Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2383

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Florida P. Robes

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Bill seeks the establishment of a mental health center in the Lone District
of San Jose Del Monte, Province of Bulacan to cater to the psychiatric needs of its
constituents.

Mental health, based on the standards of the World Health Organization, is
defined as a state of well-being in which every individual, realizing his or her own
potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully,
and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. It also affects how we
think, feel and act. Many factors cause mental health problems to occur such as
biological, life experiences, and family history. Thus, psychological intervention is
important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

‘This proposal implies that health is not merely the absence of disease, illness
or infirmity as it also involves the complete physical and social well-being of
individuals. However, this aspect of health services has been ignored or less
prioritized by the government. Our country may be considered one of the poorest in
terms of mental health resources. This could be due to the fact that when family
members have psychological disorders, they are kept away from society or secluded
in asylums as there is a social stigma attached to it. More so, there is a scant public
mental health facilities available in the country. Little did people know that through
proper interventions, such disorders can be treated or prevented. People with mental
health problems can get better and many recover completely. Otherwise, people
suffering from mental disorders become disabled. Unfortunately mental health
facilities are scant. Hence, the immediate approval of this proposal is earnestly

sought.
ne a P. ROBES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2383
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Florida P. Robes

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC IN THE CITY OF
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, BULACAN AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS:
THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared a policy of the
State to uphold the basic right of all Filipinos to mental health, to respect the
fundamental right of people requiring mental health services as enshrined in the
Constitution and international covenants, and to provide people suffering from
psychological issues, depression and mental trauma special care and attention.

SEC. 2. Establishment. There shall be established a mental health clinic in
the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to be situated in Brgy. San Isidro, San Jose
Del Monte City.

SEC. 3. Services. The Clinic shall provide services which include but not
limited to counseling and therapy, crisis counseling and intervention, medication
evaluation and management, group therapy and support groups, mindfulness
meditation, after-hours care and other psychiatric services.

SEC. 4. Issues Treated. The Clinic shall provide treatment and support to a
multitude of issues including the management of difficult emotions, anxiety and
stress, childhood trauma, cross cultural issues, life transitions, depression, parenting
issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, family and interpersonal conflicts, domestic
abuse, among others.

SEC. 5. Who Can Avail. - All residents of the City of San Jose Del Monte
shall be given priority in the availment of the services being provided by the Clinic.
Non-residents may also be given the needed psychiatric services provided they shall


secure prior appointment.

SEC. 6. Referral. If the patient needs a more intensive psychiatric care, the
Clinic shall make a proper referral to another provider accredited by the Department
of Health.

SEC. 7. Organizational Structure. The Clinic shall be supervised by a
director who may be a psychiatric doctor or a doctorate holder in psychology or
guidance counselling and shall be assisted by professionals who are knowledgeable in
psychiatric care and treatment.

SEC. 8. Administration and Supervision. The Clinic shall be under the
full administrative and technical supervision of the Department shall increase its
operating fund; upgrade its medical equipment and facilities, and construct its
needed infrastructure.

SEC.9. Appropriation. The sum necessary for the effective implementation
of this Act shall be charged against the appropriations for the Department of Health
under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be
necessary for the continued operation of the Clinic shall be included in the Annual
General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of Health
shall promulgate within sixty (60) days the Implementing Rules and Regulations that
shall be necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, ordinances, rules and regulations,
and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby
repealed or modified.

SEC. 12. Separability Clause. - If for any reason any section or provision of
this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions
thereof, shall not be repealed or modified.

SSEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its
publication in the Official Gazette or in any two newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,