Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
CREATING A DATABASE OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING 
PROBABLE CARCINOGENS 
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. 
In the Philippines, cancer remains to be the third leading cause of 
morbidity and mortality, despite best efforts to fully implement Republic 
Act No. 11215 or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) and 
Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law. Crucial 
to instilling health consciousness to our people is improving the delivery 
of information especially on cancer-causing agents. 
Cancer is brought about by changes or 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% of the 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 
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on many factors, including how they are exposed to a carcinogen, the length 
and intensity of the exposure, and the person's genetic makeup. However, 
products with probable carcinogens must be flagged so that consumers are 
made aware of its harmful effects in the long run. 
 
This bill seeks to inform consumers of the potential risk to cancer by 
creating a database of consumer products containing probable carcinogens. 
It is the hope of this measure to influence public decisions in ways that 
consumers can better make informed choices for their health and well-being. 
 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
 
 
 
 
REP. PM VARGAS  
 
Fifth District, Quezon City 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
CREATING A DATABASE OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING 
PROBABLE CARCINOGENS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Probable 
Carcinogens Information Act”. 
SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. – For the purposes of this Act, the term: 
(a) “Carcinogen” refers to any substance or radiation that is directly
involved in the existence of cancer or in the increase of its spread;
and
(b) “Carcinogenic” means having the potential to cause cancer.
SECTION 3. Database of Carcinogens. – The Department of Health shall 
create a database of known and probable carcinogens which shall be made 
available at all health centers and at their website. The Department of Health 
in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry shall also create 
a database of products that are carcinogenic or 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. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of 
Health and the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry shall, 
in coordination with other stakeholders, issue the necessary rules and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.  
SECTION 5. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any provision of this 
Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, parts or provisions of this Act 
which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
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SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, presidential 
decrees, Implementing Rules and Regulations inconsistent with this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 7. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,