REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City, Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS.

FIRST REGULAR SESSION

commarree report No._884

Submitted by the Committee on Health on 14 62 2071

Re + House BANo. 4544

Recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill Nos. 2984 and 3285

Sponsors _: Reps. Alfredo D. Marafion Ill, Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, Rufus B. Rodriguez and Maximo
BRodriguez, Jr.

‘Mr. Speaker:
The Committee on Health to which were referred House Bill No. 2984 introduced by Rep.
Joseph Victor G. Bjercito, entitled:
AN ACT PROVIDING THE PUBLIC WITH ADEQUATE NOTICE AND EDUCATION ON
‘THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO MERCURY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF
HEALTH ADVISORIES AND BY REQUIRING THAT SUCH APPROPRIATE ADVISORIES
BE POSTED, OR MADE READILY AVAILABLE. AT ALL BUSINESSES THAT SELL FRESH,
FROZEN, AND CANNED FISH AND SEAFOOD WHERE THE POTENTIAL FOR MERCURY
EXPOSURE EXISTS; and

House Bill No. 3285, introduced by Reps. Rufus B. Rodriguez and Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr., entitled:

AN ACT PROVIDING THE PUBLIC WITH ADEQUATE NOTICE AND EDUCATION ON
THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO MERCURY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF
HEALTH ADVISORIES AND BY REQUIRING THAT SUCH APPROPRIATE ADVISORIES
BE POSTED, OR MADE READILY AVAILABLE. AT ALL BUSINESSES THAT SELL FRESH,
FROZEN, AND CANNED FISH AND SEAFOOD WHERE THE POTENTIAL FOR MERCURY
EXPOSURE EXISTS

has considered the same and recommends that the attached Fiouse Bill N@.5 4 1 entitled:

AN ACT ESTABLISHING MERCURY EXPOSURE INFORMATION PROGRAM AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

be approved in substitution of House Bill Nos. 2984, and 3285 with Reps. Joseph Victor G. Fjercito,
Rufus B. Rodriguez, Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. and Alfredo D. Marafion III as authors thereof.

Respectfully subspitted,

‘THE HONORABLE SPEAKER
House of Representatives
Omron Cite



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4541

(In substitution of House Bill Nos. 2984 and 3285)

Introduced by Reps. Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, Rufus B. Rodriguez. Maximo
Rodriguez Jr, and Alfredo D. Marafion IIL

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING MERCURY EXPOSURE INFORMATION PROGRAM
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title.— This Act shall be known as the “Mercury
Exposure Information Act of 2011”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Pursuant to the 1987 Constitution, the State
hereby declares the policy of protecting and promoting the right to health of the
people and instilling health consciousness among them. Towards this end, the State
shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development,
which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services
available to every Filipino at affordable cost.

SEC. 3. Mercury Exposure Information Program. ~ The Secretary of
Health shall, in consultation with other government agencies and non-profit private

entities, including cooperative health extension services, design and implement a



Mercury Exposure Information Program to ensure that the public iS
nformed of the hazards and adverse effects of mercury exposure through the
-onsumption of fish and other seafood.

Under this program, the Secretary of Health shall issue a comprehensive
\ealth advisory to the general public about the presence of methyl mercury in fish
nd other seafood and its potential dangers to health, particularly, to the sensitive
opulation or high risk group such as pregnant women and children.

The Secretary of Health shall provide:

a) Medical information on the signs and~symptoms, treatment and
revention of mercury related illnesses; and

b) Reliable information on the mercury levels in fish and other seafood,
1¢ safe dose and consumption limits with emphasis on limiting the consumption
f fish and other seafood with unsafe or high levels of mercury.

The health advisory shall be clear, concise and printed in English, Filipino or
ny dialect that the Secretary of Health may deem appropriate to effectively
isseminate the information.

The health advisory shall be posted in the following areas:

a) In the patient and client areas of all maternal and child health hospitals,
inics, centers, and similar offices;.and

b) In markets and business establishments where fish and other seafood are
Id for human consumption.

‘The Secretary of Health shall periodically update the health advisory.

SEC. 4. Mercury Warning Consumer's Guide. — A mercury warning
nsumer’s guide or manual on the potential dangers of exposure to mercury shall
prepared and distributed by the Department of Health in coordination with the

-partment of Environment and Natural Resources, to the following:



23
24
28

26

27

a) Appropriate fisheries, wildlife and environmental law enforcement
agencies;

b) All applicants for fishing license at the time the license is issued; and

c) The public upon request.

SEC. 5, Sampling and Monitoring. - The Secretary of Health shall ensure
that seafood methyl-mercury sampling and monitoring program are conducted by
the Food and Drug Administration to assist in the documentation of mercury levels
in various fish species. The sampling program shall be conducted to provide
statistically valid monitoring data with respect to mercury levels in fish and other
seafood, including market-basket studies, and the extent to which fish and other
seafood with mercury levels in excess of the acceptable level are sold in
commerce. Such information, along with information gathered by the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources, shall be compiled into an annual report to
track changes in dietary exposure to mercury from fish and other seafood.

SEC. 6. Penalties. - A fine of not less than Five Thousand Pesos
(P5,000.00) but not more than Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) shall be imposed
upon the head or official of any maternal and child hospital, clinic, center, or
similar office who fails to post the consumer advisory on the hazards of mercury
pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.

A fine of not less than Four Thousand Pesos (P4,000.00) but not more than
Eight Thousand Pesos (P8,000.00) shall be imposed upon the administrator or
operator of any market or business establishment that sells fish and other seafood
who fails to post the consumer advisory on the hazards of mercury pursuant to
Section 2 of this Act.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulation. - Within sixty (60) days
after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Health shall promulgate the

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



1

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause.— Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed,

modified or amended accordingly.
SEC. 8. Effectivity Clause.— This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

after its publication in any national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

22228.



FACT SHEET

$$ _______House Bill Nos_2984 and 3285.

(As Approved by the Committee on Health on December 14, 2010)

AN ACT ESTABLISHING MERCURY EXPOSURE INFORMATION PROGRAM
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Introduced by: REPS. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO, RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ, MAXIMO
B. RODRIGUEZ, JR. AND ALFREDO D. MARANON Ill

Committee Referral: COMMITTEE ON HEALTH (Primary)

Committee Chairperson: HON. ALFREDO D. MARANON III

OBJECTIVE:

+ To inform the public of the hazards and adverse effects of mercury exposure through _
the consumption of fish and other seafood.

KEY PROVISIONS:

* Mandates the Secretary of Health and other concerned agencies to implement a
Mercury Exposure Information Program

+ Authorizes the Secretary of Health to issue a comprehensive health advisory to the
general public about the presence of methyl mercury in fish and other seafood and its
potential dangers to health, particularly to the high risk group such as pregnant
women and children

* Directs the Department of Health to provide medical information on the signs and
symptoms, treatment and prevention of mercury related illnesses and reliable
information on the mercury level in fish and other seafood

*  Obligates the market and business establishments where fish and other seafood are
sold for human consumption to post health advisories

+ Requires the DOH and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) to distribute a warning consumer's guide or manual on the potential dangers
of exposure to mercury

‘* Mandates the DOH to ensure that seafood methyl-mercury sampling and monitoring
programs are conducted by the Food and Drug Administration to assist in the
documentation of mercury levels in various fish species

+ Penalizes any violation of this Act

RELATED LAW
None

s3entddbdas gies:



1UUSE DF REE ESEATALIVES
SEFERENCE : REE: REAL

RECEIVED BY Sn iia
wte__24 JAN 99ij

January 24, 2011

ATTY. ROSARIO H. AMATONG-BUENDIA
Executive Director
Reference and Research Bureau

Attention: Atty. Jose Noel A. Garong
Service Director
Bill Drafting Service

Dear Sir/Madam;

This is in reference to House Bill Nos. 2984 entitled, “AN ACT PROVIDING THE PUBLIC
WITH ADEQUATE NOTICE AND EDUCATION ON THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO
MERCURY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH ADVISORIES AND BY
REQUIRING THAT SUCH APPROPRIATE ADVISORIES BE POSTED, OR MADE
READILY AVAILABLE, AT ALL BUSINESSES THAT SELL FRESH, FROZEN, AND
CANNED FISH AND SEAFOOD WHERE THE POTENTIAL FOR MERCURY EXPOSURE
EXISTS" introduced by Reps. Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, which was subsequently approved
by the Committee on Health.

