FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 1231 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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It has been a normal practice in the food industry to be strict in the 
disposal of their excess productions. In the fast food chain, the allowable shelf 
life of their food merchandise before the same is thrown in the garbage bag, 
averages between 10 to 15 minutes. This is in spite of the very fact that it can still 
last and be safe for human consumption the following day. Shelf life of food sold 
in the fast food only guarantees the peak level of its freshness and is far from 
spoilage. 
However, due to fear of causing undue injury or harm to others and, 
consequently, facing legal actions due to food pOisoning and other health-related 
hazards, it has become the norm in the industry to throwaway excess food 
products instead of giving it away even for their own employees to take home. 
Considering that there are thousands of restaurants, fast food chains, 
bakeries, markets, hotels and similar establishments all over the country who are 
constantly disposing of their daily excesses, it can be accurately said that we are 
practically throwing away tons of food enough to feed millions of people suffering 
from and dying of starvation. 
This proposed measure which will provide immunity from suit to donors of 
medicines, food and other supplies will definitely encourage all the good 
Samaritans (both local and foreign) to answer the government's call for support 
and assistance. 
The immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
SElnate Bill No, 1231·' 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
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TO PROMOTE DONATIONS IN GOOD FAITH OF MEDICINES, FOOD 
PRODUCTS OR SUPPLIES BY ESTABLISHMENTS AND OTHER ENTITIES, 
INCLUDING INDIVIDUALS BY EXEMPTING THEM FROM ANY FORM OF 
LIABILITY ARISING THEREFROM 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title of the Act. - This Act shall be known as the "Good 
Samaritan Act of 201 0", 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote 
and protect the interest and social well-being of every citizen of the Philippines by 
ensuring among 
others the 
propagation 
of social justice among the 
underprivileged members of our society by making available to them the basic 
necessities in life which is food and shelter, 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purpose of this Act, the following 
shall mean: 
' 
1. Donor - shall refer to all restaurants, hotels, bakeries, fast food chains, 
markets, caterers, cafeterias, pharmacies, manufacturers, distributors, similar 
establishments and other entities (foreign or local) including individuals who are 
willing to give for free - medicines, food products or supplies, 
2. Donee - shall refer to the ultimate beneficiary of donated medicines, 
food products or supplies. 
3. Civic Groups - shall refer to any group or socio-civic organizations that 
solicit or facilitate and assist in the reception and distribution of donated 
medicines, food products or supplies, 
4. Donated Food Products -shall refer to the medicines, food products or 
supplies that are given voluntarily for free, 
5. Shelf Life - shall primarily refer to the period of time between the 
preparation of food or medicine to its expiration following the normal standards 
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set forth by the Bureau of Food and Drugs and other government authorities as 
complied with by every food and medicine establishment and observed, as well, 
by non-commercial entities including private individuals. 
SEC. 4. Limitations on Medicine Donation - Medicines must only be 
donated to any national or local government unit, including Barangay Health 
Centers, or private groups or socio-civic organization and not directly to end 
beneficiaries. Provided, however, that the above indirect recipients shall not give 
the same to the ultimate donee unless there is proper consultation with and 
prescription from a licensed medical practitioner. 
SEC. 5. Coverage. - All restaurants, hotels, bakeries, fast food chains, 
markets, caterers, cafeterias, pharmacies, manufacturers, distributors, similar 
establishments and other entities, foreign or local, including individuals who 
voluntarily donate medicines, food products or supplies as provided in this Act. 
SEC. 6. Exemption of [)onor from Liability - Any provision of law to the 
contrary notwithstanding, any donor who shall donate mediCines, food products 
or supplies in good faith for the benefit of a certain individual or group of 
individuals shall be exempt from any civil or criminal liability that may arise from 
injury/harm directly resulting from the intake of donated food products and 
medicines. Provided, however, "that any participating civic group, who facilitates 
the reception and donation of food products and medicines in good faith and in 
compliance with the provisions of this Act, for and in behalf of the ultimate donee, 
shall likewise be exempted from any liability. 
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of 
Health and other appropriate agencies shall issue the necessary implementing 
rules and regulations within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act. 
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - The provisions of any law which are 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or 
modified accordingly. 
SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act 
is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act shall not be 
affected. 
SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon 
publication in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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