Introduced by Senator JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The family is widely known as the basic unit of the society. Everything learned 
and experienced inside one’s home is manifested in the way a person acts and deals 
with others. Hence, it is essential to build strong family foundations. 
Article XV, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Philippines expresses that, “The 
State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall 
strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development.” 
Several government institutions and a number of private organizations undertake 
programs that are dedicated to assisting Filipino families in their problems as well as in 
other area such as family planning and outreach programs. Nevertheless, most of them, 
if not all, are directed to assisting mainly the socially- disadvantage families. 
It is an undeniable fact that such kind of families are in need of immediate 
support more than those who are well- off. But a holistic approach to our search for 
long- term solution to the problems plaguing our society will include the families from all 
and different economic and social standing. 
This bill proposes the creation of a Commission on the Family that will cater to 
the needs and demands of every Filipino family. The Commission shall undertake 
further studies, review and evaluation of the various issues and problems that currently 
confront this sector. Such will be an effective instrument in strengthening the solidarity 
and harmonious relationship of all members of the family. 
The Filipinos are family- oriented people and the enactment of this bill will further 
nurture the qualities inherent to them. For the reasons given, the approval of this bill is 
earnestly sought. 
C, ) 
Senator 


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=SAj,ETA 
TI-IIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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first Regular Session 
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Introduced by SENATOR 411NGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT TO INSTITUTE THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE 
FAMILY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled. 
SECTION I. §hod Title. - This Act shall be known as the “National 
Family Commission of the Philippines of 2004.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The family is the basic social unit of 
Philippine Society, as such, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
institute all programs geared towards the preservation and strengthening of the 
family as an institution. 
SEC. 3. Creation of the National Family Commission. - There is 
hereby created a Nationat Family Commission that shall .serve as the primary 
policy formulation and data collation agency of the country geared towards the 
fulfillment of the constitutional mandate to strengthen and protect the family as a 
basic social unit of Philippine Society and attached to the Office of the President. 
SEC. 4. National Family Commission Officers - The Commission shall 
be headed by a Chairperson and assisted by two Associate commissioners who 
shall all be members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for at least I O  years 
in active practice. They shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines for 
a one-time term of 6 years with no re-appointment. 
SEC. 5. Executive Council. - There is hereby created an Executive 
Council composed of the following: 
I. 
The Chairperson of the Commission as Chairman; 
2. The Secretary of the Department of Justice as member; 


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3. The 
Secretary 
of 
the 
Department of Education as 
4, The Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare as member; 
5. The Secretary of the Department of Labor as member; 
6. The Secretary of the Department of Health as member; 
7. The Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government; 
8. The Director General of the NEDA; and 
9. A representative from the National Statistics Office. 
The Executive Council shall be the policy-making body of the 
member; 
Commission. 
SEC. 6. Powers of the Commissioon. - The Commission shall have the 
following powers: 
1. 
Establish a national database on information on family matters, 
problems and implemented solutions particularly those from 
other jurisdictions; 
Formulate policies on the development of family ties and the 
resolution of common family problems; 
Formulation of programs that would develop the interrelationship 
of family members with each other and with other members of 
the community; 
Institute a nationwide family program with emphasis on how to 
face the challenges of the modern millennium; anti 
5. 
Institute other programs that may be determined by the 
Executive Board. 
SEC. 7. Seerefariat. - There is hereby created a secretariat to assist the 
Commissioners in the discharge of their functions. The secretariat shall be 
headed by an Executive Director who should also be a member of the Philippine 
Bar and assisted by other personnel to be determined by the Executive Council. 
2. 
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4. 
SEC. 8. APPrOpfi&iOrPS. - The amount necessary to carry out the 
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provisions of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the 
year following its enactment into law and thereafter. 
SEC. 9. SeparabSlify Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act were 
to be declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not 
affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. 
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SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days from the 
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newspapers of general circulations. 
date of its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two 
Approved,