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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)  
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)  
Third Regular Session 
)  
9 
-3 
Jd 
S EN ATE 
S.B. No. 3423 
Introduced by SENATOR PIA S. CAYETANO 
EXPlANATORY NOTE 
This bill designates every third week of November as "National Consciousness 
Week Against Counterfeit Medicines" in order to draw and raise public attention and 
awareness about counterfeit medicines and the urgency to control its proliferation in the 
country. 
The proliferation of counterfeit medicines is a serious public health concern not 
only in the Philippines but worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 
that between 8 - 10 percent of pharmaceutical products in the market are counterfeit 
medicines. Likewise, the Department of Health estimates around 10 percent of the 
medicines available in the country are counterfeit or fake medicines. Despite the 
passage of Republic Act No. 8203, or the "Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs," this 
serious threat to public health continues to exist and may potentially harm thousands of 
Filipinos. 
An individual who takes a counterfeit drug may be at risk for a number of 
dangerous health consequences, including death. 
With counterfeits, patients may 
experience unexpected side effects, allergic reactions, or worsening of their medical 
condition that could result in death. 
This bill mandates a comprehensive public education and awareness program on 
counterfeit medicines to help enlighten people about this serious concern and push for 
the strict implementation of the laws aimed to curb the proliferation of counterfeit 
medicines. A focal point of this program is an information campaign about the 
importance of protecting the Filipinos from the harmful effects of counterfeit medicines. 
For the health and protection of our people, immediate approval of this bill is 
sought. 
,{J~ ~~ 
PIA S/CAYE 
NO 
Senator 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)  
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)  
Third Regular Session 
)  
SENATE 
S.B. No. ,3423 
CJ 
j 
Introduced by SENATOR PIA S. CAYETANO 
AN ACT 
DECLARING EVERY THIRD WeEK OF NOVEMBER OF EVERY YEAR AS 
"NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS WEEK AGAINST COUNTERFEIT MEDICINES" 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
, Congress assembled: 
1 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "National Consciousness' 
2 ,Week Against Counterfeit Medidne~ Act." 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - In line with the principles and mandates set 
5 
by the Philippine Constitution that "the State shall protect and promote the right to 
6 
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them" (Article 2, Section 
7 
15) and that "the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health 
8 
development" (Article 13, Section 11 ); the third week of November of every year 
9 
throughout the Philippines shall be known und/?r the name of "National Counterfeit 
10 
Medicines Consciousness Week." , 
11 
12 
SECTION 3. Public Education and Awareness Program. -
To ensure the 
13', meaningful 'observance of the week as herein declared, 'a comprehensive public 
14 
. education and awareness program shall be undertaken on the proliferation and dangers 
15 
of counterfeit medicines. which poses detrimental effects to health of patients.' The 
16 
program shall speoificaily discuss the sources; common characteristics, and effects of 
17 
counterfeit medicines, inGluding the urgent need for reporting ofincidents to the Bureau 
18 
of Food and Drugs and the strict enforcement of R.A. 8203, otherwise known as "The 
19 
Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs.", ' 
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21 
SECTION 4. Inter-Agency and, Multi-Sectoral Effort. - The Department of Health 
22 
shall lead in the implementation of the comprehensive public education and awareness, 
23 
program on counterfeit medicines through a collaborative inter-agency and multi-' 
24 
sectoral effort at all levels. It shall particularly ensure widespread arid expeditious public 
25 
information about the proliferation and dangers of counte,rfeit medicines. 
26 
27 
SECTION 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
28 
publication in at least two (2) newspapersof general circulation.' 
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Approved,