The Committee is now in the process of preparing the committee report on the same.
However, after careful review, the Committee believes that the formatting of the bill needs

‘much improvement.

In this regard, may we seek your assistance in the proper style/reformatting of the attached
house bill for better understanding and appreciation.

The undersigned would appreciate it very much if you could give your comment on or before
January 25, 2011

Very truly yours,
For the Chairman:
ALFREDO D. MARANON III

Chairman
Committee on Health

Ma. Lou Sanchez
Acting Committee Secretary



Republic + the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Hirst Regular Session

4
House ani wo._ 2984

INTROUUCED BY PEP. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

EXPL © NATORY NOTE a
Mercury is a persistent, biowccumnulative heavy metal that poses a
nt risk to human neath, wildirs, and the environment.

suai

Unfortunately, mercury discherg=s into she atmosphers and surface
cveans have increased two-to-five fold “nce the beginning of the industrialized
periud due to Human activities. Substcatial evidence 1s accumulating that
expusure lo methy}. mercury is widespread in the general public and occurring al
higher than healin-bases levels of concem according to the World Health
Ore, ton. Fish and seafood caught er sold in the Philippines are
solath, sted with inethy merowry a toxic element thal may cause neurological

vanade otal ! protiems es a result of fish or seafood
consumpzion,

Evidence is continuing to emeree linking increased risk of coronary heart
disease to mercury exposure, as presented in at least 2 pear reviewed studies,

Sadly, health advisory inforn tion on mercury-conteminated fish, which is
necessary te protect public health, is rot widely known by the government, This
jack of awareness potentially threate s tens of millions of Filipinos who may
unknowingly ingest harmfur amounts o: mercury because they are not aware of
exposure risks from consumption of freshwater fish and seafood

The proposed measure is filed to uedress this problem by providing the
bu Mic with adequate notice and education c 1 the effects of exposure to me-cury,
(hrougn the development of health advisories and by requiring that such

propriate adviseries be posted, or made readily available, at all businesses
that sei: fresh, frozen, and canned fish and seafood where the potential for
mercury exposure exists.

Hence, immediate passage of

is bill is earnestly sought

JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
Representative


wee ee se eerwop ure ur KER. uy

CITO 4424032

Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTSENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4
House But no. 2984

INTRODUCED BY REP. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

| AM ACT
PROVIDING THE PUBLIC WITH ADEQUATE NOTICE AND EDUCATION ON
THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO MERCURY THROUGH THE

DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH ADVISORIES AND BY REQUIRING THAT
SUCH APPROPRIATE ADVISORIES BE POSTED, OR MADE READILY
AVAILABLE, AT ALL BUSINESSES THAT SELL FRESH, FROZEN, AND
CANNED FISH AND SEAFOOD WHERE THE POTENTIAL FOR MERCURY
EXPOSURE EXISTS

Be it enacted by the Senate! and Hause of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congross assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act
Health Advisory Ac

ll be known as the “Mercury

‘SEC. 2. Purposes - The purposes of this Act are to~

1, ensure that the gublic is adequately informed about the potential
adverse effects cl nix cury exposure through the consumption of fish products;

2. require the Secrétary of Health to work cooperatively with other
g-vernment agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, to create appropriate
advisories for the distribution to the public of explanations of the potential
adverse effects of mercury expesere from fish consumption;

3, require the Bureau of {20d and Orug Administration to resume its
seafood methyl mercury monitoring program to better document mercury lovels
in various fish species ‘sold in commerce;
|

4. require the Secretary of Heath, in cooperation with private end public
organizations, to design and implomerit a National Public Education Program
regarding the presence of methyl-mercury in seafood and fish consumption
advisories for methyl-mereury; and

5. require the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources to

annually prepar> a rspurt cn the impacts of mercury on human health ahd the
environment



Nev 18 10 0S:14p OFC OF REP. Jv -JERCLIO

secnuse
|

|
SEC. 3. Advisory Notices -

1. Consumer Mercury Advisory Notice-

(1) In general- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ie
coordination with the Degariment of Health, shall jointly develop fish consumption
adwiscries for methyl-mercury in fish. Such advisories shall be based on
approprizie Reference Dose for —

(A) the e276 popciation;
(8) sensitive populations; ane
{C) populations consvining above average amounts of fish.

(2) Consumer's Notice “he Secretary of Health shall prepare a
consumer's mercury advisory notice. Tuch notice shalt be distributed widely by
the Secretary, at no cost. to health proiessionals, particularly medical offices that
provide gynecological, obstetrical, or pediatric care, and to the extent practicable
shall be made available and posted in the patient or client areas of all maternal
and child health and nutrition program offices, and shall be made available to
health care providers, government egércies, and the general public upon
request.

<3) Criteria- The advisories developed under this subsection shall-

(A) oxplain, "= 2: easily understandable manner, the dangers of
mercury exposi.“= thiugh the consumption of mercury contaminated fish
to women of childbearing age, women who expect to become pregnant,
women) who are pregnant or breast feeding their children, end young
children and their parents;

(8) describe, in ah ees%y understandable manner, in detail the most
current mercury health adviso-ies prepared by the National Government
concerning fish consumption, <ontain the toll free number established

under paragraph (4), and contain such other information as the Secretary
determines appropriate; and

(C) be printed in large typs in English and Filipino or any dialect
determined by the Secretary to be ¢ sturally and linguistically appropriate.

2. Meie:cy Waring Consumer's Guide-
(4) In generat. Tr tary of Health shell prepare a consumer's guide

to mercury and health: aavisory for the consumption of recreationally-caught fish.
Such guide shall be distributed, at no cost, to—

(A) appropriate

series, wildlife, and environmental law
enforcement agencies:

(8) all applicants fora fishing license at the time the license is
issued; and

(C) to public upon request

eria- The guide developed under paragraph (1) shell-


: {A) be printed in targe type ‘in English ‘and Filipino or any
determined by the Secretary to be culturally and linguistically appropriate;
3. Consumption Advisory-

(1) In general- The Secretary +I Health, in consultation with the Secretary
| of Agnculture and other appropriate gov-inment entities to—

|
(A) [develop and distritute’ regional and nationat advisories
concerning the presence of meth -mercury in seafood:

(B) develop standardized fomats for written and broadcast
advisories regarding methyl-mercury irr seafood,

{C) develop and periodically upgrade information related to mercury
hsti issue test results and fish consumption advisories for methyl-mercury,

(0) coc: fac. ‘avisories in the formation of the National
Public Education Program under subsection (4)(1); and

|

{€) Goordinate with tha: sector of the retail food industy that is
engaged in the sale ot eny 1. =sh, packaged, or frozen fish or seafood
products intended for human ination, conceming the posting of such
advisories in their place of tur .« ss where fish are sold to inform women
| of childbearing age, pregnani.'s~1 nursing women and the parents of
| young children on the potential dengers of mercury that is present in

certain fish or seafood.

