEC. 5. Exemption from Taxes and Duties. - The Overseas
Filipino Workers’ Hospital shall be granted the status of a tax-exempt
government facility. The Hospital shall be exempt from the payment of
taxes on all contributions thereto and all donations, bequest, subsidies or
financial aids which may be made to it. Accordingly, any donation,
contribution, bequest, subsidy or financial aid to the Hospital shall
constitute as allowable deduction from the income of the donor for income
tax purposes and shall be exempt from donor's tax, subject to such
conditions as provided in the National Internal Revenue Code, as

amended.

SEC. 6, Objectives. - To ensure the acceptability, availability, and
accessibility of quality health care, the Overseas Filipino Workers’ Hospital
shall:

(a) Provide for a comprehensive health care services and social
ino workers, including their

welfare services to overseas Fil
families and dependents;

(b) Ensure the inclusion of the following services: preventive,
Promotive, diagnostic, curative and rehabilitative programs
as complement to the existing package of services under the
National Health Insurance Program;

(c) Conduct medical examination and testing to determine the
Physical fitness and mental soundness of overseas Filipino
workers; and

(d) Set-up a system that will effectively monitor the condition of
patients and to generate relevant information/data in aid of
policy formulation.

SEC. 7. The Board of Directors. - (a) Composition - The Hospital
shall be governed by a Board of Directors hereinafter referred to as the
Board, composed of nine (9) members as follows:

(i) The Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) as ex-officio

Chairman.

(li) The Administrator of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) as

ex-officio Vice-Chairman.


(iii) The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) as ex-officio Member.

(iv) The Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE) or his representative as ex-officio Member.

(v) The Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) or his representative as ex-officio
Member.

(vi) Four (4) Representatives from the overseas Filipino workers
sector: one (1) from National Capital Region; one (1) from
Luzon; one (1) from Visayas; and one (1) from Mindanao as
Members.

(b) Appointment and Tenure ~ The President of the Republic of the
Philippines shall appoint the members of the Board from a list of nominees
prepared by the Ex Officio Chairman in consultation with the Party-List
group representing the aforesaid sector where the four (4) representatives
are former overseas Filipino workers for a term of three (3) years without
reappointment. Except for members whose terms shall be co-terminus
with their respective positions in government, any vacancy in the Board
shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made
and the appointee shalll serve only the unexpired term of his predecessor.

(c) Meetings and Quorum ~ The Board shall hold regular meetings
at least once a month. Special meetings may be convened at the call of
the Chairman or by a majority of the members of the Board. The presence
of five (5) voting members shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of
the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, a temporary presiding officer shall be
designated by the majority of the quorum.

(d) Allowances and Per Diems - The members of the Board shall
receive a per diem for every meeting actually attended subject to the
pertinent budgetary laws, rules and regulations on compensation,
honoraria and allowances.

SEC. 8. Responsibilities, Powers and Functions. - The Board of
Directors of the Overseas Filipino Workers’ Hospital shall have the
following responsibilities, powers and functions:


(a) To formulate and implement measures and programs to achieve
the objectives of the Overseas Filipino Workers’ Hospital as
mentioned in Section 6 of this Act;

(b) To issue rules and regulations to implement the declared policy
of this Act;

(c) To organize the structure of the Hospital in accordance with a
staffing pattern prepared by it and approved by the
Department of Budget and Management;

(d) To appoint the officials, employees and other personnel of the
Hospital, subject to civil service laws, rules and regulations, and
to prescribe their duties and fix their compensation subject to
the provisions of Republic Act No. 6758, otherwise known as
the Salary Standardization Law;

(e) To formulate and promulgate policies for the sound
administration, maintenance, and operations of the Hospital;

(f) To formulate and implement guidelines on the proper disposition
of contributions, donations, bequests, subsidies or financial
aids/assistance received by the Hospital;

(g) To enter into agreements and contracts which may be
necessary or expedient for the attainment of the objectives of
this Act; and

(h) To perform such other acts as it may deem appropriate for the
attainment of the objectives of the Hospital and for the proper
enforcement of the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 9. Appropriations. - There is hereby appropriated the sum
of Five Hundred Million Pesos (Php500,000,000.00) to fund the initial
budgetary requirements of this Act. Thereafter, the amount necessary to
implement the provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision or part of this Act
is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining parts or provisions
not affected shall remain in full force and effect.


SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, ordinances, rules
and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof, which are
inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national

newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _3679

Introduced by sa
OFW Family Party-List Representative ROY V. SENERES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill is in furtherance of relevant provisions of the 1987
Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, to wit:

1. Section 10, Article II, states: "The State shall promote social
justice in all phases of national development.”

2. Section 18, Article II, states: “The State affirms labor as a
primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of
workers and promote their welfare.”

3. Section 3, (first paragraph), Article XIII, which states: “The
State shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas,
organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and
equality of employment opportunities for all.”

It is a known fact that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) daringly
venture outside our shores to countries many of us do not have the
courage to go into. They took great risks and hazards of exposing
themselves to unfamiliar surroundings, different cultures, customs,
traditions, and idiosyncracies of peoples of the host countries, simply
because they wanted to provide their families, dependents and loved ones
financial sustenance for their daily needs.

Every year, our OFWs are increasing in number as we do not have
enough jobs available for them to stay with higher pay. In the process,
the foreign exchange remittances of our OFWs to their families and
dependents have increased tremendously. The continuous influx of foreign
exchange remittances of our OFWs to their families and dependents have
further strengthened the Philippine economy and sustained our economic
growth and economic development.


For this reason, it is only appropriate that the State should be
considered as the surrogate employer of the more than ten (10) million
OFWs who are considered to be the economic soldiers of the country. As
surrogate employer, it shall be State's duty and obligation to contribute
and share in the payment of SSS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth premium
payments or contributions of OFWs.

The passage of this social legislation is a tribute and in recognition
of the valuable contribution of the OFWs, the sfodeln-day heroes of our
time.

In view of the foregoing, the infmediate fassage of this bill is

earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3679

Introduced by
OFW Family Party-List Representative ROY V. SENERES

AN ACT
GRANTING SPECIAL PRIVILEGES TO OVERSEAS FILIPINO
WORKERS (OFWs) IN THE PAYMENT OF SSS, PAG-IBIG AND
PHILHEALTH PREMIUMS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFWs) Premium Benefits Act of 2014.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of
the State to protect the interest, promote, and enhance the well-being of
OFWs by granting them special privileges in the payment of SSS, Pag-Ibig
and Philhealth premiums.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following
terms shall be defined to mean as:

(a) “Overseas Filipino Worker” shall refer to a person who is to

be engaged, is engaged, or has been engaged in a
remunerated activity in a state of which he or she is not a


SEC. 4. Special Privilege in the Payment of SSS, Pag-Ibig and
Philhealth Premiums. - As the surrogate employer of the more than ten
(10) million OFWs, the government is obliged to contribute and pay Fifty
percent (50%) of the SSS, Pag-Ibig and Philhealth premium payments or
contributions of the covered OFW and the latter shall be entitled to all the
benefits in accordance with the pertinent provisions provided under
existing laws.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary
of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is hereby tasked to
implement this Act and shall, in coordination with the Social Security
System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-Ibig), and Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), formulate the necessary
implementing rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions
of this Act.

SEC.6, Appropriations. ~The amount necessary to implement the
provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act
is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining parts or provisions
not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, ordinances, rules
and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof, which are
inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3680

Introduced by Honorable Sherwin T. Gatchalian

Explanatory Kote

Information Technology is commonly used as a synonym for
computers and computer networks. Wikipedia defines it as the
application of computers and telecommunications equipment to store,
retrieve, transmit and manipulate data. Simultaneous access by many
users has made business processes productive and has increased
efficiency in most transactions. The speed by which these data are
stored, retrieved and transmitted has revitalized efficiency and
productivity to a whole different level.

