OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been described as an energy deficit 
disorder; the impact primarily is on the immune system, the brain, the muscles and 
endocrine system. This ailment brings sudden, unexplained, and extreme fatigue that 
severely impairs the performance of daily activities and continues for months. Because 
the cause of CFS is unknown, the prevention methods cannot be specified. There are, 
however, ways to manage the condition which include minimizing stress, maintaining an 
exercise routine, getting sufficient sleep and maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. 
One of the challenges faced by CFS affected persons is the apparent lack of 
recognition regarding the seriousness of the disease. Aside from its physical impact, the 
patient likewise suffers from a social stigma wherein the individual is perceived to be 
malingering, wanting attention, or feigning CFS-like symptoms. This affects the 
individual psychologically and may cause prolonged recovery from the disease. 
Artcile IT, Section 15 of the Constitution provides that, "The State shall protect 
and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among 
them." Hence, the State must endeavor to promote awareness of CFS in order to 
eliminate the social stigma associated with the disease, thereby alleviating the suffering 
of CFS patients and guiding them to a speedy recovery and restoring them to a productive 
and fulfilling life. 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) b 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
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S E N A T E  
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
PROMOTING AWARENESS OF CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME AND 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
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 “Chronic Fatigue 
Syndrome Awareness Act of 2009.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is widely 
misunderstood such that patients are viewed as malingering, wanting attention or feigning 
CFS-like syndrome. The lack of recognition of the disease and support for CFS patients 
affect them psychologically thereby prolonging their recovery from the disease. It is in 
accord with the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people 
and instill health consciousness among them that awareness of CFS be raised to dispel the 
social stigma associated with the disease so that the patients may attain early recovery 
and restoration to a productive and fulfilling life. 
SECTION 3. Dejnition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms 
are defined: 
(1) PIA - Philippine Information Agency 
(2) DOH - Department of Health 
(3) “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” - CFS is an energy deficit disorder, the impact 
primarily is on the immune system, the brain, the muscles and endocrine 
system. 
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SECTION 4. National Public Awareness Campaign 
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The Department of Health (DOH) in cooperation with the Philippine Information 
Agency (PIA) shall carry out a national campaign to increase public awareness and 
knowledge of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 
Activities under the national campaign shall include: 
1. The dissemination of information on recent findings about CFS, its 
probable causes, prevention, diagnosis and available treatments. 
2. Information on how to provide the necessary emotional support to a 
family member, relative or friend suffering from CFS. 
SECTION 5. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Health (DOH), in 
cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), is hereby authorized and 
directed to adopt a system to implement and carry out the provisions of this Act. The 
DOH shall, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate rules and 
regulations to carry out and enforce the provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions 
of this Act, are hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. 
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid 
or unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act or the provision not otherwise affected shall 
remain valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 8. 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. 
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SECTION 11. EfectCtiviQ Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
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after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
Ictr 
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