Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
We all know, directly or indirectly, that cancer is not only a physical battle for 
the patient, the emotional and financial strain that comes with it makes the process 
significantly difficult for anyone diagnosed with it. According to the Philippine 
Statistics Authority, Neoplasms or “cancer” is the third leading cause of death during 
the first half of 20211. 189 in every 100,000 Filipinos are suffering with cancer, while 
seven adults every hour accounting for 168 deaths every day and 8 children die of 
this disease everyday2. This trend is expected to increase unless organized, sustained, 
and preventive measures against cancer are initiated immediately.  
This bill, which has been consistently being sought since the 15th Congress, 
seeks to create a National Cancer Institute in the Philippines to continue our 
advocacy for the patients suffering with cancer through an act of legislation intended 
to provide measures for cancer prevention, palliative care, detection and cancer 
treatment. Especially since those who are suffering from cancer are imuno-
compromised and are more prone and vulnerable to contract other diseases. In this 
manner, they shall be cared for, treated and protected as well. 
The creation of a National Cancer Institute of the Philippines is consistent 
with the provisions of Section 15, Article 2 of the 1987 Constitution that the policy 
of the State is to protect and promote the right to health of the people and to instill 
health consciousness among them. Pursuant to Republic Act no. 11215 or the 
National Integrated Cancer Control Act. It is our duty to ensure that despite the 
unpredictability of this disease, we are predictable in having the means to aid our 
constituents and are consistent in looking for ways to ease the pain for them and to 
hopefully give them hope and a fighting chance.  
In order to fully implement the policy of the State, this bill seeks to provide 
for the centralization of planning, programs and activities related to the prevention, 
screening, detection and treatment of cancer. Most importantly, this bill seeks to 
apply the centralization of conducting research relevant to malignant diseases and 
the dissemination and or application of beneficial research results. The establishment 
of a network for regional treatment and research centers is included to effectively 
realize the centralization defined in this bill. Thus, there will be prevention in 
1 Philippine Statistics Authority. (2021). Causes of Deaths in the Philippines (Preliminary): January to 
June 2021. Philippine Statistics Authority Press Release, 1–8. 
https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/crd/pressrelease/PR%20No.%202021-
335%20PR%20Causes%20of%20Death%2C%20Jan-Jun%202021%2C%20Preliminary.pdf  
2 Dizon, N. (2017). 7 adults die every hour, 8 children die of cancer daily in PH, says group.  
December 15, 2021
2:17 pm
10631


duplication of efforts, reduction in costs and enable comprehensive view in the 
cancer-affected sectors as well as identification of a more appropriate assignment of 
properties on programs/activities/ fund allocation.  
More importantly, the establishment of regional cancer centers concretizes the 
initiative of the government to make specialized health services readily available to 
those outside of Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao.  
The enactment of this legislation will increase the inflow of medical tourists 
and medical workers from developing countries seeking training, which will 
significantly contribute to not only medical research and the academe, but also to the 
economic growth of the country. It will also result in the expansion of local hospice 
care for cancer patients and an increase in exportable medical/health workers who 
are skilled in cancer treatment. There will also be an expected significant increase in 
tax revenue as there will be an increase in the income of the individual/regional/ 
national medical sector; and the collected tax revenue will be used in the continuing 
modernization of the country’s cancer related services and facilities envisioned in 
this bill. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Being sought since the 15th congress 
HON. JOHN MARVIN “YUL SERVO” C. NIETO 
Representative, 3rd District of Manila City 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto 
AN ACT  
CREATING A NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE TO BE KNOWN AS 
THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
the Congress assembled:  
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “The National Cancer 
Institute Act of 2021.”  
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared as the policy and 
principles of the State to:  
(a) Promote specialized, multidisciplinary and comprehensive cancer research
program, dissemination and/or utilization of the results of the research and
development including the formulation, updating and implementation of a
comprehensive cancer control plan with the aim of overcoming cancer;
(b) Promote the improvement of an environment for the prompt evaluation and
approval of drugs/medical devices that are highly needed in cancer treatment,
through the linkage with the Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD), Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of
Health (DOH) and other concerned agencies;
(c) Enhance cancer prevention through the education of, and information
dissemination to the public by health care professionals and institutions;
(d) Encourage evidence-based early detection, screening, diagnosis and treatment
of cancer;
(e) Enable cancer patients to receive appropriate treatment based on scientific
knowledge;
(f) Establish a system that provides equitable distribution of medical cancer care
in which the treatment is chosen and administered according to the situation
and diagnoses of the patient regardless of financial capability;
10631


