::..si 4:" 
*I 
>. ;::,i; <J&" -j& ~ii;RETAR\c' 
.. 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
5 
13 3 :  
1 . .::(~, 
.. 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Retinoblastoma is a cancer which develops in the cells of the retina, the light sensitive 
layer of the eye. It may occur at any age but it usually occurs in younger children 
According to Retinoblastoma International, ninety percent (90%) of retinoblastoma 
patients have no family history of the disease and only ten percent (10%) have other family 
members with retinoblastoma, Sixty percent (60%) of cases involve only one eye (unilateral) 
while forty percent (40%) affect both eyes 
If untreated, retinoblastoma is almost fatal. It can spread outside of the eye to the brain, 
the central nervous system and the bones. 
Early diagnosis and intervention is critical to the successful treatment of this disease. 
Eighty-seven percent (87%) of children stricken with this disease die, mostly from developing 
countries. These children were diagnosed very late and have already developed tumors outside 
of the eye. Given this information, it is incumbent upon the State to take necessary precautions 
The Constitution, Article 2, Section 13 states that: 
The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building 
and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, 
and social well-being. x x x 
This cancer is curable if caught early enough. Thus, this bill directs the Department of 
Health to increase awareness on retinoblastoma and to educate parents on the early warning signs 
of this disease. 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
5 
OCf 1 3 ;> 1 ‘i:LJ 
Second Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
TO DIRECT THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH A 
RETINOBLASTOMA PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PREVENTION PROGRAM 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act may be known as the “Retinoblastoma Awareness 
and Prevention Act of 2005.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and promote the right to 
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them 
SECTION 3. Retinoblastoma Awareness and Prevention Propam. - The Secretary of 
Health shall establish a retinoblastoma awareness and prevention program that shall include - 
(a) public and community awareness programs concerning the prevention and 
identification of retinoblastoma and the provision of services for children, 
adolescents, and adults with retinoblastoma; 
(b) the development and placement of public service announcements to educate the 
public about retinoblastoma; and 
(c) the development of strategies to educate parents about retinoblastoma, early warning 
signs, and risk factors based on the best available medical information and to 
encourage parents to discuss retinoblastoma with their child’s physician. 
SECTION 4. Appropriation. - To carry out the provisions of this Act, such amount as 
may be necessary is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. 
Thereafter, the amount necessary for the establishment of a retinoblastoma public awareness and 
prevention program shall be included in the annual appropriation of the Department of Health, 


SECTION 5. Sepambilfty Clnzm. - If any provision or part thereof is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
orders, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule and regulation contrary to, or inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 7. Eflectjvzty Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following 
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,