FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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Third Regular Session 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 2, Section 15 provides: 
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the 
people and instill health consciousness among them. 
Cancer is brought about by changes (mutations) in a cell's DNA -_ its genetic 
"blueprint". Part of these changes may have been inherited from our parents, while others 
may be caused by outside exposures, which are often referred to as environmental 
factors. These factors may include a wide range of exposures, such as lifestyle factors, 
naturally occurring exposures, medical treatments, workplace and household exposures, 
and pollution. 
Substances and exposures that can lead to cancer are referred to as carcinogens. 
Carcinogens do not cause cancer 100% ofthe time. Substances considered as carcinogens 
may have different levels of cancer-causing potential. Some may cause cancer only after 
prolonged, high levels of exposure. For any particular person, the risk of developing 
cancer depends on many factors, including how they are exposed to a carcinogen, the 
length and intensity of the exposure, and the person's.genetic makeup. This bill seeks to 
inform consumers of the potential risk posed by the carcinogens found in consumer 
products. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 1 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT CREATING A DATABASE OF 
PRODUCTS CONTAINING PROBABLE CARCINOGENS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives ofthe Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Probable Carcinogen 
Information Act of 2009.’’ 
SECTION 2. Dejnition of terms. -As used in this Act, the tern- 
(A) “Carcinogen” refers to any substance or radiation that is directly involved in the 
existence of cancer or in the increase of its spread; 
(B) “Department” means the Department of Health; 
SECTION 3. Database of Carcinogens. - The Department shall create a database of 
known and probable carcinogens which shall be available at all health centers and at their 
website. There shall also be a database of products that contain these carcinogens. A product 
may be delisted only if the manufacturers prove that they have taken the carcinogen out of their 
production process. 
SECTION 4. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
valid and subsisting. 
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SECTION 5 .  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. 
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SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
labgo70509 
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