Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4134

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
Third Congressional District, Camarines Sur

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening medical emergency
where the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing it to stop beating. Unlike
a heart attack, which is a circulation problem, SCA is an immediate electrical crisis,
causing the victim to collapse, become unresponsive, and stop breathing. While
SCA can be caused by a heart attack, they are not the same.

In the Philippines, heart disease is the leading cause of mortality among
adults, accounting for close to 20% of all deaths. A significant number of these
deaths are attributed to cardiac arrests, with over 80% occurring outside of a
hospital setting. In such emergencies, time is the most critical factor. According to
the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), the chance of survival decreases by
approximately 10% for every minute that passes without intervention.

The immediate use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is the only
definitive treatment to correct the electrical problem causing SCA. While
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) buys valuable time by maintaining blood flow
to the brain, it does not restart the heart. The combined use of both CPR and an
AED is the cornerstone of the "Chain of Survival," a globally recognized sequence
of actions that dramatically increases the chances of a victim's survival.

Unfortunately, access to AEDs in the Philippines is severely limited, unlike
in many developed countries where they are commonly found in high-traffic areas
such as airports, shopping malls, and train stations. This lack of public access to
defibrillation severely undermines the survival rates for victims of SCA.

This bill aims to bridge this critical public health gap by establishing a clear
legal framework. It mandates the installation of AEDs in high-density, high-traffic,
and cardiac emergency-prone public and private establishments, including, but not
limited to, public pools, large venues, schools, offices, and industrial workplaces.
The measure also provides for mandatory training on the proper use of AEDs and
CPR for designated personnel.


By strategically placing these life-saving devices in accessible locations and
ensuring the presence of trained individuals, this Act seeks to significantly increase
the chances of survival for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest in public
places.

This proposed measure builds upon and refines the principles of earlier bills
filed by Representative Bernadette Herrera in the 18th and 19th Congress,
Representative Richard Gomez in the 19th Congress, and Senator Manuel "Lito"
M. Lapid in the 19th Congress, creating a more comprehensive and robust legal
framework to enhance public health and safety.

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

NEL! ;GACION
Représertgtive, Third District, Camarines Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4134

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
Third Congressional District, Camarines Sur

AN ACT MANDATING THE INSTALLATION OF AUTOMATED
EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AEDs) IN HIGH-TRAFFIC AND CARDIAC
EMERGENCY-PRONE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ESTABLISHMENTS,
PROVIDING FOR TRAINING THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “AEDs in Public Places
Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to uphold the constitutional right of every Filipino to health and to a safe and
wholesome environment. Pursuant to Article Il, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution, the State is mandated to protect and promote the right to health of
the people and instill health consciousness among them

This Act is also consistent with the principles of the Magna Carta of Public
Health Workers (Republic Act No. 7305), which emphasizes the provision of quality
health care, and the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160),
which grants local government units the authority to promote the general welfare,
including the preservation and promotion of health and safety.

Towards this end, the State shall take proactive measures to enhance
emergency medical response capabilities in high-risk, high-traffic areas. By
mandating the strategic placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
and promoting public training on their use, this Act aims to significantly increase
the chances of survival for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest outside
of a hospital setting, thereby saving lives and promoting public health.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms
3


shail mean:

a) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) - refers to a portable, life-saving device
designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical
condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. The AED
system includes accessories, such as a battery and pad electrodes, that are
necessary for the AED to detect and interpret an electrocardiogram and deliver
an electrical shock;

b)

Government Building - refers to a building or a portion of a building owned,
leased, or otherwise used by the government of the Republic of the Philippines,
its agencies, instrumentalities, and local government units; and

©)

Private Places - refer to privately-owned establishments, businesses and
premises.

SECTION 4. AED Placement. — All government buildings, including but not
limited to offices, courts, schools, public parks, markets, airports, seaports, train
stations, and other transport terminals, shall be required to place AEDs in their
premises where medical supplies and/or equipment for first aid are stored, subject
to the following guidelines:

a) The AEDs to be provided shall be approved and periodically inspected by
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA);

b)

The placement shall come with visible signs or labels, and shall be selected
to afford accessibility and reasonable response times in case of
emergencies;

°)

The number of AEDs per structure, building or space shall be sufficiently in
proportion to the usual volume of people occupying the same;

d) Safety and security measures shall be implemented to protect the AEDs
from the elements, tampering, pilferage, theft, unauthorized use, or other
special circumstances such as, but not limited to electricity-related hazards,
extreme temperatures, and flooding; and

e)

Such other guidelines as the Department of Health (DOH) may
subsequently impose.

(b) The placement of AEDs shall likewise be required in private places with
a high volume of people, either as occupants, workers or visitors thereon, such as
hotels, resorts, casinos, malls, condominiums, sports and entertainment venues,
amusement parks, factories, and similar places. The guidelines stated in
subsection (a) shall equally apply to these private places, along with other
additional requirements that the DOH may reasonably impose.

SECTION 5. Personnel Training. The owners or administrators of the
establishments identified under this Act shall ensure that a sufficient number of
personnel, as determined by the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), are
adequately trained in the use of AEDs and in performing Cardiopulmonary

4


Resuscitation (CPR). Such trained personne! must be available during all hours of
operation.

SECTION 6. Awareness Campaign. Covered institutions and
establishments shall provide information to all employees and personnel regarding
AED units installed in the premises. The public shall also be made aware of these
AED units and their locations through signage, posters, brochures, floor plans, and
various media. The DOH shall likewise implement a public education and
awareness campaign through various communication channels on the importance
of AEDs in saving lives.

SECTION 7. Business Permit Requirement. Compliance with the provisions
of this Act shall be a prerequisite for the issuance or renewal of business permits
by the concerned local government unit (LGU), pursuant to the Local Government
Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160).

SECTION 8. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the implementation
of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations for the year
following its enactment into law and thereafter.

SECTION 9. implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration
with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department.
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and other relevant government agencies
and non-government organizations, shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 10. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is held invalid
or unconstitutional, the other provisions not so declared shall remain in force and
in effect.

SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. Any other law, issuance or part thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 12. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,