The advantages of a fully automated public service transaction, we
believe, shall save time and transportation cost, limit bureaucratic red
tape and curb corruption, as well as allow for government transparency,
and maximize efficiency and productivity of public functions. Some
LGU’s have already established far more advanced system of information
technology in their locality and by this humble legislation, we wish that
other LGU’s shall likewise share in the benefits that automation has
brought to the pioneering local units. Hence, support for this endeavor
is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. _3680

Introduced by Honorable Sherwin T. Gatchalian

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICE
IN EVERY MUNICIPALITY, CITY AND PROVINCE
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared to be the
policy of the State to recognize the vital role of communication and
information in nation-building. Towards this end, the automation of
information and transactions in all municipality, city and province shall
be organized and made accessible through a database management
system to increase productivity and efficiency in public service.

Section 2. Information Technology Office - There shall be
established an Information Technology Office in every municipality, city
and province throughout the country which shall have the following
objectives:

a, To provide for the automation and system of electronic data
storage for all information and transactions relating to local
business processes and other matters of public concern;

b. To provide on-time accomplishment reports of all departments,
local advisories and participatory initiatives for local programs;

c. To expedite the processing of all local transactions;

d. To provide for a technology that will offer online payments for
all local taxes, fees and other assessments;


e. To be equipped with accurate computation of payments;

f, To provide for transparency and the effective monitoring of all
information and transactions within the locality concerned;

g. To provide for consistent accessibility of organized informations
to the general public as well as provide a venue for
communication with constituents;

h. To provide a productive tool to increase efficiency in local
government service;

i. To equip local government units with a constantly evolving
technology that will be at par wi‘h global standards.

Section 3. Budget and Implementation. - The amount necessary
for the operation and maintenance of the Information Technology Office
in every municipality, city and province shall be charged to the local
funds. The LGU concerned, shall, immediately include in its annual
budget the amount to be defrayed, and, consistent with its allowable
budgetary allocation may seck the technological support of the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the establishment of
the IT Office.

Section 4. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this
Act is declared unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity
and effectivity of the other provisions hereof.

Section 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules and regulations,
other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act,
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 6. Fffectivitu. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) davs


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BillNo. 3681 __

Introduced by Honorable Sherwin T. Gatchalian

Explanatory Note

“A common carrier is bound to carry the passengers safely as far
as human care and foresight can provide, using the utmost diligence of
very cautious persons, with a due regard for all the circumstances.”
(Article 1755 of the Civil Code)

We have seen countless videos and heard sordid stories of cab
drivers who are abusive, negligent and prey on unsuspecting passengers.
They pick passengers on their terms, refuse carriage for some
destinations, force you to pay an extra amount on top of the meter bill,
are discourteous and tricks most passengers on circuitous routes to earn
extra money. Most of the tourists who come to our country have fallen
victims to these enterprising cab drivers. This sad state of our
transportation system has been tolerated and ignored for lack of laws
that singly protect our commuting public. Most people are likewise
dismayed over the inadequacy of law enforcers who are responsive and
sympathetic to concerns of this nature.

In order to address this problem and prevent any more untoward
incidents of this nature to occur in the future, a passenger bill of rights
is hereby proposed to protect the commuting public from abusive,
itinerant and discourteous drivers and provide hereon,-a sanction for the
offenses they commit against the riding public,



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3681

Introduced by Honorable Sherwin T. Gatchalian

An Act to Establish the Bill of Rights of Taxi Passengers

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Bill of
Rights of Taxi Passengers.”

SECTION 2, Declaration of Policy. - The State values the dignity of
every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.
Towards this end, the State shall afford the public their established
rights and the principles that will outline expectations on their commute
to ensure their safety, and improve taxi service in the country.

