Republic of the Philippines
House Or REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 3765

Introduced by Honorable Herminia B. Roman

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill to establish a Cancer Treatment Center in ever
country and appropriating funds therefor,

gion in the

Section 15, Article Il of the 1987 Constitution s‘ates that “Zhe State shall
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them."

In the Philippines, cancer remains the disease most feaced and stigmatized,
not only because of the pain and suffering that come with the malady, but also
hecause of the duration and h cost of treatment. Unfortunately, based on the
2010 Philippine Cancer Facts and Figures, cancer is the third leading cause of
death in the country, killing an estimated 52,000 Filipinos in 2010. This statistical
data was derived from only two Philippine cancer registries that are the leading
source of cancer incidence data ia the country —- Metro Manila and Rizal province.

In other words, these estima‘es do not include cancer cases in other parts of Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao.

According the World Health Organization on their article 10 Facts About
Cancer. “cancers of major public health relevance such as breast. cervical and
colorectai cancer can be cured if detected eariy and treated adequately. All

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patients in need of pain relief could be helped if current knowledge about pain
control and palliative care were applied. More than 30% of cancer could be
prevented, mainly by not using tobacco, having healihy diet, being physically
active and moderating the use of alcohol. In developing countries, up to 20% of
cancer deaths could be prevented by immunization against the infection of
Hepatitis B Virus and Human Papilloma Virus.” This shows that by
understanding the disease and acquiring proper knowledge on prevention and
early-detection, the number of cancer incidence and fatalities could significantly
decline. It is therefore safe to conclude that if developing countries like the
Philippines would establish organized and sustained specialized care and
preventive measures against cancer, there is a good chance that the disease could
be effectively controlled.

This bill will enable Filipinos to have access to information pertaining to the
prevention of cancer and, if already afflicted by the disease, to seek specialized
treatment and palliative care at reduced costs. The Cancer Treatment Center also
aims to establish the National Cancer Management Program which shall serve as
the framework for nationwide cancer control in the country, from research to
program implementation, Caneor patients from different income levels will now
have an equal chance to avail of cancer-related services and facilities as there will
now be a Cancer Treatment Center in every region.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought

ea) ne

HERMINIA B. ROMAN


Republic of the Philippines
Houser Or REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.___ 8765 __

Introduced by Honorable Hermii

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A CANCER TREATMENT CENTER IN EVERY REGION
IN THE PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Cancer Treatment Centers. — There is hereby established, under
the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH), a Cancer Treatment Center in
every region in the country, hereinafter referred to as Cancer Center.

SEC. 2. Objectives. - Each Cancer Center shall have the following objectives
and functions:

a) To provide medical services such as diagnosis, appropriate treatment and
care to cancer patients, taking into account cost-effectiveness, affordability and

social and ethical aspects;

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b) To promote palliative care including pain management, hospice care and
other measures to improve the quality of life of cancer patients;

c) To disseminate information and create awareness on cancer and its
prevention, control and treatment options;

d) To promote, encourage, engage and assist in scientific research on matters
related to cancer;

e) To encourage and undertake the training of physicians, nurses, medical
technicians, health officers and social workers on the practical and scientific conduct
and implementation of cancer related services;

f) To manage the psychosocial and rehabilitation needs of cancer patients
and their families and provide programs that include assistance to cancer survivors;
and

g) To implement the National Cancer Management Program as specified
under Section 5 of this Act.

SEC. 3. Administration. — There shall be a Director for each Cancer Center
to be appointed by the Secretary of Health, who shall administer, direct, coordinate
and control its affairs. The Director shall receive compensation based on existing
compensation laws and shall enjoy the rank and privileges of a director of a
government hospital. Each Cancer Center shall have two (2) Assistant Directors, to

be appointed by the Secretary of Health, who shall assist the Director in the
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management of its administrative operations. The administrative staff comprising
each Cancer Center shall be in accordance with the requirements and standards of
the staffing pattern set by the DOH.

The Director or Assistant Director, to be eligible for appointment, must be:

a) At least thirty-five (35) years of age;

b) Board certified physician who specializes in the care, treatment and

management of cancer and have been practicing for at least five (5) continuous years
in the Philippines as such; and
c) Of good moral character;

4, Powers and Functions. — The Director shall have the following

powers and functions:

a) To govern the administration and operation of the affairs of the Cancer
Center;

b) To develop or support patient care programs related to the appropriate
care, treatment and accommodation of cancer patients;

c) To solicit and receive donations, endowments and funds in the form of
contributions, whether in cash or in kind, from both the public and private sectors,
local or international, for and on behalf of the Cancer Center;

d) To levy, collect and receive charges and fees due to the Cancer Center

for goods or services provided for pay patients;
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e) To accept voluntary or uncompensated services;

f) To appoint such other personnel and staff as may be necessary for the
effective operation of the Cancer Center, subject to existing civil service laws, rules
and regulations;

2) — To provide for the continued improvement of the Cancer Center and its
facilities including the training of personnel so that the highest professional levels of
patient care may be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the DOH;

h) To purchase and issue medicines, supplies and materials, equipment
and property required for its operation and maintenance, subject to availability of
funds or appropriations therefor;

i) To account for the funds, property and other assets of the Cancer Center

and to submit an Annual Financial Report to the Secretary of Health at the end of

each year;

a) To promote cooperation and coordination with other medical
institutions, public or private health facilities, health centers and medical service
agencies for any assistance as may be required in the performance of duties; and

i) To perform such other functions as may be necessary for the

accomplishment of the objectives of this Act.


SEC. 5. National Cancer Management Program. — The Department of
Health, in coordination with the Philippine Council for Health Research and
Development, shall formulate and develop a National Cancer Management Program
which shall serve as a template for cancer control planning and treatment program
implementation in the country and which shall contain the following:

a) Goals and objectives;

b) Planning tools and assessment of current situation;

c) Capability building;

d) — Cancer control programs and strategies;

e) Program implementation steps;

f) Sustainable responses to challenges posed by cancer to the Filipino
population: and

g) Comprehensive approach toward the treatment, care and management
of cancer on national, regional, provincial, city and municipal levels.

The DOH shall monitor the implementation of the National Cancer
Management Program (NCMP) and shall submit a report to the President of the
Philippines regarding the program’s efficacy, suggestions and improvements not
later than the 30th of December of each year. The NCMP shall be updated every
five (5) years in response to new knowledge, evidence-based information, national

needs and experience.


SEC. 6. Tax Exemptions. — All donations, contributions or endowment that
may be made by any entity or person to any Cancer Center shall be exempt from all
taxes, charges and fees imposed by the government or any political subdivision or
instrumentality thereof.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations, — Within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Health shall promulgate the

necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

- 8. Appropriations. — The amount of Five Hundred Million Pesos
(P500,000,000.00) necessary for the initial implementation of the provisions of this
Act shall be charged against the appropriations for the Department of Health under
the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be
necessary for the continued operation of the Cancer Centers and the implementation
of the NCMP shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. — This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,