(2) Criteria! The advisories and noti:=s developed under paragraph (1)
| shall include information both on timiting the consumption of certain high level
fish and seafood to the general poputation and, for sensitive populations such as
| women of childbearing age and chi'dren, sess the importance of limiting
| censunsyan of frequently consumed fish that may exceed the Reference Dose.

4, Public Education aris svisory Sysiom-

(1) Public education- The Secretary of Health, in consultation with public
asd nonprofit private entities (inclu'ng cooperative extension services and
appropriate government entities), she” design and implement a national public

| education program regarding the ores:-»/23 of methyl-mercury in seafzed,

| (2) Features- The progam deve'o.. 3 under paragraph (1) shail provide-
(A) dhiomisnirt fo the public regerding-

| (i) standards and goow practice requirements releting to
| methylmercury in seafood, and

(ii) the promotion of public awareness, understanding, and
| acceptance of such standards and requirements,

{B) inforrsptic: | cs professionals so thet health professionals

may improve the diagno.is and ireatment of mercury-related iilness

| and advise individuals whose health conditions place those
| individuals at articular nisi; and



Nov 1s

10 OS}UHp UF Ur Ree. oy Keene eee
{

|

|
(©)| such other information or advice to consumers énd other
individuals as the Secretary determines will promote the: purposes

of this section.
£, Sampling and Monitoring

(1) In general. The Secretary of Health shall ensure the seafood methyl-
Mercury monitoting sampling program of the Bureau of Food and Drug
Admiri stration to assist in documenting mercury levels in various fish species.

(2) Monitoring- Ths séinpling program described in paragraph (1) shall be
conducted $0 as 16 p-ovide stat/stically valid monitoring data with respect to
mercury levels in fish and seafood (inchiding market-basket studies) including
documenting the extent to which fish with mercury levels in excess of the action
Jovel ere sold in commerce. Such information, along with information gathered by
the Department of Environment anc: Natural Resources, shall be compiled into an
annua. report by the Secretary to sack changes in dietary exposure to mercury
from fish and seafood.

(2) Avoidance of duplication of effort- To the extent practicable, the
sampling program described in paragraph (1) shall be consistent ‘with, and shall
be coordinated with, other seafood sampling programs that are in use, so as fo
avoid duplication of effort

SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. - Any taw, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regu
contrary 10 oF inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed,
modified or amended acs. fcer-aly

SEC. 5. Separability Clause. - f any provision or part herecf, is held
invalid of unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provisions not
otherwise affected shall remain va'd and subsisting.

SEG. 6. Effectivity Clause. ‘his Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No,_ 3285

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Mercury is a persistent, bio-accumulative heavy metal that poses a
significant risk to human health, wildlife, and the environment.

Unfortunately, mercury discharges into the atmosphere and surface
‘oceans have increased two-to-five fold since the beginning of the industrialized
period due to human activities, Substantial evidence is accumulating that
exposure to methyl-mercury is widespread in the general public and occurring
at higher than health-based levels of concern according to the World Health
Organization. Fish and seafood caught or sold in the Philippines are
contaminated with methylmercury a toxic element that may cause neurological

damage and other health related problems as a result of fish or seafood
consumption.

Evidence is continuing to emerge linking increased risk of coronary heart
disease to mercury exposure, as presented in at least 2 peer reviewed studies.

Sadly, health advisory information on mercury-contaminated fish, which
is necessary to protect public health, is not widely known to the government.
This lack of awareness potentially threatens tens of millions of Filipinos who
may unknowingly ingest harmful amounts of mercury because they are not
aware of exposure risks from consumption of freshwater fish and seafood.

The proposed measure is filed to address this problem by providing the
public with adequate notice and education on the effects of exposure to
mercury, through the development of health advisories and by requiring that
such appropriate advisories be posted, or made readily available, at all
businesses that sell fresh, frozen, and canned fish and seafood where the
potential for mercury exposure exists.

Hence, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RUFUS B. Rt .GUEZ

MAXIMO BY RODAIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo 8. Rodriguez, Jr.

House BillNo.__ 8285

AN ACT

PROVIDING THE PUBLIC WITH ADEQUATE NOTICE AND EDUCATION ON
THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO MERCURY THROUGH THE
DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH ADVISORIES AND BY REQUIRING THAT
SUCH APPROPRIATE ADVISORIES BE POSTED, OR MADE READILY
AVAILABLE, AT ALL BUSINESSES THAT SELL FRESH, FROZEN, AND

CANNED FISH AND SEAFOOD WHERE THE POTENTIAL FOR MERCURY
EXPOSURE EXISTS

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 “Mercury
Health Advisory Act

SEC 2. Purposes - The purposes of this Act are to—

1. ensure that the public is adequately informed about the potential
adverse effects of mercury exposure through the consumption of fish products;

2. require the Secretary of Health to work cooperatively with other
government agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, to create appropriate
advisories for the distribution to the public of explanations of the potential
adverse effects of mercury exposure from fish consumption;

3. require the Bureau of Food and Drug Administration to resume its

seafood methyl mercury monitoring program to better document mercury levels
in various fish species sold in commerce;

4. require the Secretary of Health, in cooperation with private and public
organizations, to design and implement a National Public Education Program
regarding the presence of methyl-mercury in seafood and fish consumption
advisories for methylmercury; and

5. require the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources to

annually prepare a report on the impacts of mercury on human health and the
environment.


SEC 3. Advisory Notices -
4. Consumer Mercury Advisory Notice-

(4) In general - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
in
coordination with the Department of Health, shall jointly develop fish
consumption advisories for methyl-mercury in fish. Such advisories shall be
based on appropriate Reference Dose for —

(A) the general population;
(B) sensitive populations; and
(C) populations consuming above average amounts of fish.

(2) Consumer's Notice - The Secretary of Health shall prepare a
consumer's mercury advisory notice. Such notice shall be distributed widely by
the Secretary, at no cost, to health professionals, particularly medical offices
that provide gynecological, obstetrical, or pediatric care, and to the extent
practicable shall be made available and posted in the patient or client areas of
all maternal and child health and nutrition program offices, and shall be made

available to health care providers, government agencies, and the general public
upon request.

(3) Criteria - The advisories developed under this subsection shall -

(A) explain, in an easily understandable manner, the dangers of
mercury exposure through the consumption of mercury contaminated
fish to women of childbearing age, women who expect to become

pregnant, women who are pregnant or breast feeding their children, and
young children and their parents;

(B) describe, in an easily understandable manner, in detail the
most current mercury health advisories prepared by the National
Government concerning fish consumption, contain the toll free number

established under paragraph (4), and contain such other information as
the Secretary determines appropriate; and

(C) be printed in large type in English and Filipino or any dialect
determined by the Secretary to be culturally and linguistically
appropriate,

2. Mercury Warning Consumer's Guide -

(1) In general - The Secretary of Health shail prepare a consumer's

guide to mercury and health advisory for the consumption of recreatiorally-
caught fish.

‘Such guide shall be distributed, at no cost, to -


(A) appropriate fisheries, wildlife, and environmental law
enforcement agencies;

(8) all applicants for a fishing license at the time the license is
issued; and

(C) to public upon request.