(g) Promote palliative care including pain management, hospice care and other 
measures to improve the quality of life of cancer patients, especially the 
terminal ones; and  
 
(h) Support the rehabilitation of cancer patients through comprehensive programs 
including providing assistance to cancer survivors.  
 
SECTION 3. National Cancer Advisory Board. – There is hereby created the 
National Cancer Advisory Board, to be composed of fifteen (15) members as 
follows: 
(a) The Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), Secretary of the 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine 
Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), and the Director of 
the National Institute of Health as ex-officio members of the board.  
(b) Twelve (12) members appointed by the President of the Philippines upon 
recommendation through a careful screening and selection process. The 
scientists and physicians appointed to the Board shall be persons who are 
among the country’s leading scientific or medical authorities who are 
outstanding in the study, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer or in fields related 
thereto. Each appointed member of the Board shall, by virtue of his or her 
training experience and background, be qualified to appraise the programs of 
the National Cancer Institute. The appointed members shall receive 
honorarium of not more than Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php50,000.00) per 
attendance to the Board’s meeting, while the ex-officio members shall receive 
per diem compensation.  
 
(1) Appointed members shall serve for a period of four (4) years. Any vacancy 
shall be filed by appointment by the President of the Philippines, upon 
recommendation of the National Cancer Advisory Board.  
(2) Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to expiration of the 
term for which his predecessor was appointed shall serve only for the 
remainder of such term.  
(3) Appointed members shall be eligible for reappointment and may serve after 
the expiration of their terms until their successors have assumed office.  
(4) A vacancy in the Board shall not affect its activities and eight members, 
including the ex-officio members, therefore shall constitute quorum.  
 
SECTION 4. Powers and Functions of the National Cancer Advisory Board. – 
The Board shall have the following powers and functions:  
 
(a) The regular members of the Board shall elect among themselves a Chairman 
who shall be the presiding officer of the Board.  
 
(b) The Board shall elect from among themselves the Director of the National 
Cancer Institute who shall also serve as Vice Chairman of the Board. 
 
(c) The Board shall formulate policies and adopt measures, including the 
formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations, which are necessary 
to carry out the provisions of this Act.  
 
(d) The Board shall meet at the call of the Director of the National Cancer Institute 
or the Chairman, not less than once a month, and shall advise and assist the 


Director of the National Cancer Institute with respect to the National Cancer 
Program.  
 
(e) The Director of the National Cancer Institute shall designate a member of the 
Staff of the Institute to act as Executive Secretary of the Board.  
 
(f) The Board shall monitor the development and execution of the National 
Cancer Programs formulated, updated and improved by the NCI and shall 
report directly to the President. Any delays or blockages in rapid execution of 
the Programs shall immediately be brought to the attention of the President.  
 
(g) The Board may hold such hearings, take such testimony and sit and act at such 
times and places as the Board deems advisable to investigate programs and 
activities of the National Cancer Program of the National Cancer Institute.  
 
(h) The Board shall submit to the President periodic progress reports on the 
Program. Annual evaluation of the efficacy of the Program and suggestions 
for improvements shall be submitted for transmittal to the Congress of the 
Philippines not later than January 31 of each year.  
 
(i) The Director of the National Cancer Institute shall make available to the Board 
such staff, information and other assistance as it may require in carrying out 
its activities.  
 
