Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative 
HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The World Health Organization defines mental health as, “a state of mental 
well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, 
learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” This does not just cover 
our emotional ability to cope, but also our psychological, and social well-being that is 
emphasized in our mental health and wellbeing. 
In the Philippines, mental health is becoming an issue of relevance in society. 
A lot of organizations and groups are prioritizing making mental health services 
available and affordable. 
The goal of this measure is to create mental health centers in every region. 
Acknowledging that mental health and wellbeing should be promoted, this aims to 
build centers that would be accessible to every Filipino. This measure also affirms that 
part of the healthcare priority of the government is also to promote better mental 
health. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of the bill is earnestly sought. 
 HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN 
August 15, 2022
9:34 am
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 Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative 
HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS 
IN EVERY REGION, AND APPROPRIATING 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 “Mental Health Center 
Establishment Act”. 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State recognizes the need to pursue a Primary 
Healthcare Approach in the delivery of health services and to conduct the appropriate 
programs and surveys to ensure that quality healthcare services are made accessible 
and affordable for everyone. 
SEC. 3. Creation of Mental Health Centers. — This recognizes the need to make 
healthcare services, specifically mental health services, readily available. As such, the 
Department of Health shall establish Mental Health Centers in every region. These 
centers will be under the supervision of the Department of Health, in collaboration 
with their respective local government units. 
SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity 
of this Act, the Department of Health shall promulgate the implementing rules and 
regulations for the proper implementation of this Act. 
SEC. 5. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the initial implementation of the 
Act shall be funded from the current fiscal year’s appropriation for the Department of 
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Health. Thereafter, the necessary amount for the continuous implementation of this 
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.  
SEC. 6. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Act shall be held 
unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions thereof which are not affected shall 
continue to be in full force and effect. 
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, rules, and regulations, presidential decrees, 
letters of instruction and other presidential issuances which are incompatible or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC. 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation. It shall also 
be published online, through the Official Gazette Online, and on the website of the 
Department of Health. 
 
Approved.