SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.No. 1847 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 2, Section 15 provides: .. 
" 
i~fhH~ llf til£ ~:"'{'[rrl.:HU 
'13 
OCT 14 P5 :30 
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and 
instill health consciousness among them. 
Medium density fiberboard is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down 
. 
.. 
softwood into wood fibers, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and 
forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. It is a building material similar in 
application to plywood but made up of separated fibers, not wood veneers. It is denser than 
normal particle board. Here in the Philippines, it is often used for the construction of homes and 
in sound systems as a speaker enclosure. 
, 
In all fiberboards, formaldehyde resins are used to bond together the constituent parts. 
This is usually urea formaldehyde, but some fibreboard including exterior or marine quality 
board use stronger glues such as phenol formaldehyde. Even at a low level, exposure to 
formaldehyde though inhalation can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and mucous 
membrane. Formaldehyde can also affect the skin, leading to dermatitis, and the respiratory 
system causing astlnna and rhinitis. The International Agency for Re~earc~ on Cancer (IARC), 
part of the World Health Organization, quoted evidence that even short term exposure to 
formaldehyde, at far below the legal limit allowable in the European Union, could cause 
irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. 
The IARC's findings also stated that wood dust is a carcinogen and that formaldehyde is 
probably carcinogenic to humans. IARC was also concerned about the reproductive hazards of 
formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is classified throughout Europe as a Category 3 Carcinogen. This 
1 


means it is a substance which "causes concern for humans owing to possible carcinogenic effects 
but, in respect of which, available information is not adequate for making a satisfactory 
assessment." This puts formaldehyde on the list of potential carcinogens, meaning it should be 
replaced where possible, and if not, subject to rigorous controls that reduce exposure to the 
lowest possible level.' 
+ • 
• This bill was originally filed in the 14th Congress. 
2 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.No. 1847 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
.. 
AN ACT. 
'13 
OCT 14 P5 :30 
I 
2 
REGULATING THE SALE OF MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARDS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
3 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "MDF Regulatory Act." 
4 
SECTION 2. Definition of terms. - As used in this Act, the term-
5 
(A) 
"Medium density fiberboard" or MDF is an engineered wood product formed by 
6 
breaking down softwood into wood fibers, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a 
7 
resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure; and 
8 
(B) 
"Secretary" means the Secretary of Health. 
9 
SECTION 3. Packaging Requirement. -
Any person who offers medium density 
10 
fiberboard for sale shall include a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable label on the packaging 
II 
stating: 
12 
WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to cause cancer, 
!3 
birth defects, and other reproductive hazards. Take measures to prevent inhalation 
14 
of particles when working with this product. 
15 
SECTION 4. ReqUirements for a Permit. - B'efore an employer may be granted a permit 
16 
or allowed to continue to manufacture medium density fiberboards or to use this material in any 
17 
stage of the employer's business, the employer must comply with the following requirements-
18 
(A) 
The amount of MDF emission should be limited to 0.3 parts per million; 
1 


I 
(B) 
Gloves and suitable gas masks should be provided by the employer for employees 
2 
who handle or work with MDF; 
3 
(C) 
There should be adequate ventilation when working with MDF. Where dust 
• 
4 
cannot be eliminated, the employer must introduce control measures that adequately control dust 
5 
levels; and 
6 
(D) 
Such other measures that may be required by the Secretary of Health through 
7 
appropriate rules and regulations. 
8 
SECTION 5. Penalties. - The Secretary is empowered to establish arid assess penalties or 
9 
fines against an employer for violations of this Act or regulations adopted under this Act. In no 
10 
circumstance will any penalties or fines exceed P10,000.00 for each day the permit holder 
II 
remains in violation. 
12 
SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and RegulaJipns. - Not later than ninety (90) days from 
13 
the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate the rules and regulations to implement 
14 
this Act. 
. 
. 
IS 
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or 
16 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
17 
valid and subsisting. 
18 
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
. 
19 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
20 
with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
21 
SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
22 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
2