SECTION 5. National Cancer Institute. - There is hereby established a National 
Cancer Institute which shall compile date, conduct, coordinate researches, 
investigations, experiments and studies relating to the cause, diagnosis and treatment 
of cancer. This Institute shall assist and foster similar research activities by other 
institutions and organizations, public and private, including individuals. The 
institute is furthermore established to promote coordination on all such researches 
and the useful application of their results with a view to the development and prompt 
widespread use of the most effective methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment 
of cancer. Linkages with National Institutes of Health and the Department of Science 
and Technology through the Philippine Council for Health Research and 
Development will be coordinated to avoid overlap of projects.  
 
SECTION 6. Director of the National Cancer Institute. –  
 
(a) The Director of the National Cancer Institute coordinates all activies of the 
Department of Health and of other Departments of government and non-
governmental agencies or institutes relating to cancer and the National Cancer 
Program.  
(b) In formulating the National Cancer Program, the Director of the National 
Cancer Institute shall:  
(1) With the advice of the National Cancer Advisory Board, plan and 
develop the National Cancer Program, including an expanded 
intensified and coordinated cancer research program encompassing the 
programs of the National Cancer Institute, related programs of the other 
research institutes, and other national and local, private and public 
cancer programs.  
 
(2) Expeditiously utilize the existing research facilities and personnel of 
the Department of Health, the Department of  Science and Technology 


through the PCHRD and the University of the Philippines, National 
Institute for Health for accelerated exploration of opportunities in areas 
of specific promise.  
 
(3) Encourage and coordinate cancer research by industrial concerns where 
such concerns evidence a particular capability for such research.  
 
(4) Collect, analyze and disseminate all data and useful in the prevention, 
diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including the establishment of an 
international cancer research data bank to collect, catalog, store and 
disseminate insofar as feasible the results of cancer research undertaken 
in any country for the use of any person involved in cancer research in 
any country.  
 
(5) Establish or support the large-scale production or distribution of 
specialized biological materials and other therapeutic substances for 
research and set standards of safety and care for persons using such 
materials.  
 
(6) Support research in the cancer field outside the countries highly 
qualified foreign nationals which research can be expected to redound 
to the benefit of the Filipino people. Support collaborative research 
involving foreign participants; and support the training of Filipino 
scientists abroad and foreign scientists in the country.  
 
(7) Support appropriate manpower programs of training in fundamental 
sciences and clinical disciplines to provide an expanded and continuing 
manpower base from which to select investigators, physicians, and 
allied health professions personnel, for participation in clinical and 
basic research and treatment programs relating to cancer including 
where appropriate the of training stipends fellowships and career 
awards.  
 
(8) Call special meetings of the National Cancer Advisory Board at such 
times and in such places as the Director deems necessary in order to 
consult with, obtain advice from, or to secure the approval of projects, 
programs or other actions to be undertaken without delay in order to 
gain maximum benefit from a new scientific or technical; finding.  
 
(9) Prepare and submit, directly to the President of the Philippines for 
review and transmittal to Congress, an annual budget estimate for the 
National Cancer Program, after reasonable opportunity for comment 
(but without change) by the Secretary of Health, the Director fo the 
National Institutes of Health, and the National Cancer Advisory Board 
and receive from the President and the Department of Budget and 
Management directly all funds appropriated by Congress for obligation 
and expenditure by the National Cancer Institute.  
 
 
SECTION 7. National Cancer Research and Demonstration Centers. –  
(a) A National Cancer Research Center is hereby established in each metropolitan 
city in the country and one in the National Capital Region for clinical research, 


training and demonstration of advanced preventive, diagnostic and treatment 
methods relating to cancer.  
(b) The National Cancer Research Centers in the metropolitan cities in the 
National Capital Region are hereby further designated as Regional Cancer 
Centers and shall perform the functions and assume the responsibilities of 
Cancer Centers as defined in Section 9 of this Act.  
(c) The director of the National Cancer Institutes, under policies established by 
the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the PCHRD and the DOST 
and after consultation with the National Cancer Advisory Board, is authorized 
to enter into cooperative agreements with public or private non-profit agencies 
or institutions to pay all or part of the cost of planning, establishing, or 
including but not limited to centers established for clinical research training 
and demonstration of advance diagnostics and treatment methods relating to 
cancer.  
 
