FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
1 
S.NO. 2672 
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV 
Explanatory Note 
The problem of childhood cancer in the Philippines is more significant than in Wesfern countries, 
because of the relatively young Filipino population. According to the report released by 
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in April 2008, about three thousand five hundred (3,500) 
children aged zero to twenty (0-20) years old in the Philippines fall victim to canccr/leukemia 
every year. Seventy percent (70%) of these are poor, with eighty percent (SOYO) coming from the 
provinces. 
In 2007, a study conducted by the American Cancer Society in the United States estimated that 
ten thousand four hundred (10,400) new cancer cases were expected to occur among children 
aged zero to fourteen (0-14) years old. Among these cases, an estimated one thousand five 
hundred forty-five (1,545) deaths from cancer were expected to occur among children in 2007. 
Children can survive cancer, with early diagnosis and prompt, adequate treatment. In developed 
countries, childhood cancer survival rate is as high as ninety-five percent (95%). In the 
Philippines, sadly, it is only ten to thirty percent (IO-30%). Of ten (10) who are dlagnosed, only 
two (2) or three (3) will most likely survive. Moreover, Metro Manila cancer registry records in 
three hospitals show that eight kids, one every 3 hours, die everyday. They die because they are 
poor, unable to afford the high costs of medication and treatment. 
Fighting cancer is indeed, a difficult task. The best defense is information, knowing what to 
expect, both from a medical and emotional points of view, can make things more manageable. 
Thus, this bill aims to deliver much needed hope and support to children and families battling 
cancer and more resources for vital pediatric cancer research programs. 
In view of the foregoing, passage o f  this bill is earnestly sought 
A ~ T ~ N I O  
“SONNY” F. TRILLANES IV 
Senator 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE? 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
S. NO. 
72 
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
TO ADVANCE THE MEDICAL RESEARCE AND TREATMENTS INTO PEDIATRIC 
CANCERS, ENSURE PATIENTS AND FAMILIES HAVE ACCESS TO THE CURRENT 
TREATMENTS AND INFORMATION REGARDING PEDIATRIC CANCERS, 
DATABASE, AND PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF PEDIATRIC CANCERS. 
ESTABLISH 
A 
POPULATION-BASED 
NATIONAL 
CHILDHOOD 
CANCER 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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Act of 2008”. 
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research; 
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prevention strategies; 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall he known as the “Conquer Childhood Cancer 
SEC. 2. Policy ofthe State. It is the policy of the State to: 
(1) encourage and expand the support for hio medical research programs of the existing 
National Cancer Institute-designated multicenter national infrastmcture for pediatric cancer 
(2) establish a population-based national childhood cancer database (the National 
Childhood Cancer Registry) to evaluate incidence trends of childhood cancers and to enable the 
investigations of genetic epidemiology in order to identify causes to aid in development of 
(3) provide informational services to patients and families affected by childhood cancer; 
(4) support the development, construction, and operation of a comprehensive online 
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public information system on childhood cancers and services available to families; and 
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(5) establish a fellowship program in pediatric cancer research to foster clinical and 
translational research career development in pediatric oncologists in the early stages of their 
career. 
SEC. 3. Pediatric Cancer Research And Awareness. 
(1) Pediatric Cancer Research.- 
(a) Special Programs of Research Excellence in Pediatric Cancers.- The Secretary of 
the Department of Health @OH), acting through the Philippine Children’s Medical Center- 
Cancer Center (PCMC-CC), shall establish special programs of research excellence in the area of 
pediatric cancers. Such programs shall demonstrate a balanced approach to research cause, 
prognosis, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric cancers that foster translation of 
basic research findings into innovative interventions applied to patients. 
(b) Fellowship of Excellence in Pediatric Cancer Research.-The 
DOH Secretary shall 
develop a grant mechanism for the establishment, in cooperation with the PCMC-CC- supported 
pediatric cancer clinical trial groups, of Research Fellowships in Pediatric Cancer to support 
adequate numbers of pediatric focused clinical and translational investigators thereby facilitating 
continuous momentum of research excellence. 
(2) National Childhood Cancer Registry .- The DOH Secretary shall award a grant for 
the operation of a population-based national childhood cancer database, the Philippine Cancer 
Control Program of the DOH, in cooperation with the DOH-Rizal Cancer Registly, Philippine 
Cancer Society Inc. -Manila Cancer Registry, and the PCMC-CC. 
(3) Public Awareness of Pediatric Cancers and Available Treatments and Research.- 
The DOH Secretary shall award grants to recognized childhood cancer professional and 
advocacy organizations for the expansion and widespread implementation of activities to raise 
public awareness of currently available information, treatment, and research with the intent to 
ensure access to best available therapies for pediatric cancers. 
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SEC. 4. Authorization of Appropriations. - 
The amount necessary to carry out the 
provisions of this Act shall be appropriated from the General Appropriations Act, for each of 
fiscal years 2008 through 2012. Funds appropriated for this Act shall remain available until 
expended. 
SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. Any laws, decrees, ordinances or rules and regulations which 
are inconsistent with or contrary to the provision of this Act is hereby amended or repealed. 
SEC. 6. Eflectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in at least !NO (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved. 
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