(2) Criteria - The guide developed under paragraph (1) shall -

(A) be printed in large type in English and Filipino or any diclect
determined by the Secretary to be culturally and linguistically appropriate;

3. Consumption Advisory-

(1) In general - The Secretary of Health, in consultation with the
Secretary of Agriculture and other appropriate government entities shall ~

(A) develop and distribute regional and national advisories,
concerning the presence of methyl-mercury in seafood;

(B) develop standardized formats for written and broadcast
advisories regarding methyl-mercury in seafood;

(C) develop and periodically upgrade information related to
mercury fish tissue test results and fish consumption advisories for
methyl-mercury;

(D) coordinate local advisories in the formation of the National
Public Education Program under subsection (4)(1); and

(E) coordinate with that sector of the retail food industry that is
engaged in the sale of any fresh, packaged, or frozen fish or seefood
products intended for human consumption, concerning the posting of
‘such advisories in their place of business where fish are sold to inform
women of childbearing age, pregnant, and nursing women andi the
parents of young children on the potential dangers of mercury that is
present in certain fish or seafood.

(2) Criteria - The advisories and notices developed under paragraph (1)
shall include information both on limiting the consumption of certain high level
fish and seafood to the general population and, for sensitive populations such
as women of childbearing age and children, stress the importance of limiting

consumption of frequently consumed fish that may exceed the Reference
Dose.


4, Public Education and Advisory System-

(1) Public education- The Secretary of Health, in consultation with public
and nonprofit private entities (including cooperative extension services and
appropriate government entities), shall design and implement a national public
education program regarding the presence of methyl-mercury in seafood.

(2) Features- The program developed under paragraph (1) shall provide-

(A) information to the public regarding-

(i) standards and good practice requirements relating to
methyl-mercury in seafood; and

(ii) the promotion of public awareness, understanding, and
acceptance of such standards and requirements;

(B)_ information to health professionals so that health
professionals may improve the diagnosis and treatment of
mercury-related illness and advise individuals whose health
conditions place those individuals at particular risk; and

(C) such other information or advice to consumers and other

individuals as the Secretary determines will promote the purposes
of this section.

5, Sampling and Monitoring

(4) In general- The Secretary of Health shall ensure the seafood methyl-
mercury monitoring sampling program of the Bureau of Food and Drug
Administration to assist in documenting mercury levels in various fish species.

(2) Monitoring- The sampling program described in paragraph (1) shall
be conducted so as to provide statistically valid monitoring data with respect to
mercury levels in fish and seafood (including market-basket studies) including
documenting the extent to which fish with mercury levels in excess of the action
level are sold in commerce. Such information, aiong with information gathered
by

the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, shall be compiled into
an

annual report by the Secretary to track changes in dietary exposure to mercury
from fish and seafood.

(3) Avoidance of duplication of effort- To the extent practicable, the
sampling program described in paragraph (1) shall be consistent with, and shall

be coordinated with, other seafood sampling programs that are in use, so as to
avoid duplication of effort


SEC 4. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed,
modified or amended accordingly.

SEC 5, Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provisions not
otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SEC 6. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.


Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
Quezon City, Metro Manila

MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH HELD ON DECEMBER
14, 2010 AT 9:00 A.M, CONFERENCE ROOMS 14 AND 15 AT THE RAMON V. MITRA
BLDG, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, BATASAN, QUEZON CITY.

GUESTS/RESOURCE PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE:

1. Dr. Juanito D. Taleon
2. Dr. Anthony P. Calido

3. Dr. Emie Vera
4. Atty, Anabelle de Veyra
5. Dr. Ima L. Asuncion

6. Dr. Juliana M Reyes

7. Engr. Ana Trinidad Rivera
8. Dr. Isauro N. Garcia

9. Engr. Benjamin N. Villacorta

10, Dr, Venancio Banzon
14. Ws, Flordelina R. llagan

12. Dr. Romeo Y. Enriquez

13, Dr. Santiago A. del Rosario
14, Dr. Jaime C. Balingit

15, Mr. Alex D. Asuncion

46, Dr. Hilarion Henares Jr.

17, Ms, Nona O. Andaya-Castillo
48, Dr. Elvira Henares-Esquerra
18, Ms. Corazon Del Mundo

20. Joe! Maleon

21. Mr. Alex Castro Ill

22. Or. Lourdes L. Ignacio

1. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL

Regional Director for Region IV-A, Department of

Health
National Center for Disease Prevention and

Control, DOH

~ Medical Officer Vil, Degenerative Office, DOH

Center for Health Development Region 8, DOH
OIC Regional Director, DOH
DOH

DOH
Acting City Health Officer, City Health

Department, Malabon City
City Administrator, City Health Department,
Malabon City
Medical Director, Jose B. Lingad Hospital
Representative, Jose 8. Lingad General Hospital
Secretary, Philippine Psychiatric Association
Commisioner, Philippine Medical Association
Vice President, Philippine Urological Association
Representative, Philippine Cancer Society
President, HEAL Philippines Foundation
Representative, Nurturers of Earth, Inc.
Representative, Children for Breastfeeding, Inc.
Chairperson, Women Involved in Nation Building
Representative, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources
Executive Director, infant and Pediatrics Nutrition
Association of the Philippines (IPNAP)
Representative, World Association for
Psychological Rehabilitation

Rep. Alfredo D. Mararion Ill, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, called the

meeting to order at 9:28 am.

objections, the calling of the roll was dispensed with.

HMHH 2 ce

Upon mation, duly seconded and there being no

HEE nis ae



TI APPROVAL-OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

Upon motion of Rep. Eriguel, duly seconded and there being no objections, the reading
of the minutes of November 10, 2010 meeting was dispensed with.

Il. PRELIMINARY REMARKS OF THE CHAIRMAN

In keeping with the holiday atmosphere, the Chair extended the season’s greetings to
everyone, He then acknowledged the Members and authors present and welcomed the
invited quests and resource persons. He informed the Body that most of the national

bills calendared for deliberation had been approved on 3 Reading in the previous

Congress,
IV. INITIAL DELIBERATION ON THE FOLLOWING LOCAL MEASURES:

House Bill No. 1999, entitled, An Act Establishing a Thirty (30)-Bed Hospital in the
Second District of Antipolo City, to be known as the Antipolo 2nd District Hospital, and

Appropriating Funds Therefor, authored by Rep. Romeo Acop

Having been recognized by the Chair, Rep. Acop, author of HB No. 1999, expounded on
his measure by stating the need to establish 2 new hospital in the 2” District of
Antipolo. He informed the Body that Antipolo has two (2) existing private hospitals in the

area, However, indigent patients of his district cannot afford to avail of the health
Citing a constitutional provision on the

services provided by these private hospitals.
right of the people to health, he urged the Members to support the passage of his bill

In response, Dr, Juanito D. Taleon, Regional Director for Region IV-A (CALABARZON),
acknowledged the noble intent of the author. However, he cited the Department of
Health's (DOH) current policy that discourages the establishment of new hospitals when
there are already existing hospitals in the area. Instead of the establishment of a new
hospital, he suggested strengthening the existing health facilities and health centers in

