FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
1 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill mandates tLi local government units (LGUs) to conduct a quarterly breast 
cancer detection program for the early prevention and cure of the disease among Filipino 
women all over the country. 
Cancer is the third leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the country. One 
research stated that one in 1,800 Filipinos will develop cancer annually. For every two new 
cases of cancer diagnoses every year, one will pass away within the year. The Philippines 
has the highest number of reported breast cancer iycidence in Asia with an age 
standardized incidence rate (ASR) of 47.7 per 100,000 Filipino women. This number is 
higher than the numbers of some European countries like Spain and Italy. 
Early detection increases the cure and recovery rates. Breast self-examination (BSE) 
and mammography are some of the procedures that an individual can undergo. 
Unfortunately, only 54 percent of Filipino women perform BSE and out of that number, 
only 27 percent continue to do it regularly. Mammography is not readily available and too 
expensive for most Filipino women, especially the ones residing in rural areas. Economic 
factors and fear are the two leading reasons why Filipino women with cancer are diagnosed 
at an advanced stage. Clearly then, there is a need to increase the awareness and assistance 
in preventing, diagnosing and treating breast cancer among Filipino women. 
This measure directs local government units to hold quarterly manual or 
mammogram breast cancer screening program through their respective health officers 
under the supervision of the Department of Health. The LGUs shall coordinate and seek the 
support of other health-related sectors and non-government organizations (NGOs) in 
establishing and maintaining anti-breast cancer programs. To ensure proper dissemination, 
promotional and advocacy programs will utilize existing forms of media communications 
such as public service announcements in radio and television and information pamphlets. 
Furthermore, the provincial governments shall annually allocate one hundred 
thousand pesos (P100,OOO) while the city governments shall set aside seventy-five thousand 
pesos (P75,OOO) for the effective implementation of the programs. The respective Internal 
Revenue Allotment of the LGUs will assign fifty thousand pesos (P50,OOO) for these 
endeavors. 
For these reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
LOREN LEGARDA 
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LOREN LEGARDA 
Senator 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
1 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator LOREN LEGARDA 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO CONDUCT A QUARTERLY 
BREAST CANCER DETECTION PROGRAM 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled. 
SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the "Breast Cancer Detection Act 
of 2007." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
that health is a basic human right that must be enjoyed by all its citizens, and that the 
government shall endeavor to prevent and control diseases among population at risk; 
and treats, manages and rehabilitates individuals affected by disease and disability. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms shall 
a) Breast Cancer Detection, Breast Screening Program, Program - the breast 
examination program 
b) Infltrating/invasive ductal carcinoma - malignant cancerous growth 
c) Local Government Units - the municipal, city or provincial government units of 
d) Breast Surgery - the removal of breast'/s 
e) Radiotherapy - the application of x-ray in destroying cancer cells in the body 
f) Chemotherapy - the administration of medicines to destroy cancer cells 
mean: 
the Philippines 
SECTION 4. Screening Program. The Local Government Units are hereby 
directed, thru its local health officers and in close coordination with the Department of 
Health, to hold a quarterly manual or mammogram breast cancer screening program. 
The 
Program 
will 
utilize 
the 
services 
of 
the 
Barangay/Municipal/City/Provincial Health Workers in identifying breast cancer 
cases and positive cases will be immediately referre?. to public health hospitals for 
treatment, management and rehabilitation. The Health Workers concerned shall then 
maintain case record on each individual found positive of breast cancer. 
SECTION 5. Linkages and Support from Other Sectors. Appropriate linkages, 
coordination and support with health-related 
sectors and Non-government 
organizations with anti-breast cancer programs shall be established and maintained. 
SECTION 6. Advocacy. Promotional and advocacy activities of the Program will 
make use of the existing forms of media communications such as public service 


announcements in radio and television, public fora and the generation of pamphlets for 
dissemination to target clientele. Commitments from partner agencies in the form of 
cost-sharing arrangements will be enjoined to ensure success of the Program. 
SECTION 7. Monitoring and Evaluation. The LGUs in coordination with the 
Department of Health and partner agencies should constantly asses the Program by 
way of periodic/spot reporting and inter-LGU field visits for submission to the 
Department of Health. 
SECTION 8. Finds. The amount of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,OOO) for 
Provincial Government, Seventy-Five Thousand Pesos (P75,OOO) for +he City 
Government and Fifty Thousand (P50,OOO) shall be earmarked annually from the 
respective Internal Revenue Allotment of these local government units concerned for 
the implementation of this Program. 
SECTION 9. Separability Clause. If for any reason of provisions of this Act, or 
any portion thereof, or the application of such section, provision or portion thereof to 
any person, group or ckumstance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the 
remainder of this Act shall not be affected by such declaration and shall remain in force 
and effect. 
/ 
SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. All other laws, administrative orders, rules and 
regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 11. Effect. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its 
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,