Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2674

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT
REQUIRING INSTRUCTIONS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON THE RAMIFICATIONS
OF USING ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND DRUGS DURING PREGNANCY

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article XIII, Section 11, of the Constitution states that “the State shall adopt an
integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to
‘make’ essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at
affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the under-privileged, sick,
elderly, disabled, women, and children. The State shall endeavor to provide free
medical care to paupers.”

Teenage pregnancy is a well-known problem. Unfortunately, another current
problem has become the birth of newborns that test positive for drugs and suffer
neurological, developmental, learning and other problems after birth. Also, the use of
alcohol during pregnancy has been identified as the cause of fetal alcohol syndrome in
newborns. Many substances including alcohol, nicotine, and drugs of abuse can have
negative effects on the developing fetus because they are transferred to the fetus
across the placenta. For example, nicotine has been connected with premature birth
and low birth weight as has the use of cocaine. Scientific studies have shown that
babies born to marijuana users were shorter, weighed less, and had smaller head sizes.
than those born to mothers who did not use the drug. Smaller babies are more likely to
develop health problems


Teenagers should know the medical consequences to their children and the legal
consequences to themselves resulting from the use of drugs or alcohol during
pregnancy. By requiring additional instruction on this subject as part of an already
required health course in secondary schools which teaches about drugs and alcohol,
teenagers will be made aware of the consequences of their behavior.

In view of the foregoing reasons, the passage of this proposed bill is earnestly
sought.

DIOSDADO Al \L ARROYO GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO.
Second District, Camarines Sur Second District, Pampanga


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 2674

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT
REQUIRING INSTRUCTIONS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON THE RAMIFICATIONS
OF USING ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND DRUGS DURING PREGNANCY

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled.

SECTION 1. Instruction Regarding Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs. —
Instruction regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs shall be an integral part of health
education course in secondary school curriculum. Such instruction shall include the
medical risks inherent in the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs during pregnancy.
Any such course shall be taught by teachers holding a certificate to teach health:

SECTION 2. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations
or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 3. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days

following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation

Approved,