Antipolo.
Rep. Acop questioned the DOH policy as contrary to the mandate of the Constitution.
He expressed the common sentiments of his constituents in the remote areas who
complained that their relatives and loved ones are dying without even the services of a
doctor. He said that there are barangays in Antipolo which have no “botika” at all and

are about 40 minutes away from the nearest clinic.
At this point, Rep. Eufranio Eriguel inquired from Dr. Taleon the estimated amount
necessary to put up a 30-bed hospital as requested in the bill of Rep. Acop. In

response, Dr. Taleon gave an estimated amount of 90 to 100 million pesos, inclusive of
 §



infrastructure, equipment, personnel and others. Rep. Eriguel then shared the practice
his district which has helped defray the cost of hospitalization of their indigent

patients. He said that if a G0-bed RoSpitat is not-pessible-at the moment, at least a

smaller bed capacity health unit could be put up for a start. He added that indigents can
be made to pay for health services in view of the universal PhilHealth coverage of the

present administration
Chairman Maranon inquired from Dr.Taleon the number of existing public hospitals in
Antipolo and whether they are enough to cater to 800,000 people in said area. Replying
to the query of the Chair, Dr. Taleon admitted that with only two (2) public and two (2)
private hospitals in Antipolo City, said health facilities will not suffice to cover the
population. Dr. Taleon stressed that establishment of hospitals would be based on the
plan of the province which has the objective of optimizing and rationalizing the health
facilities in said area, It must be based on health needs, consensus and planning

workshops. The workshop conducted and participated in by the health workers and
health providers in said district resulted in the need to strengthen their preventive
health services and repairing RHU's and_putting up barangay health centers in San
Jose, San Roque and Cupang in order to provide the necessary care. Dr. Taleon.
added that at present, the city of Antipolo is operating a 10-bed community city hospital
and there is a plan to expand this health facility. The DOH has a national program on
Health Facility Enhancement to address such concem. Among its thrust is to develop
local health facilities by creating a basic emergency maternal, obstetric and neonatal
care at the health centers and in the barangay health stations and providing equipment
and repair of facilities necessary for maternal, neonatal and child health services. Dr.
Taleon assured the author that DOH will study the proposal and coordinate with his
office to consider various ways of responding to the health needs of Antipolo.

At this juncture, Rep. Randolph Ting pointed out that since Antipolo is a highly
urbanized city, it should have a separate hospital different from that of the province of
Rizal. He even compared Antipolo's case with other provinces with the same or even
Jess population but with existing national hospitals.

Having exhausted the discussion on the subject, Rep. Kario Alexei Nograles moved for
the approval of HB 1999. Upon motion duly seconded by Rep. Herminia Roman, and
there being no objections, HB 1999 was approved.

House Bill No. 2074, entitled, An Act Establishing a Twenty-Five (25) Bed-Capacity
General Hospital in the City of Malabon, Metro Manila, to be known as the Malabon City
General Hospital, and Appropriating Funds Therefor, authored by Rep. Josephine

Veronique Lacson-Noel

Having been recognized by the Chair, Rep. Lacson-Noe! explained that Malabon City,

which is part of the Metropolitan Manila, is one of the few highly urbanized cities without

a public hospital. Her constituents clamoured for a public hospital to be located in the

city to save them from the hassle of going to hospitals of neighbouring cities or
3



municipalities for proper treatment. The existing Pagamutang Bayan of the city can no

longer cater to the needs of the people of Malabon.

Dr. Isauro Garcia, the Acting City Health Officer of Malabon and Engr. Benjamin
Villacorta, the City Administrator expressed their full support to said proposal. Dir. Irma
Asuncion, OIC Regional Director of the DOH, also expressed her appreciation of the
noble intent of the author but informed Rep. Lacson-Noel of the existence of the San
Lorenzo Women's hospital, a DOH “operated” secondary hospital which has a 10-bed
capacity but is actually operating on @ 20-bed capacity. Dir. Asuncion suggested that
instead of establishing a new hospital, the existing San Lorenzo Women’s hospital
should be upgraded with the help of Rep. Lacson-Noel to which the latter gladly

accepted.
Upon the motion of Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles, duly seconded by Rep. Herminia

Roman, and there being no objections, HB 2071 was approved subject to style and

amendment,
Thereafter, the Chair called on Rep. Anna York. Bondoc to expound on her bill,

House Bill No, 3331, entitled, An Act Increasing the Bed Capacity of Jose B. Lingad
Memorial General Hospital in San Fernando, Pamipanga from Two Hundred Fifty (250)
to Five Hundred (500), Upgrading its Services and Facilities and Professional Health
Care, Authorizing the Increase of Its Medical Personnel and Appropriating Funds

Therefor, authored by Rep. Anna York Bondoc
Rep. Bondoc, author of HB No. 3331, informed the Body of her vision for Jose B, Lingad
(JBL) Memorial General Hospital to be a major tertiary medical care in Metro Manila.
She verbalized her hopes for JBL to be the catch basin of patients coming from the
North and Central Luzon and consequently, to lessen the grossly overcrowded hospitals
of Metro Manila. In addition, she cited JBL’s accessibility as it is reachable through
NLEX and SCTXT. She also envisions JBL to be the premiere government hospital for
cancer in the country with enough facilities to address cancer diseases. And finally,
since most of the medical specialists are practicing in Metro Manila due to lack of
adequate facilities in the province for their specialties, the expansion of JBL will pave
the way for the specialists to be able to practice in Metro Manila and still commute to
Pampanga to share their specialties on cancer or cardiac care. She described the
present state of the hospital as being overcrowded with patients. The hospital is actually
a 250-bed hospital but is operating more than 100% of its capacity. Rep. Bondoc
discloses JBL’s dire situation saying that it doesn’t even have a CT scan to operate and
that patients are now crowding the corridor, hence, the request for expansion



Dr. Venancio Banzon, medical director of JBL hospital, expressed his full support for the
hared the views of the author that JBL became the end-

PESSEGEOFHE-333t_H
referral hospital of their neighbouring provinces.

ince te
rate has increased, he emphasized the need to expand the facilities of said hospital to

accommodate indigent patients from the nearby provinces. Dr. Juliana Reyes, DOH
Rep. Herminia

Director-CHD for Region III also expressed her support of said bill
Roman of Bataan shared that her constituents are also beneficiaries of JBL. She

disclosed the fact that she has put a portion of her Priority Development Assistance

Fund ( PDAF) in said hospital.
Thereafter, Rep. Herminia. Roman moved for the approval of HB 3331. With the motion
duly seconded and there being no objections, HB 3331 was approved.

~ House Bill -No- 3660, entitled, An Act Converting the Northern Samar Provincial
Hospital in Catarman, Northern Samar, Into Eastem Visayes Regional Hospital under
the Supervision, Control and Management of the Department of Health, authored by

Rep, Raul Daza.

