SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC)
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

6

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HB.No, 404°7_

Introduced by Representative H, Harry L, Roque Jr.

PROMOTING AWARENESS OF CARON FATIGUE SYNDROME
EXPLANATORY NOTE

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been described as an energy deficit
disorder; the impact primarily is on the immune system, the brain, the muscles and
endocrine system. This ailment brings sudden, unexplained, and extreme fatigue that
severely impairs the performance of daily activities and continues for months.
Because the cause of CFS is unknown, the prevention methods cannot be specified.
There are, however, ways to manage the condition which include minimizing stress,
maintaining an exercise routine, getting sufficient sleep and maintaining a healthy and
balanced lifestyle.

One of the challenges faced by CFS affected persons is the apparent lack of
recognition regarding the seriousness of the disease, Aside from its physical impact,
the patient likewise suffers from a social stigma wherein the individual is perceived to

be malingering, wanting attention, or feigning CF:

S-like symptoms, This affects the
individual psychologically and may cause prolonged recovery from the disease.

The Constitution, Article 2, Section 15 provides:

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The State shall protect and promote the right to health of
the people and instill health consciousness among them."

Hence, the State must endeavor to promote awareness of CFS in order to
eliminate the social stigma associated with the disease, thereby alleviating the

suffering of

'S patients and guiding them to a speedy recovery and restoring them to

Le

H. HARRY L. ROQUE JR.

a productive and fulfilling life."

' This bill was previously filed during the Fourteenth Congress, Second Regular Session, and
subsequently filed in the Sixteenth Congress by Miriam Defensor Santayo.
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session }

HOUSE ow asa

Introduced by Representative H. Harry L.. Roque Jr,

AN ACT
PROMOTING AWARENESS OF CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome Awareness Act."

SECTION 2, Declaration of Policy. — Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is
widely misunderstood such that patients are viewed as malingering, wanting attention

or feigning CFS-like syndrome. The lack of recognition of the disease and support for

patients affect them psychologically thereby prolonging their recovery from the
disease. It is in accord with the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them that awareness of
CES be raised to dispel the social stigma associated with the disease so that the

patients may attain early recovery and restoration to a productive and fulfilling life

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, the term:

1. “DOH” refers to the Department of Health:


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2. “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)” refers to CFS is an energy deficit
disorder, and the impact primarily is on the immune system, the brain, the muscles
and endocrine system; and

3. “PIA” refers to the Philippine Information Agency;

SCTION 4. National Public Awareness Campaign, The Department of

Health (DOH) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) shall
carry out a national campaign to increase public awareness and knowledge of
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Activities under the national campaign shall include:

|. The dissemination of information on recent findings about CFS, its
probable causes, prevention, diagnosis, and available treatments.

2. Information on how to provide the necessary emotional support to a family

member, relative or friend suffering from CFS.

SECTION 5. Implementing Agency. ~ The Department of Health (DOH), in
cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), is hereby authorized and
directed to adopt a system to implement and carry out the provisions of this Act. ‘The
DOH shall, within 60 days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate rules and

regulations to carry out and enforce the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 6, Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Act, are hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National

Treasury.


SECTION 7. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act is held invalid
or unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other

provisions hereof.

SECTION 8, Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, or
portions thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby

repealed, amended or modified accordingly

SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,

jdpm4June2015