SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
2479 
Senate Bill No. ___ _ 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
".4 
GEG -1 A10:58 
PUNISHING THE ACT OF UNDERAGE TATOOING AND BODY PIERCING 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Tattoo is a not a mere art; it is a part of our rich culture. In pre-Hispanic era, 
tattoos embody rank, power and accomplishments. Some even believe that they 
have magical or healing qualities. In modern times, tattoo has generally become 
a form of art, an expression of one's self, and even manifestation of one's 
dedication, love, belief, or faith in One Being or one person. 
Its acceptance by the society and popularity continues to grow that an annual 
national exposition of tattoo artists and enthusiasts dubbed as "Dutdutan" has 
been going on for several years already. 
The operations of "Tonsorial and Beauty Establishments" which includes 
tattooing and skin piercing establishments, is regulated by the Presidential 
Decree No. 856 otherwise known as the "Code on Sanitation of the Philippines. 
Despite this, the risks and dangers of tattoo are still present. The United States 
Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) explained the risks involved or primary 
complications that can result from tattooing, as follows: 
1. Infection brought about by unsterile tattOOing equipment and needles, 
contaminated tattoo inks and unhygienic tattoo artist; 
2. Removal problems which includes high cost, tedious repetitive treatments 
and inevitable scars; 
3. Allergic reactions; 
4. Granulomas or "nodules that may form around material that the body 
perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment; 
5. Keloid formation; 
6. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) complications, although rare, such as 
swelling or burning in the affected areas when undergoing MRI. 
Apart from these health risks, there are social concerns about tattooing and body 
piercing such us indifference of some employers to persons with such marks, 
conditions before donating blood, and the like. 
It is important, therefore, that the person who desires to get a tattoo or have a 
body pierce understands all its risks and repercussions. 
It is even more 


important that said person is aware of and will demand for the required sanitation 
requirements in the procedure. The least that the State can do to ensure this is 
to prevent minors, or those who have not yet reached the age of discernment, 
from having a tattoo or body pierce. This bill, therefore, proposes to provide 
protection both to minors and to tattoo artists. 
This measure was introduced by Senator Manny Villar in the 15th Congress but 
was not enacted into law. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 24 7 !J 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
'14 
DEC -1 
AlO :58 
PUNISHING THE ACT OF UNDERAGE TATOOING AND BODY PIERCING 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of the 
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youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, 
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spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. 
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SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. - As used herein, the following shall mean: 
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(a) "Body piercing" - the creation of an opening in the body, excluding the 
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ear, for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decoration; 
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(b) "Tattoo" - to fix an indelible mark or figure upon the body by inserting a 
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pigment under the skin or by producing scars; 
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(c) "Minor" - a person younger than eighteen (18) years of age; 
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(d) "Personal identification" -
valid driver'S license or other picture 
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identification card that expressly states that the person is eighteen (18) 
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years of age or older. 
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SEC. 3. A person is guilty of unlawful body piercing or tattooing of a minor if he 
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performs or offers to perform a body piercing or tattooing: 
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a. upon a minor; 
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b. without receiving the consent of the minor's parent or legal guardian; and, 
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c. for remuneration or in the course of a business or profession. 
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SEC.4. Exception. - A person is not guilty if the person: 
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a. had no actual knowledge of the minor's age; and, 
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b. reviewed, recorded and has maintained a personal identification for the 
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minor prior to performing an unlawful body piercing or unlawful tattooing. 
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SEC. 5. Person Liable. -
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a. the person who performed or offered to perform a body piercing or 
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tattooing to the minor; and, 
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b. the owner or operator of a business in which a violation occurs 
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SEC. 6. Penalty. - Any person guilty of violating this Act shall suffer the penalty 
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of two (2) years to six (6) years imprisonment and a fine of not less than Twenty 
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Thousand Pesos (P20,OOO.OO). 
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SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is 
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declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby 
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shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
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SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree, executive order, or 
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issuance, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act is hereby repealed or 
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modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fjfteen (15) days 
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following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers 
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of general circulation. 
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Approved,