SECTION 3. Rights of Taxi Passengers. - Every taxi passenger shall
have the right to:

A licensed driver;
A properly dressed and courteous driver who will provide
assistance, if requested, at no extra cost;

A driver who is not under the influence of alcohol and/or
dangerous drugs;

. Ride in a clean, safe and smoke-free taxi;

. Be transported to their stated destination, regardless of trip length;
. Direct the route, or expect the most economical route;

A taxi meter calibrated and duly sealed by the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board;

View the metered fare and request a receipt;

Be given the exact amount of change;

Travel with a service animal and/or portable mobility aid;

. Request for a quiet/silent trip (no radio or conversation);

AGMm O30 O o>


L. A substitute taxi, or be assisted to procure one, in case of
mechanical/engine trouble or other similar instances that hinders
the continuation of carriage, and by this reason, cause the waiver
for payment of the flag-down taxi rate.

SECTION 4. Responsibilities of Taxi Drivers and Operators. - A taxi
driver/operator shall:

A. Display his/her Taxi Driver’s License in a manner that is clearly
visible to all passengers;

B. Indicate on the inside doors of the taxi, the plate number of the
taxi, the taxi operator’s name, place of business and contact
numbers;

C. Display in a prominent/conspicuous place within the taxi, the
rights of the taxi passengers, the procedure on filing of complaints
for any of its violation, as well as the contact information to be
provided by the LTFRB;

. Be courteous, and render assistance to the passenger, if

requested;

. Accept all trips regardless of length;

. Avoid violating any law or traffic regulation;

. Refrain from using a cell phone while in transit and carrying

passengers;

Provide a clean, safe and smoke-free taxi;

Protect the taxi passenger’s health or safety;

. Refrain from soliciting or requiring passengers to pay more than

the displayed meter fare;

. Know the major routes and destinations.

BR orm esp ou

SECTION 5. Filing of Complaints for Violation of Rights. - A taxi
passenger whose rights herein have been violated, shall file a personal
complaint against the driver and operator of the taxi, with the Land
Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) which shall
conduct the investigation and provide the necessary forum for
adjudication of these complaints.

The complaint instituted under the provisions of this Act shall be
without prejudice to the filing of a civil or criminal complaint for the
violation of any law and/or other existing local ordinance, whenever
applicable.

SECTION 6. Fines and Penalties. - Any taxi driver who willfully
violates any of the provisions enumerated under Section 3 of this Act


shall be solidarily liable with their taxi operators and shall be meted a
fine and/or a penalty, depending on the following:

A. First Offense. - A minimum fine of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00)
but not to exceed Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00);

B. Second Offense. - A minimum fine of One Thousand Pesos
(P1,000.00) but not to exceed Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00);

C. Third and Succeeding Offenses. - A minimum of Three Thousand
Pesos (P3,000.00) but not to exceed Ten Thousand Pesos
(P10,000.00) and the suspension of the driver’s license and/or the
Certificate of Public Convenience for a period of one (1) week.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - In the enforcement
of this Act, the LTFRB shall within sixty (60) days from its effectivity,
promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations to carry
out the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 8. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the appropriations of
the LTFRB under the current General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its full implementation
shall be included in the GAA as a distinct and separate item. The amount
of fines collected in the enforcement of this Act shall be used exclusively
in the furtherance of its effective implementation including information
disseminations, education and awareness campaigns.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision or part of this
Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not
otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or
issuance, executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule
or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is
hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen

(15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No.

3682

Introduced by Honorable MARIE ANNE S. PERNES:

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Itis the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people
and to recognize the role of the youth in nation-building,

Soft drink consumption has become a highly visible and controversial public health
and public policy issue. Several researches show that soft drinks contain sugar, artificial
Sweeteners, caffeine, phosphorus, and carbon acids which have harmful effects on the body.