Re p. Daza informed the Body that HB No. 3660 is a re-filed measure and that the same
was approved in the House of Representatives during the 13" Congress. But due to
He narrated that when he was

time lack of time the Senate was not able to act on it
governor of Samar, the DOH tried to upgrade the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital

from secondary to tertiary level hospital, as an alternative. However, in the span of 9
years, he observed that the upgrading according to the proposed alternative by the
DOH was not encouraging. He added that even with the assistance of DOH, the
hospital could not secure a tertiary level license. He reported that before he left his

office as governor he lobbied with the DOH until the hospital was able to procure one
(1) CT scan and two (2) dialysis machines through the help of the national government.
These machines were delivered six (6) months ago. Unfortunately, the machines cannot
be used due to the failure of both the DOH Regional Office and the provincial hospital to

meet the requirements of pre-audit

With the mandate of the President in alleviating the poor through @ better health care
service delivery, Rep. R. Daza expressed anew his hopes that the DOH would support

the bill
In response, Atty. Annabelle de Veyre, DOH Center for Health Development (CHD),
Region 8 concurred with the statement of Rep. Daza on the past efforts undertaken to
upgrade the Northen Samar Provincial Hospital from secondary to tertiary level
hospital. She affirmed. that the DOH had been working with Rep. Daza on the ground
and that they are fully aware of the many issues and concerns that surround the health

5



needs in Northem Samar. She reported to the Body that when they conducted a health
ssessment in said province, the province wide rationalization plan incorporated

eds
a recommendation to increase the bed CApachy Of said tospita-from 400 to450 baci
by the end of 2014. She expressed the view that despite the policy of the DOH under
AO 2008-0029 which discourages any proposal that seeks to establish or upgrade any
hospital, the CHD Regional office maintains its stance to recommend that the Northern
Samar Provincial hospital be renationalized from level 2 to level 3 hospital but not to
convert it to a regional hospital. She added that if said hospital be renationalized, the
CHD suggests that source of funds and logistics support should be included in the
provision of the bill so that the hospital can adequately operate under a renationalized

set up of level 3 category.
Considering the urgency of the proposed measure, Rep. Nograles moved for the
approval of HB No. 3580. With the motion duly seconded, the same was approved.
Thereafter, the Chair called on Rep. Bondoc to expound on her measure.

V. INITIAL DELIBERATION ON THE FOLLLOWING NATIONAL MEASURES:

HB No. 3088, entitled, “An Act to Promote and Support Breastfeeding as an Essential
Component of Family Planning and Responsible Parenthood, And For Other Purposes”,

authored by Anna York Bondoc
Rep. Bondoc, author of HB No. 3088, expiained that the very intention of the bill is to
incorporate breastfeeding es an essential part of the Family Planning seminar. She
averted that since the said seminar is a legal requirement prior to marriage, the subject
on breastfeeding may well be included as a form of natural family planning. The
seminar, according to Rep. Bondoc, aiso serves as the last chance for the government
to educate the couple before marriage on the merit of natural family planning, child and
maternal health, ways to nourish and protect their growing family. She assured the Body
that her proposal entails no cost on the part of anyone.

Ms, Corazon Del Mundo, Chairperson of Women Involved in Nation-Building (WIN)
believes that promotion of breastfeeding will alleviate the problem of malnutrition in the

country. Other stakeholders present, namely, Dr. Hilarion M. Henares Jr. of Heal
Philippines Foundation, Dr. Elvire Henares-Esguere of Children for Breastfeeding, Mr.

Alex Castro of infant Pediatric Nutrition Association of the Philippines, Ms. Nona

‘Andaya-Castillo from the Nurturers of the Earth, and Dr. Santiago de! Rosario of the
e views on the importance of

Philippine Medical Association expressed their px

breastfeeding
Dr. Anthony Calibo of the DOH recommended the updating of the seminar contents to
include essential intre partum and essential new born care in the bill. In response, Rep.

6



Bondoc welcomed Dr. Calibo's suggestion and seid that it can be discussed thoroughly

during the drafting of the IRR.
Upon motion duly secondad and there being no objections, HB 3088 was approved

subject to style.
At this point, the Chair relinquished his post temporarily to Rep. Nograles. Thereafter,

the presiding Officer called on Rep. H. Roman to expound on her measure.

House Bill No. 230, entitled, An Act Granting Free Hospitalization Benefits in
Government Hospitals to All Retired Public Schoo! Teachers Who Have Rendered a
Minimum of Twenty (20) Years in Service and Providing Funds Therefor, authored by

Rep. Herminia Roman
Rep. Roman-explained.that HB No. 230 seeks to provide free hospitalization benefits in
government hospitals for all retired public school teachers who have rendered a
minimum of twenty (20) years of service. She underscored the fact that the sacrifices
and devotions of teachers in carrying out their duties and responsibilities in moulding
the youth should be amply rewarded even after their retirement from the service.
Subsequently, she sought approval of HB No. 230.

- Dr. Taleon articulated the DOH’s appreciation of the nobie intention of the proposed
measure. However, he pointed out that retired public school teachers are already
covered by the benefits for senior citizens mandated under Republic Act No. 9994
which includes free hospital in the government hospitals. Also, retired teachers are also
covered by PhilHealth. Based on the abovementioned premises, Dr. Taleon said the
Department recommends the following alternative strategies: @) increase the coverage
of PhilHealth benefits for retired government employees; b) strengthen public health
programs at all levels of health care facilities; c) intensify health promotion campaigns to
increase awareness of public school teachers on health issues and practices; and d)

DOH and Department of Education (DepED) should promote, encourage and engage in
scientific research on the prevention, care and treatment of common and recurring

cases of sickness among public schoo! teachers.
Having heard the stand presented by the DOH representative, Rep. Roman opined that
not all retired teachers are senior citizens because some of them availed of the early

retirement privilege even before reaching the required senior citizen age. Rep. Pichay,
at this point, inquired whether the Philhealth coverage to non senior citizen retired public
school has been put into law, Dr. Taleon replied that it is still. proposal from the DOH

as one of the alternative strategies.



Upon motion duly seconded and there being no objections, HB No. 230 was approved

subject to style

House Bill Nos. 1419, 2704 and 3390, entitled, An Act Providing for a National Mental
Health Care Delivery System, Establishing for the Purpose the Philippine Council for
Mental Health and Appropriating Funds Therefor, authored by Reps. Susan Yap, Karlo
Alexei Nograles and Rufus and Maximo Rodriguez Jr.

Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr., one of the authors of the three measures informed the
Body that HB No. 3390 is a refiled bill and the same had been approved by the
Committee during the14" Congress. He noticed that HB Nos. 1419, 2704 and 3390 are
almost identical in content. At this point, he moved for the consolidation and approval of
Prior to acting on the motion of Rep. Rodriguez, Jr, Rep. Nograles

the same.
suggested hearing the opinions of the invited resource persons.

Dr. Lourdes Ladrido-Ignacio, President of the World Association for Psychological
Rehabilitation Philippines (WAPR-Philippines) expressed gratitude to the authors for
sponsoring the bills. She then appealed for the passage of the aforementioned mental
health measures because many people have already been at risk at not only of mental
disorder per se but of illnesses associated with killer diseases such as; cancer,
cardiovascular, renal diseases, among others and other adverse experiences. In UP-
PGH, she reported that they conducted @ survey in Western Visayes where they found
‘out that 1 out of 3 household members is positive to have a mental disorder. Likewise,
in their studies in Metro Manila and Bulacan, they found out that 20 to 25% consulting
primary health services have shown a diagnosable mental disorder in both children and
adult and only 5% are detected by health workers. Given these facts, Dr. Ignacio
believes that the proposal under consideration is much needed. In conclusion, she
offered the services of their organization to DOH and Congress in the refinement of the

said bill.

At this point, Rep. Bondoc inauired on the need to establish another Council specifically
on mental health. She opined that it is the concern of the DOH to take care of the
mental health services. He also cited that adding another layer of bureaucracy could
add to government cost. She then suggested creating an adhoc body to formulate their

Policies and delineate the duties and responsibilities on the matter.

