FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 1123 -
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Next to breast cancer, cervical cancer afflicts Filipino women the most. In 
fact, an estimated 7,277 new cases and 3,807 deaths due to cervical cancer 
occurred in the country last year. 
Cervical cancer can now be prevented, said Dr. Efren Domingo, president 
of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines. Dr. Domingo noted 
that the recent developments in cancer management and treatment found that in 
99 percent of cases, cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus 
(HPV), a common virus. 
The problem, he said, is that most women do not bother to have 
themselves screened for cervical cancer. Generally, all women who have had 
sexual intercourse are at risk of cervix cancer. However, rare types of cervical 
cancer can occur even in women who never had any sexual intercourse in their 
life. 
Through proper awareness and prevention campaign, the cases of 
cervical cancer in the country will be reduced. Hence, the immediate passage of 
this bill is sought. 
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'~F"J \Tr; 
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
,,01!MCr;: OF 
.~ ~r '~ECRr::TAqV 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 1123 ',. 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS AND PREVENTION CAMPAIGN ACT 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title- This Act shall be known and cited as the "CERVICAL 
CANCER AWARENESS AND PREVENTION CAMPAIGN ACT" 
SECTION 2. The Department of Health shall: 
a. 
Create a public awareness campaign to educate parents, health 
care providers and women about the causes and risk factors 
associated with cervical cancer and its prevention; 
b. 
The public awareness campaign required by Subsection (a) shall 
include: 
i. 
information about abstinence before and fidelity after 
marriage being the surest prevention of sexually transmitted 
diseases including the human papillomavirus; and 
ii. 
a complete list of side effects and risks discovered during 
drug trials of any vaccine developed for the prevention of 
cervical cancer or human pappillomavirus. 
c. 
The department shall urge all citizens to recognize "Cervical 
Cancer Awarenesl1 and Prevention Month" and shall hold programs 
and activities for the observance of the event. 
d. 
The Department shall likewise provide encouragement and 
assistance to those organizations that offer educational, advocacy 
and support services for those with cervical cancer. 
SECTION 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- The Department of 
Health shall promUlgate the appropriate rules and regulations necessary for the 
effective implementation of this Act within sixty (60) days from its approval. 
SECTION 4. Separability Clause.- If any prOVision or part thereof is held 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 
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SECTION 5. Repealing Clause.- Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, 
modified or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation. 
Approved. 
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