 
 
Such payment under this subsection in support of such cooperative 
agreements may be used for:  
 
(1) Construction of the designated center;  
(2) Staffing and other basic operating costs, including such patient care costs as 
required for research; 
(3) Training including training for allied health professions personnel; and  
(4) Demonstration purposes; 
 
Support of center under this section may be for a period of not to exceed three (3) 
years and may be extended by the Director of the National Cancer Institute for 
additional periods of not more than three years each, after review and 
recommendation of the operations of such center by an appropriate scientific review 
group established by the Director of the National Cancer Institute.  
  
SECTION 8. Cancer Control Programs. – The Director of the National Cancer 
Institute shall establish programs as necessary for cooperation with national and 
other health agencies in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer.  
 
 
Such programs to be established should give priority to the following:  
 
(a) A financial subsidy given to indigent patients, upon qualification, to cover the 
expenses of all necessary laboratory tests and other related examinations 
during the diagnosis as well as the expenses needed for treatment of cancer;  
(b) A financial subsidy to be given to non-governmental cancer support groups in 
recognition of an in order to facilitate the continuity of the programs they have 
for cancer patients as well as for their families especially in coping and dealing 
with circumstances. However, only recognized and duly organized support 
groups shall be granted subsidy in accordance with the Implementing Rules 
and Regulations of this Act; 
(c) An independent support group shall be established as a standing program to 
augment the emotional support needed by cancer patients including their 
families in dealing and coping with the circumstances through regular 
inspirational and motivational sessions with cancer survivors and family 
members who have experienced having a relative similarly afflicted with 
cancer.  
 


SECTION 9. Cancer Center. – it is established by the Regional Cancer Center for 
each region in the country and will coordinate with the National Cancer Institute 
through its executive chief officer.  
 
The respective Cancer Centers are established to carry out the function of 
administering the National Cancer Program as developed by the National Cancer 
Institute after consultation with the National Cancer Advisory Board.  
 
(1) The Regional Cancer Centers shall be respectively administered by the head 
of the Regional Department of Health Offices as executive chief officer of the 
Regional Cancer Center under a national central executive chief officer 
designated by the Secretary of the Department of Health among his under 
Secretaries. The regional cancer centers will coordinate with the National 
Cancer Institute.  
(2) The administrative staff comprising each respective cancer centers shall be 
provided for under the Implementing Rules and Regulations to be formulated 
by the National Cancer Advisory Board.  
(b) The National Cancer Institute through the Director shall oversee each cancer 
center in the country, and upon approval by the National Cancer Advisory Board, 
through a Board Resolution, is hereby authorized to: 
 
(1) Obtain the services of not more than fifty (50) experts or consultants who have 
scientific or professional qualifications to be designated in each regional 
cancer centers in national cancer centers; 
(2) Acquire, construct, improve, repair, operate and maintain cancer centers, 
laboratories, research and other necessary facilities and equipment and related 
accommodations as may be necessary, and such other real or personal 
property including patents as the Director deems necessary; 
(3) Appoint one or more advisory committees composed of such private citizens 
and officials of the local governments as he deems desirable to advise him 
with respect to his function;  
(4) Utilize, with their consent the services, equipment, personnel, information and 
facilities of other local public agencies with or without reimbursement 
therefore;  
(5) Accept voluntary and uncompensated services;  
(6) Accept unconditional gifts or donations of services, money or property, real 
personal or mixed tangible or intangible;  
(7) Enter into such contracts, leases, cooperative agreement or other transactions 
as may be necessary in the conduct of his functions, with any public agency 
or with any person, firm, association, corporation, or educational institution; 
and  
(8) Take necessary action to ensure that all channels for the dissemination and 
exchange of scientific knowledge and information are maintained between the 
National Cancer Institute and other scientific, medical and biomedical 
disciplines and organizations nationally and internationally  
 
SECTION 10. Presidential Cancer Panel. – There is hereby established the 
President’s Cancer Panel which shall be composed of three (3) persons appointed by 
the President, who by virtue of their training, experience and background are 
exceptionally qualified to appraise the National Cancer Program. At least two (2) of 
the members of the Panel shall be distinguished scientists or physicians, 
recommended by the Director of the National Cancer Institute.  
 