Dr. Emie Vera, Medical Officer VII, Degenerative Office of the DOH said that they
appreciate the intent of the bill, He said they are aware that the bill would strengthen

implementation of DOH Administrative Order 2007-009 entitled, “The Operational
However,

Framework for the Sustainable Establishment on Mental Health Program.”
the DOH cannot support the establishment of @ Philippine Council for Mental Health as

8



proposed in the bill since there is already an existing National Program Management

he-organizational structure of the Department__He also reported that

Committee-withi

the DOH conducted 8 consultative meeting relative to the refinement of the bill among

stakeholders for mental health prior to the meeting of the Committee on Health. Dr.

Vera shared the group's output in refining the bill to include @ new provision in Section’

and the agreement among the stakeholders to maintain the existing structure under the
OH instead of creating a new Council for this purpose.

The Chair then requested Dr. Vera to submit the pertinent documents on the output of

their consultative meeting to the Committee.
Dr. Romeo Enriquez, Secretary of the Philippine Psychiatric Association Society (PPA)
strongly supports the approval of a mental health law as long as the proposed bill will
incorporate the following amendments: a) to institutionalize and prioritize the national
mental health program thru DOH; b) assure the development and implementation of
national standard in the delivery of mental-health care services and education;_c).
prioritize mental health research and information sharing that can serve as basis for
further legislation; d) advocacy for the rights of persons with mental illness and disability
to include the promotion of de-stigmatization.

Dr. R. Enriquez reiterated to the Body that the National Management Committee for
Mental Health under the DOH would replace the national mental health council as
originally proposed in the bill, He said the PPA commends the approval of the three (3)
mental health bills to include the proposed amendments.

Upon hearing the explanations of Dr. Enriquez Romeo, Rep. Bondoc expressed her
satisfaction that the existing National Management Committee for Mental Health under
the DOH would serve the purposes of the bill without additional cost to the government.
With this, she manifested her intention to be a co-author of HB Nos. 1419, 2704 and
3390. In conclusion, Rep. Nograles reiterated his earlier request for Dr. Romeo to
submit their position paper to t he Committee.

On the part of the Philippine Medical Association, Dr. Santiago Del Rosario informed the
Committee that there are one hundred twenty (120) civilized countries who have mental
health laws and it is sad to note that the Philippines is not one of them. He added that
among the 10 highly populous countries, the Philippines ranks number 10. That means,
he said, there is @ high incidence of mental health problems among Filipinos, Further,
he apprised the Body that there are 88 cases per 100 Filipinos with mental health
problems. In the year 2020, @ study projected that depression will be the dominant
single cause of disability in both the developing and non-developing countries. He
stressed that depression is one of the underlying conditions that lead to suicide. With
this information, the Philippine Medical Association expressed their full support for the

passage of the proposed mental health bill
3

sty


Having heard the positions of the stakeholders, Rep. Nograles reminded the Body of the

——sreting-metion-e{ Rep_Maxima Rodriguez Jr. to consolidate and approve the said

measures.
With the motion duly seconded by Rep. Pichay and there being no objections, the
consolidation and approval of HB Nos. 1419, 2704 and 3390 subject to amendment
and style was carried. Rep. Lacson-Nos| manifested that all members present will be

made co-authors of the three house bills.

At this point, Chairman Marafion resumed his post as presiding officer.

Prior to the consideration of other measures, Rep. Eriguel made a manifestation to
reconsider the position paper of DOH amending HB No. 988, entitled, " An Act
Declaring the Month of February of Every Year as “Liver Cancer and Hepatitis-B

Awareness and Prevention Month’, which the Committee approved in the previous
Said position paper was received by the

meeting~ dated-November10, 2010. af
Committee a day after the bill was approved at the Committee level. In said paper, the
to January of

DOH seeks to amend the month of February, as originally proposed,
every year considering that January is earmarked for the observance the National

Cancer Consciousness Week
Rep. Eriguel then moved for the reconsideration of the approval of HB No. 988
considering that the Committee secretariat has yet to finalize the Committee Report on

the same.
Upon motion duly seconded and there being no objections, the motion for
reconsideration of HB 988 was approved.

Rep. Eriguel further moved for the approval of the amendment as proposed by the DOH
to transfer the celebration of the Liver Cancer Month from the month of February to

January,
With the motion duly seconded and there being no objections, the motion was

approved.

House Bill Nos. 590 and 870, entitled, An Act Establishing A Program for Public
Education on Prostate Cancer, authored by Reps. Rufus and Maximo Jr. Rodriguez and
Augusto Syjuco Jr.

Rep. M. Rodriguez moved for the approval of HB Nos. 590 and 870 in view of the fact
that the same were already thoroughly discussed during the 14" Congress.

The Chair deferred action on the motion until the views of the resource persons have

been heard.
10



Dr. Jaime Balingit of the Philippine Urological Association suggested that aside from
forts should be made in identifying chemical

———edeating-the pulic on prostate cancer,
carcinogens and removing them from the food chain. —Hefurther-srepx to_mandat

all hospitals to report to DOH all identified cases so as to have a collective data of

persons suffering from prostate cancer.
Rep. Carlos Padilla inquired which, from among the various cancer diseases, ranks as
number one killer. In response, Dr. Alex Asuncion of the Philippine Cancer Society
said that breast cancer is the top killer cancer based on their 2010 survey. Rep. Padilla
expressed his apprehension on the passage of said bill for it might confine DOH and
other advocates to focus only on prostate cancer at the expense and sacrifice of all
other cancer diseases. He stressed the duty of the Department of Health to ensure that

there are programs for public education to raise awareness on the matter.

Dr. Ernie Vera stressed that the DOH has formulated a very comprehensive Cancer
Control Pragram-where control interventions are within the continuum of public health

care. He cited that Primary prevention focuses on eliminating the causes of cancer, oo
while Secondary Prevention focuses on early detection coupled by definitive diagnosis

and treatment, supportive, palliative care and rehabilitation. Furthermore, he informed

the Body that the Philippine Cancer Control Program was implemented in 1995 with the

five (5) most common sites such as Lung, Breast, Liver, Cervix and prostate Cancer.

For several years of implementation, it wes noted that there was a gap in the level of

Primary Prevention and definitive diagnosis and treatment due to limited funds.

In view of the aforementioned reasons, the Department recommends that funding
support be augmented and increased, with provisions for continuous yearly increment to
improve diagnostic capabilities and upgrade treatment modalities rather than establish
another cancer program specific to a single site like the prostate.

Rep. Rodriguez opined that 25% of males are afflicted of prostate cancer and ultimately
die because there is no cure for prostate cancer. To this effect, he emphasized that the
bill seeks to establish a program to educate the public and increase its awareness on
how to prevent prostate cancer. However, he stressed that he is amenable not to limit
the program to prostrate cancer alone but also to other types of diseases causing

cancer.
Rep. Acop inquired whether the causes of prostate cancer are so divergent than any
If not, he suggested iumping said program with other

other diseases causing cancer.
types of cancer. Mr. Asuncion replied that cancer is not a disease per se but a generic
term for a group of diseases. He explained that you can differentiate them from each
other through its treatment protocols, causes and symptoms and risk factors.

Rep. Eriguel inquired about the most definitive procedure to diagnose a prostate cancer.
Dr. Balingit said the prostate biopsy is the most definitive procedure but screening test

by means of Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) will do.
1



this point, Mr. Asuncion enlightened the Body that the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc.
parinershin with the DOH, published the 2010 Philippine Cancer Facts and
is td

{PESH;
Estimates, which reports the incidence, mortaliy and survivat-steti can
serve as basis for most cancer control programs in the

These data, he said,
Philippines. According to the report, prostate cancer is the fourth leading cancer site
among Filipino males. It was reported that in 2010, there were 2,712 new cases and
1,410 deaths due to prostate cancer. In 2008, the estimated age standardized national
incidence rate was 10.1 per 100, 000 while the mortality rate was 5.3 per 100,000
population, He added that increasing age is the most important risk factor and the
increasing number of Filipino males who are 55 years and older is the main reason for
the significant increase and expected continuing increases in the number of cases. It is
said that early prostate cancer is asymptomatic. He added that early detection of
prostate cancer is curable. In view of this information Filipino males who are 50 years
old or older are advised to undergo annual digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate
ultrasound or prostatic specific antigen (PSA).

