FIFTEENTIJ CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
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Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
Explanatory Note 
The problem of childhood cancer in the Philippines is more significant than in Western countries 
because of the relatively young Filipino population. According to the report released by the 
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in April 2008, about three thousand five hundred (3,500) 
children aged zero to twenty (0-20) years old in the Philippines fall victim to cancer/leukemia 
every year. Seventy percent (70"10) of these are poor, with eighty percent (80%) coming from the 
provlUces. 
In 2007, a study conducted by the American Cancer Society in the United States estimated that 
ten thousand four hundred (10,400) new cancer cases were expected to occur among children 
aged zero to fourteen (0-14) years old. Among these cases, an estimated one thousand five 
hundred forty-five (1,545) deaths from cancer were expected to occur among children in 2007. 
Children can survive cancer, with early diagnosis and prompt, adequate treatment. In developed 
countries, childhood cancer survival rate is as high as ninety-five percent (95%). In the 
Philippines, sadly, it is only ten to thirty percent (10-30%). Often (10) who are diagnosed, only 
two (2) or three (3) will most likely survive. Moreover, Metro Manila cancer registry records in 
three hospitals show that eight kids, one evety 3 hours, die every day. They die because they are 
poor, unable to afford the high costs of medication and treatment. 
Fighting cancer is indeed a difficult task. The best defense is information; knowing what to 
expect, both from a medical and emotional points of view, can make things more manageable. 
Thus, this bill aims to deliver much needed hope and support to children and families battling 
cancer and to make available more resources for vital pediatric cancer research programs. 
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
::t.o ~J~j t::ES IV 
Senator 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
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Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
TO ADVANCE THE MEDICAL RESEARCH AND TREATMENTS ON PEDIATRIC 
CANCERS, ENSURE PATIENTS AND FAMILIES HAVE ACCESS TO THE CURRENT 
TREATMENTS AND 
INFORMATION 
REGARDING 
PEDIATRIC 
CANCERS, 
ESTABLISH 
A 
POPULATION-BASED 
NATIONAL 
CHILDHOOD 
CANCER 
DATABASE, AND PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF PEDIATRIC CANCERS. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title.- This Act shall be known as the "Conquer Childhood Cancer 
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Act of 201 0". 
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SEC. 2. Policy of/he State.- It is the policy of the State to: 
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(1) encourage and expand the support for bio medical research programs of the existing 
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National Cancer Institute-designated multicenter national infrastructure for pediatric cancer 
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research; 
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(2) establish a population-based national childhood cancer database (the National 
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Childhood Cancer Registry) to evaluate incidence trends of childhood cancers and to enable the 
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investigations of genetic epidemiology in order to identify causes to aid in development of 
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prevention strategies; 
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(3) provide informational services to patients and families affected by childhood cancer; 
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(4) support the development, construction, and operation of a comprehensive online 
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public information system on childhood cancers and services available to families; and 
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(5) establish a fellowship program in pediatric cancer research to foster clinical and 
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translational research career development in pediatric oncologists in the early stages of their 
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career. 
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SEC. 3. Pediatric Cancer Research And A II'areness.-
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(I) Pediatric Cancer Research.-
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(a) Special Programs of Research Excellence in Pediatric Cancers.- The Secretary of 
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the Department of Health (DOH), acting through the Philippine Children's Medical Center-
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Cancer Center (PCMC-CC), shall establish special programs of research excellence in the area of 
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pediatric cancers. Such programs shall demonstrate a balanced approach to research cause, 
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prognosis, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric cancers that foster translation of 
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basic research findings into innovative interventions applied to patients. 
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(b) Fellowship of Excellence in Pediatric Cancer Research.-The DOH Secretary shall 
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develop a grant mechanism for the establishment, in cooperation with the PCMC-CC- supported 
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pediatric cancer clinical trial groups, of Research Fellowships in Pediatric Cancer to support 
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adequate numbers of pediatric focused clinical and translational investigators thereby facilitating 
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continuous momentum of research excellence. 
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(2) National Childhood Cancel' Registry.- The DOH Secretary shall award a grant for 
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the operation of a population-based national childhood cancer database, the Philippine Cancer 
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Control Program of the DOH, in cooperation with the DOH-Rizal Cancer Registry, Philippine 
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Cancer Society Inc. - Manila Cancer Registry, and the PCMC-CC. 
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(3) Public Awareness of Pediatric Cancers and Available Treatments and Research.-
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The DOH Secretary shall award grants to recognized childhood cancer professional and 
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advocacy organizations for the expansion and widespread implementation of activities to raise 
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public awareness of cUTI'ently available information, treatment, and research with the intent to 
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ensure access to best available therapies for pediatric cancers. 
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SEC. 4. AutllOrizatioll of Appropriatiolls.- The amount necessary to carry out the 
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provisions of this Act shall be appropriated from the General Appropriations Act, for each of 
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fiscal years 2008 through 2012. Funds appropriated for this Act shall remain available until 
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expended. 
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SEC. 5. Repealing Clause.- Any laws, decrees, ordinances or rules and regulations 
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which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provision of this Act is hereby amended or 
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repealed. 
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SEC. 6. Effectivity.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
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publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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