(b) Members of the Panel shall be appointed for three-year terms, except that in case 
of two of the members first-appointed, one shall be appointed for one year and one 
shall be appointed for a term of two years, as designated by the President at the time 
of appointment, and any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the 
expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed 
only for the remainder of such term.  
 
(1) The president shall designate one of the members to serve as Chairman for a 
term of one year.  
(2) Members of the panel shall each be entitled to receive the daily equivalent of 
the annual rate of basic pay in effect for salary grade 20 of the General 
Schedule for each day during which they are engaged in the actual 
performance of duties vested in the Panel, and shall be allowed travel 
expenses including a per diem allowance.  
 
(c ) The panel shall meet at the call of the Chairman but not less often than twelve 
times a year. A transcript shall be kept of the proceedings of each meeting of the 
Panel and the Chairman shall make such transcript available to the public.  
 
(d) The Panel shall monitor the development and execution of the National Cancer 
Program under this section, and shall report directly to the President. Any delays or 
blockages in rapid execution of the Program shall immediately be brought to the 
attention of the President. The Panel shall immediately be brought to the President. 
The Panel shall submit to the President periodic progress reports on the Program and 
annually an evaluation of the efficacy of the Program and suggestions for 
improvements, and shall submit such other reports as the President shall direct. At 
the request of the President, it shall submit for his consideration a list of names of 
persons for consideration for appointment as Director of the National Cancer 
Institute.  
 
SECTION 11. Scientific Review and Reports on Cancer. – (a) The Director of the 
National Cancer Institute shall, by regulation, provide for proper scientific review of 
all research grants and programs over which he has authority utilizing, to the 
maximum extent possible, appropriate peer review groups establish within the 
National Institute of Health of the University of the Philippines and composed 
principally of scientists and other experts in the scientific and disease fields, and 
when appropriate, by establishing, with the approval of the National Cancer 
Advisory Board and the Director of the National Institute of Health, other formal 
peer review groups as may be required.  
(b) The Director of the National Cancer Institute shall, as soon as practicable after 
the end of each calendar year, prepare in consultation with the National Cancer 
Advisory Board and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a report 
on the activities, progress and accomplishments under the National Cancer Program 
during the preceding calendar year and a plan for the Program during the next five 
(5) years.  
 
SECTION 12. Appropriation of Funds. – The initial fund in the amount of FIFTY 
MILLION PESOS for the establishment of the National Cancer Institute including 
the initial implementation of its programs shall be appropriated from the gross 
income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and shall 
be directly remitted to a special account of the National Cancer Institute. Thereafter, 
for the continued implementation of this Act, such sums shall be included in the 
annual General Appropriations Act.  


 
SECTION 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The National Cancer 
Advisory Board with the involvement of the stakeholders shall start to establish the 
committee that will promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act 
within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act.  
 
SECTION 14. Congressional Oversight Committee. – There is hereby created a 
Congressional Oversight Committee composed of five (5) members of the Senate 
and five (5) members of the House of Representatives. The members of the Senate 
shall be appointed by the Senate President based on the proportional representation 
of the parties or coalitions therein with at least one (1) member representing the 
Minority. The Members of the House of Representatives shall be appointed by the 
Speaker, also based on the proportional representation of the parties or coalitions 
therein with the respective Chairs of the House Committees on Health and on 
Science and Technology, and at least one (1) member representing the Minority.  
 
The Committee shall be headed by the respective Chairs of the Senate Committees 
on Health and on Science and Technology, and House of Representatives 
Committees on Health and on Science and Technology. The secretariat of the 
Congressional Oversight Committee shall come from the existing Secretariat 
personnel of the Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives 
concerned.  
 
SECTION 15. Separability Clause. – If any of this Act is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of other 
provisions hereof.   
 
SECTION 16. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive order, and rules 
and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly.  
 
SECTION 16. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from 
the date of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation.   
 
 
  
Approved,  
  
 
 
 
  
HON. JOHN MARVIN “YUL SERVO” C. NIETO 
Representative, 3rd District of Manila City