The Chair requested Mr. Asuncion to submit to the Committee the data and statistics he -
shared with the Body. The Chair then raised the pending motion of Rep. Rodriguez to

approve the bills,
Upon motion duly seconded and there being on objections, HB Nos. 590 and 870 were

approved subject to style and amendments.

House Bill Nos. 592 and 1028, entitled, An Act to Provide for a National Folic Acid
Education Program to Prevent Birth Defects, authored by Reps. Rufus and Maximo Jr.
Rodriguez and Augusto Syjuco Jr.

Rep. Rodriguez informed the Body that HB No. 592 had been approved in the House of
Representatives last Congress and transmitted to the Senate but was not acted upon
due to lack of time. He stated that the bill seeks to provide a national folic acid
education campaign to prevent neural tube defects considering that thousands of
infants are born each year with serious birth defect of the brain and spine, called the
neural tube defect. In view of the fact that this bill had undergone extensive discussion
during the 14" Congress, he moved for the approval of the same.

The Chair deferred action on the motion until the views of the invited resource persons

have been heard.
Dr. Calibo stated that the DOH appreciates the noble intention of the proposed
measures to provide for 2 national folic acid education program. However, the DOH also
believes that before embarking on the said program, they need to conduct further
esearch on folic acid deficiency and its effect in preventing birth defects among

2

ttibbhir: tiie:



Filipinos. He reported of incidental findings of the Department that Rubella virus,

erman measles, metabolic and other environmental factors can also cause birth
ts, He stated that the DOH 1s SUppOnve Ofte need-for-e-sirengerFolicacid___—

defect
awareness program but thinks that the enactment of both bills may not be necessary at

this time.
Considering that HB Nos, 592 and 1028 had been approved during the 14" Congress,

Rep. Pichay moved for the approval of the same subject to amendments and style. With
the motion duly seconded and there being no objection, the motion was carried.

House Bill Nos. 2984 and 3285, entitled, An Act Providing the Public with Adequate
Notice and Education on the Effects of Exposure to Mercury Through the Development
of Health Advisories and by Requiring that such Appropriate Advisories be Posted, or
Made Readily Available, at All Businesses that Sell Fresh, Frozen, And Canned Fish
and Seafood where the Potential for Mercury Exposure Exists, authored by Reps.
Joseph Victor Ejercito-Rufus.and Maximo Jr. Rodriguez

Rep. M. Rodriguez explained that mercury discharges into the atmosphere and surface
oceans have increased two-to-five fold since the beginning of industrialized period due
to human activities. He claims that substantial evidences are accumulating that

‘exposure to methyl-mercury is now widespread. It is for this reason that this bill was
filed to address the problem by providing the public with adequate notice and education

on the effects of exposure to mercury.
Engr. Ana Trinidad-Rivera of DOH stated that the DOH fully agrees with the basic intent
of the proposed bill. She informed the Committee that based on the existing mandates,
the regulations and monitoring of fresh fish fall within the purview of the Department of
Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources while canned and processed
fish is regulated by the Food and Drugs Administration, an attached agency of the DOH.

She cited that Mercury (Hg) poisoning, both acute and chronic, involves the central
Nervous system (CNS) and kidneys which could be fatal. Intake of the contaminated
marine and aquatic living organisms secondary to pollution of biota could be a source

of exposure to Monomethylmercury (MeHg).
In view of the above information, the DOH recommends the following:
a) that a comprehensive environment assessment, risk management, and health
surveillance program should be undertaken in the identified areas with possible
Hg emissions;
.) that programs, policies and strategies should be institutionalized to strengthen
capacity of concerned government agencies;

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c) that funding and logistical resource should be provided to the concemed agency
ces.

to uporade and strengthen the servi

Joel Maleon of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stated
that DENR is fully aware of the dangers posed by mercury to human health and the
environment. He said this proposed legislation would help strengthen their program on
the information and dissemination of the harmful effects of mercury. Hence, the DENR

fully supports the passage of the bill
Rep. Pichay inquired on the possibility of including cyanide substance in the bill. Rep.
Rodriguez posed no objection to the suggestion. Rep. Pichay further inquired whether
meroury is banned as a product. Mr. Maleon replied that mercury is not banned as @
product but it is regulated under Republic Act No. 6969 specifically under DENR
Administrative Order No. 38 on Chemical Control for Mercury and Mercury compounds.

Rep: Padilla manifested his support for the approval of HB Nos. 2984 and 3285

Thereafter, Rep Pichay moved for the consolidation and approval of HB Nos. 2984 and
3285 subject to amendment and style. Upon motion duly seconded by Rep. Acop, and
there being no objections, the motion was carried.

Other measures calendared for deliberation such as HB No. 606 - An Act Establishing a
Special Hospital for Overseas Filipino Workers (Ofws) and their Dependents,
Appropriating Funds Therefor and for other Purposes authored by Rep. Juan Edgardo

Angara and HB No.1555 - An Act to Establish Wards in Government Hospitals for the
Health Care Needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) authored by Rep. Roman

Romulo were not discussed due to the absence of the authors.

VI. CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

1. Approval of the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 505, 907 and 974, entitled “An Act
Requiring All Government-Issued Identification Cards, Certificates And Licenses
To Include A Portion Indicating The Blood Type Of The Holder Thereof And
Providing Penalties For Violations Thereof,” authored by Reps. Angara, J.E.,

Yap,S., and Syjuco,
Upon motion of Rep. Pichay, duly seconded by Rep. Acop and there being no
objections, the Committee Report on the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 505, 907

and 974 was approved

2. Approval of the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 83, 107, 1029, and 3472, entitled
“An Act Providing For Mandatory Hepatitis B Vaccination Of All Infants Within A

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Reasonable Period Of Time After Birth, And Other Vaccine-Preventable
Diseases,” authored by Reps. Abayz juco, A., Ya nd Cajayon, M.

Ups
objections noted, the Committee Report on the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 83,
107, 1029, and 3472 was approved.

Approval of the draft substitute bill to HB No 950, entitled "An Act Mandating

Ocular Prophylaxis on Newborns,” authored by Rep. Pichay, P.
Upon motion of Rep. Eriguel, duly seconded by Rep. Acop and there being no

objections, the Committee Report on the draft substitute bill to HB No. 950 was

approved.

4. Approval of the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 610 and 2846, entitled “An Act
Regulating The Use Of Government Ambulances, Providing Penalties Therefor

And For Other Purposes,” authored by Reps. Angara, J.E. and Ejercito, J.
Upon motion of Rep. Pichay, duly seconded by Rep. Acop and there being no
objection,the Committee Report on the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 610 and

2846 was approved
Vil. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion duly seconded and there being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at

12:39 P.M.
| hereby certify to the correctness of the foregoing minutes.

MA. LouRoesu} ANCHEZ
Acting Committee Secretary

Approved by:

REP. ALFREDO D. MARANON III

Chairperson
Committee on Health

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