Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 9524 
____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Drug abuse and addiction have evolved into a pressing social issue that significantly 
impacts every facet of Philippine society. While not all substance addictions inherently 
entail criminal activities, the detrimental consequences for individuals and communities 
mirror those associated with illegal drugs when abused. 
It is imperative to recognize that drug dependency is a disease necessitating 
professional intervention through rehabilitation. However, rehabilitation for illegal drug 
dependents is often prohibitively expensive, dissuading many individuals grappling with 
drug or alcohol addictions from seeking help. Two predominant factors contribute to this 
reluctance: the fear of discrimination for having an addiction and apprehensions about 
the cost and efficacy of rehabilitation. 
Privately-owned rehabilitation facilities typically demand monthly fees ranging from Php 
10,000.00 to Php 100,000.00, contingent on the facility and the required type of 
rehabilitation. In contrast, government-operated centers offer more affordable options, 
with costs ranging from Php 5,000.00 to Php 10,000.00 per month. These monthly fees 
encompass the patient's accommodation, rehabilitation programs, and often their day-
to-day essentials. In government-operated rehab centers, daily necessities like food 
and water are covered by government funding, while privately-owned centers might 
impose additional monthly personal allowance fees. 
Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution emphasizes the State's duty to protect 
and promote the right to health and instill health consciousness among its citizens. 
Furthermore, Article XIII, Section 11 underscores the State's responsibility to adopt an 
integrated and comprehensive approach to health development, ensuring essential 
goods, health services, and other social services are accessible at an affordable cost, 
with a priority on the needs of the marginalized, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and 
children. The State must also strive to provide free medical care to paupers. 
In accordance with the constitutional mandates mentioned above, this bill seeks to 
establish accessible and affordable Rehabilitation Centers for Illegal Drug Users who 
voluntarily seek treatment in each province of the Philippines. It envisages collaboration 
between provincial governments and relevant government agencies to facilitate these 
centers' establishment. Additionally, the bill aims to provide comprehensive social 
reintegration programs and follow-ups for illegal drug dependents, preparing them for 
successful reintegration into the community after treatment. 
November 13, 2023
12:04 pm


On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good 
of the Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 9524 
______________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
______________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT  
MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REHABILITATION CENTER FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS 
USERS IN EVERY PROVINCE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. There shall be established, through the Department of Health (DOH), 
jointly with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the 
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the concerned provincial 
government, a Rehabilitation Center for Illegal Drug Users in every province in the 
country.  
SEC. 2. The Provincial Governor, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and the 
Secretary of Public Works and Highways, shall determine the location of each Rehabilitation 
Center for Illegal Drug Users, taking into consideration its accessibility to the residents of 
remote areas.  
SEC. 3. The DOH, in coordination with the provincial government, shall exercise supervision 
and control over each Rehabilitation Center for Illegal Drug Users, in addition to the duties 
and responsibilities of the Department under Section 76 of Republic Act (RA) No. 
9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.  
SEC. 4. The program for the voluntary or compulsory submission of a drug dependent and 
other legal processes related thereby shall be in compliance to the provisions in Article VIII 
of RA 9165.  
SEC. 5. The Rehabilitation Center for Illegal Drugs Users shall provide affordable and 
accessible treatment and care to persons who committed abuse of illegal drugs and 
voluntarily submit for rehabilitation. It shall further make available a comprehensive social 
reintegration program and follow-up for illegal drug dependents to prepare them for re- 
integration in the community after the treatment.  


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SEC. 6. Funding. – The funds necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included 
in the General Appropriations Act of the concerned government agencies as part of their 
annual budget.  
 
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The DOH, in consultation with the DSWD 
and the DILG, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the 
provisions of this Act.  
 
SEC. 8. 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 
not affected thereby.  
 
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and 
regulations, or any part thereof which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly.  
 
SEC. 11. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspaper of national circulation.  
 
 
 
 
Approved,