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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
S E N A T E  
S.B. NO. 1360 
Introduced by SENATOR COMPANERA PIA S. CAYETANO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Recent studies have shown that Hepatitis B is endemic in the Philippines 
and now affects more than eight (8) million or around ten percent (10%) of 
Filipinos. Hepatitis B virus infection is the recognized cause of chronic hepatitis 
and cirrhosis, and is likewise said to be the cause of hepato-cellular carcinoma. 
It is further established that Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted not only 
through contaminated blood or blood products, but also from an infected 
pregnant mother to her newborn, the probability of the latter in as high as 20 to 
30 percent (20%-30%). Most Hepatitis B carriers are ignorant of their condition 
because symptoms are not manifest. Thus, the early prevention of the disease is 
still the best protection that may be given a child. Studies have shown that a 
routine Hepatitis B vaccination of all newborn, immediately within twelve (12) 
hours from birth, is the best opportunity to prevent unrecognized perinatal 
transmission of the virus and has been recommended by the World Health 
Organization (W H 0). 
On a personal note, I strongly advocate for the mandatory immunization 
against Hepatitis B for infants because my father, the late Senator Rene 
Compafiero L. Cayetano, fought a long battle with liver cancer. It is with the hope 
of a possible measure to prevent the disease from claiming further lives that I 
urgently move for the passage of the bill. We need to act immediately to protect 
our future leaders and the future of our countrv. 
Senh'tor 


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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
S.B. 
No. 1860 
Introduced by SENATOR COMPANERA PIA S. CAYETANO 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING MANDATORY BASIC IMMUNIZATION SERVICES AGAINST 
HEPATITIS B FOR INFANTS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION I. 
Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Basic Immunization 
Services for Infants Act." 
SECTION 2. Coverage. - Basic immunization services shall cover (a) BCG 
Vaccination against tuberculosis, (b) Inoculation against diptheria, tetanus and 
pertussis, (c) Oral poliomyelitis immunization, (d) Protection against measles, (e) 
Immunization against Hepatitis B, and (f) Immunization against rubella, and (9) 
such other basic immunization services for infants and children below eight (8) 
years of age, as may be determined by the Secretary of Health; Provided, That 
all infants born in a hospital or in any medical clinic shall be given immunization 
against Hepatitis B immediately within twelve (12) hours after birth, while those 
born in their houses should be brought to a hospital or any medical clinic so as to 
be immunized against Hepatitis B as soon as possible; Provided further, That 
health care p ractitioners who are administering prenatal care shall educate a II 
pregnant mothers on the importance of giving their infants the basic 
immunization services. 
. 
SECTION 3. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the 
provisions of this Act shall be taken from the budget of the Department of Health, 
and shall be made available immediately upon enactment of this Act into law. 
SECTION 4. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 7846 and all other 
laws, executive orders, presidential issuances, rules and regulations or any part 
thereof which are inconsistent herewith, are hereby deemed repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SECTION 5. Effecfivity. -The provisions of this Act shall take effect within 
fifteen days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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