SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 2 {)9 
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) 
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Introduced by Sen. Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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JUL ··2 
?\ 9 :21 
The W orId Health Organization ("WHO") has promoted the ban on junk 
foods in schools and playgrounds to promote healthier diets for children. The 
banning of junk food in or near schools would deter the rising incidence of child 
obesity, and oral, cardiovascular and other health problems. 
Healthy eating plays an important role in learning and cognitive 
development. Studies show that children who do not get adequate nutrients 
have lower academic test scores. Ensuring the availability of food that are high 
in nutritional content will not only promote better health but also better learning. 
The present legislation intends to restrict the sale of junk food within and 
around the premises of primary and secondary schools. Junk food shall be 
identified as food that are high in calorie and sugar content. Noting the success 
of similar measures in foreign countries, the undersigned urges the immediate 
passage of this measure. 
MArt~L ~" 
M. LAPID 
Senator 
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oi ... 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S.B.No. 269 
) 
) 
) 
Introduced by Sen. Manuel"Lito" M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
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'13 
.JUL -7. A 9 :21 
PROHIBITING THE SALE OF JUNK FOODS FROM PRIMARY AND 
SECONDARY SCHOOLS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Junk Food Ban 
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Act of 2013." 
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and 
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promote the youth's right to health as well as to instill health consciousness 
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amongst the youth. . 
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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, unless otherwise 
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indicated: 
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(a) 
"Junk food" means all food and beverages containing calorie and 
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sugar or sodium content above the prescribed nutritional limits by the 
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Department of Education in coordination with the Department of Health and 
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other concerned agencies. 
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(b) 
"School" means all primary- and secondary-level schools in the 
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country. 
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(c) 
"Class hours" means the period from one-half hour before the start 
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of classes and one-half hour after the end of the last scheduled class for any given 
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school day, including make-up classes scheduled on a day other than a regular 
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school day and extra-curricular activities required by the school. 
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SEC. 4. Application. - The provisions of this Act and its implementing 
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rules shall only affect foods that are sold or distributed on school premises 
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during class hours and shall not affect foods sold at activities and events 
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conducted on school premises beyond class hours, except activities and events 
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that students are required by the school to attend. 
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SEC. 5. Food Standards. - Schools shall ensure the availability of healthy 
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snack foods with whole grains, low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, or protein foods 
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as their main ingredients. Foods with calorie, fat, sugar, and sodium content 
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above the limits prescribed by implementing rules to be determined by the 
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Department of Education in coordination with the Department of Health and 
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other concerned agencies shall not be allowed within school premises. 
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SEC. 6. Beverage Standards. - Schools shall ensure that carbonated and 
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caffeinated drinks are not made available within school premises. 
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SEC. 7. Exception for Special Events. - Bagged lunches or treats for 
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special occasions such as birthday parties, holidays, and other similar 
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celebrations shall not be subject to the food and beverage standards imposed in 
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this Act and its implementing rules. 
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SEC. 8. Transition Period. - Schools and school vendors shall be given a 
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grace period of one year from the release of the implementing rules to 
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completely implement the provisions of this Act and said rules without penalty 
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for violations thereof. 
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SEC. 9. Penalties. - Schools that fail to implement the provisions of this 
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Act shall pay a fhle of not less than Three Hundred Thousand Pesos 
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(Php300,OOO.OO) for the first violation; not more than Six Hundred Thousand 
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Pesos (Php600,OOO.OO) for the second violation; and not more than One Million 
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Pesos (Phpl,OOO,OOO.OO) for the third violation. 
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SEC. 10. Implementing Agency. -
The Department of Education in 
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coordination with the Department of Health shall promulgate rules and 
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regulations to implement the provisions of this Act not later than ninety (90) 
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days from the effectivity of this Act 
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SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, preSidential decrees, executive 
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orders, rules, and regulations, or portions thereof, inconsistent with this Act are 
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hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 12. Separability Clause. If any part of provision of this Act shall be 
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held unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are not affected 
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thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
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SEC. 13. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
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circulation. 
Approved, 
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