Drinking too many beverages containing added sugar, such as soft drinks, fruit
drinks, energy or sports beverages is associated with health problems such as:

1) Obesity ~ The World Health Organization recognized that consumption of soft
drinks contributes to the growing incidence of obesity. According to Dr. Tim Gil,
the Regional Coordinator of the Asia-Pacific Intemational Obesity Taskforce of
Australia revealed that in the Philippines, 1% of young children (0-10 years) and
3% of adolescents (11-17 years) were overweight. The national nutrition survey
Conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) revealed a steady
increase in obesity cases from 5.7 % in 1989 to 8 %in 1993.

2) Diabetes- Studies have found an association between a person's soda habit and
the rising rate of type 2 diabetes. Experts generally agree that the consumption of
these beverages, which has steadily increased, has contributed to the Filipinos’
growing problem with the excess weight and weight-related health problems.
Research has shown that adults and children who regularly drink beverages high
in added sugars tend to have higher calorie intakes and experience greater
weight gain. And, as weight gain increases, so does the risk of developing type 2
diabetes,



3) Heart Disease- According to the journal Circulation, just one sugary drink a day
increases risk of heart attack by 20%, Study author Lawrence de Koning says
that the sugar-sweetened beverages and coronary heart disease is probably due
to the large amount of easily digested sugar in these sugary drinks.

4) Dental Caries or Tooth Decay — Scientific studies conclude that soft drinks are
responsible for doubling or tripling the incidence of tooth decay. A study
involving children aged 6-12 years old in La Trinidad, Benguet shows the
prevalence of dental carries and high consumption of sugar, Soft drinks are one
of the most common sources of dietary sugar. The 2006 National Oral Health
Survey (NOHS) revealed that 97.1% of six-year-old children suffer from tooth
decay. More than four out of every five children of this sub-group manifested
symptoms of dentinogenic infection. About 78.4% of twelve-year-old children
suffer from dental caries and 49.7% of the same age group manifested symptoms
of dentinogenic infections.

It is the responsibility of the State to protect our children from exposure to harmful
substance. The sale of beverages that pose serious health risks can be curbed under the
State's police power.

Beare hao


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

3682

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable MARIE ANNE S. PERNES:

AN ACT REGULATING THE AVAILABILITY OF BEVERAGES TO CHILDREN IN
SCHOOLS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Title - This act shall be known as the “Healthy Beverage Options Act of 2013",

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy- Article II, Section 15 of the 19887 Constitution provides
that it tis the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people and
instill health consciousness among them. Pursuant to said provision, it is hereby declared
the policy of the State to actively promote the health of children and to take necessary steps
to prevent serious health risks that can be brought on by the consumption of soft drinks,
Towards this end, the State will ensure that children are provided with healthy choices when
purchasing beverages in schools. Towards this end, the State shall regulate the sale of
beverages in schools,


SECTION 3. Definition of Terms — The following definitions will apply for purposes of this
Act:

School ~ shall include preschools, grade schools, and high schools, whether public
or private.

SECTION 4. Coverage ~ This Act shall apply to all schools in the Philippines as defined in
this act,

SECTION 5. — Prohibitions
‘A) The following beverages shall not be provided or sold at schools:
1) Soft drinks, sports drinks, punches, and iced teas;

2) Fruit-based drinks that contain less than 50 percent real fruit juice or that
contain additional sweeteners;

3) Drinks containing caffeine, excluding low-fat or fat-free chocolate milk.
B) The following beverages shall be sold at schools:

1) Fruit-based drinks that contain at least 50 percent of fruit juice and that do
not contain additional sweeteners;

2) Water and seltzer;

3) Low-fat or fat-free milk, including , but not limited to , chocolate milk, soy
milk, rice milk, and other similar dairy or non-dairy calcium-fortified milk,

SECTION 6. Implementation - The Department of Education shall implement this law and
shall conduct periodic reviews of compliance by schools.

SECTION 7. Penalties - Schools and restaurants found violating this law shall be fined one
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) for every violation.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly

SECTION 9. Separability Clause - If for any reason or reasons, any portion or provision of
this Act shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, all other parts or provisions not affected
shall continue to remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 10. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after its publication in at
least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved

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