Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3599

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT
PROVIDING A NATIONAL PROGRAM TO ADDRESS THE
NEEDS OF PEOPLE AFFLICTED WITH COMPULSIVE
GAMBLING DISORDER

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article 2, Section 15, of the Constitution, provides that “the State shall
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instil! health
consciousness among them.”

Problem gambling is a growing public health concern. It is characterized
by increased preoccupation with and loss of control over gambling, restlessness
and irritability when attempting to stop gambling, and continued gambling despite
serious negative consequences.

Problem gamblers have high rates of co-occuring substance abuse and
mental health disorders such as smoking, alcohol use and abuse, drug use and
abuse, depression and suicidal behavior. A study by the National Research
Council in 1999 found that 25-50% of the spouses of compulsive gamblers have
been abused. Another survey of 144 spouses of compulsive gamblers found that
50% were physically and verbally abused by their spouse and 12% had
attempted suicide (Bland, Newman, Or and Stebelski, 1993). Emergency room
Statistics also show that the odds ratio of intimate partner violence increased 10.5
times when the partner was a problem gambler (Muelleman, Denotter, Wadman
Tran & Anderson, 2002). In Nebraska, a study found that problem gambling is as.
much a risk for domestic violence as alcohol abuse.


This bill seeks to lessen the social impact of problem gambling by
providing counseling support and information dissemination on this condition and
its treatment

In light of the reasons stated above, the immediate passage into law of
this proposed measure is earnestly requested.

DIOSDADO fy 2>AGAL ARROYO GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
Second District, Camarines Sur Second District, Pampanga


Republic of the PI i
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 8999

~_ Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT
PROVIDING A NATIONAL PROGRAM TO ADDRESS THE
NEEDS OF PEOPLE AFFLICTED WITH COMPULSIVE
GAMBLING DISORDER

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 “Comprehensive
Problem Gambling Act of 2010.”

SECTION 2. Raising Public Awareness. ~ The Secretary of Health shall
carry out a national campaign to increase knowledge and raise awareness with
respect to problem gambling issues within the general public, including
supporting and augmenting existing national campaigns and the production and
placement of public service announcements.

SECTION 3. Research. - The Secretary shall establish and implement a
national program of research on problem gambling

SECTION 4. Treatment. — The evaluation and treatment of persons who
have had their lives significantly impacted by compulsive gambling disorder shall
be carried out by counselors whose services shall be available at all health
centers.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of
Health shall issue the implementing rules and regulations for this Act and shall


submit a report to Congress as to the Act's implementation within two (2) years
from the passage of this law.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. — if for any reason, any portion or
provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional, other parts or provisions
hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15)
days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of
general circulation

Approved,