NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 656
't
fp of tl)l? Ci.'ii'P
72 JUL14 P4 -09
RECLiViiD a't
Introduced by SENATOR FRANCIS "TOL" N. TOLENTINO
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE IN
THE PHILIPPINES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO.
8423, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE
MEDICINE ACT (TAMA) OF 1997"
Explanatory Note
Republic Act No. 8423, or the "Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act 
(TAMA) Act of 1997," was enacted over 20 years ago to promote and develop 
traditional medicine practice in the Philippines. The law was created to 
improve the quality and delivery of health care services to the Filipino people 
through the development of traditional and alternative health care (TAHC) 
and its integration into the national health delivery system. The law, through 
the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Healthcare (PITAHC) 
aims to develop policies, standards, and guidelines for the practice of various 
traditional medicine modalities including acupuncture, homeopathy, 
homotoxicology, chiropractic, naturopathy and hUot-diS well as for clinics and 
training centers.1
Nonetheless, despite the advances introduced by TAMA law, the current 
pandemic still showed the gaps in government regulation of traditional and
1 WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine in 2019 available at 
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/l 0665/312342/9789241515436-eng.pdf?sequence= 1 &isAllowed=v
1
\.


complementary medicine (T&CM). Our country is still afflicted with issues of 
accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of its health care systems and 
products offered In the market.
Considering that many, particularly those in rural areas, still turn to 
T&CM as an accessible and Inexpensive source of health care, it is imperative 
that the government provide safeguards to the practice of T&CM. Moreover, 
under the current legal framework, PITAHC has no regulatory and 
enforcement powers to regulate T&CM practice. This remains critical in 
ensuring the provision of quality, safe, and effective T&CM services.2
This bill aims to strengthen the traditional and alternative health care 
system in the Philippines by vesting in the PITAHC the necessary regulatory 
powers over T&CM practices, practitioners, and products.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
TOL" N. TOLENTINO
2 National Health Sector Meeting Brief dated 27-28 March 2019, available at 
https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/08%20Integrating%20Traditional%20and%20Complementary
%20Medicine%20in%20Universal%20Health%20Care.pdf


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. no.656
I'-j.'.'l gi’enpie
of lljc Ji’icUJ'
‘22 JUL14 P4 -09
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by SENATOR FRANCIS "TOL" N. TOLENTINO
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE IN 
THE PHILIPPINES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
8423, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE
MEDICINE ACT (TAMA) OF 1997"
Be it enacted by che Senate and the House of Representatives of the fhiiippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section. 1. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 8423, otherwise known as the
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"Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997," is hereby amended to read
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as follows:
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"Section 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms
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shall mean:
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"(a) XXX
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"x X X
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"(d) "Alternative health modalities" - other forms of non-allopathic,
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occasionally non-indigenous or imported healing methods, though not
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necessarily practiced for centuries nor handed down from one generation to
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another,[--Some oltornative-health care modalities include] WHICH SHALL
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INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, reflexology, acupressure,
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chiropractics, 
nutritional therapy, HILOT, NATUROPATHY,
1


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HOMEOPATHY/HOMOTOXICOLOGY, TUINA MASSAGE, OSTEOPATHY, 
ANTHROPOSOPHIC MEDICINE, and other similar [methods] 
MODALITIES.
"x X X
"(h) "PHILIPPINE Traditional healers" - [the -rclativeiy-eld7-tii§hly 
respected-people with—a - profound knowledge---of ■■ traditional—remedies]
PERSONS WITH KNOWLEDGE OF INDIGENOUS AND/OR PHILIPPINE 
BELIEF SYSTEMS, ORAL TRADITIONS, AND HEALTH PRACTICES, 
WHO USE THE TRADITIONAL MEDICINE OF THE INDIGENOUS 
CULTURAL COMMUNITIES/INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (ICCS/IPS) 
AND/OR OTHER ETHNO-LINGUISTIC GROUPS IN THE PHILIPPINES.
"x X X
"(3) "COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE" - A BROAD SET OF 
HEALTH CARE PRACTICES THAT ARE NOT PART OF THE COUNTRY'S 
OWN TRADITIONAL OR CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE AND ARE NOT 
FULLY INTEGRATED INTO THE DOMINANT HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. 
IT SHALL BE USED INTERCHANGEABLY WITH THE TERM 
"ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE."
"(K) "TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE" OR 
"T&CM" - MERGES THE TERMS TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND 
COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE, ENCOMPASSING PRACTICES, 
PRACTITIONERS, AND PRODUCTS.
"(L) "TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 
HEALTH PRODUCT" - ANY MEDICINAL PRODUCT FOR HUMAN USE 
CONSISTING OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS DERIVED FROM NATURAL 
SOURCES (PLANTS, ANIMALS, AND/OR MINERALS) USED IN THE 
SYSTEM OF TRADITIONAL PRACTICE. IT SHALL NOT INCLUDE ANY 
STERILE PREPARATION, VACCINES, ANY SUBSTANCE DERIVED 
FROM HUMAN PARTS, OR ANY ISOLATED AND CHARACTERIZED 
CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES."


Section 2. Section 6 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"Section 6. Powers and Functions. - In furtherance of its purposes and 
objectives, the Institute shall have the following powers and functions:
"(a) XXX
"x X X
"(i) To formulate [a-eede-of ethics] AND PRESCRIBE RULES AND 
REGULAiTONS, a code of ethics, [aftd] standards, AND REQUIREMENTS 
for the practice of traditional and alternative health care modalities [for 
appr-eval—and adoption—by-the appropriate professional and..government
agencies];
"p) TO INSPECT AND MONITOR ALL T&CM FACILITIES TO 
ENSURE THEIR CONTINUED COMPLIANCE WITH THE RULES AND 
REGULATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ACT AND TO MAKE 
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CORRECTION OF DEFICIENCIES 
FOUND DURING INSPECTION AND MONITORING;
"(K) TO PROMULGATE AND IMPLEMENT RULES AND 
REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE LICENSURE OF T&CM PRACTICES 
AND OPERATION OF T&CM FACILTIES AND TO PERIODICALLY 
REVIEW AND AMEND TKE SAME, SUBJcCT TO THE APPROVAL OF 
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND IN CONSULTATION WITH THE 
SECTORS CONCERNED;
"(L) TO GRANT LICENSES FOR THE PRACTICE OF T&CM 
MODALITIES AND FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF 
T&CM FACILITIES, AND TO SUSPEND OR REVOKE THE SAME IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT;
"(M) TO PRESCRIBE THE NECESSARY GUIDELINES, CRITERIA, 
PRODUCT STANDARDS, AND REQUIREMENTS TO BE COMPLIED 
WITH IM TH E REGISTRATION OF T&CM T RODUCTS;
"(N) TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE OR GRANTS OF 
AUTHORITY TO MANUFACTURERS, IMPORTERS, EXPORTERS, 
DISTRIBUTORS, WHOLESALERS, AND OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS


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AND FACILITIES OF T&CM PRODUCTS AFTER SPOT-CHECK AND/OR 
AFTER THEIR DUE COMPLIANCE WITH TECHNICAL AND 
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. THESE CERTIFICATES OR GRANTS 
SHALL SERVE AS LICENSE OF THE COVERED ENTITIES TO OPERATE 
AND/OR TO CONTINUE OPERATING;
"(O) TO EXERCISE THE FOLLOWING QUASI-JUDICIAL 
POWERS:
"(1) TO INVESTIGATE, HEAR, AND DECIDE 
ADMINISTRATIVE CASES INITIATED BY ANY PERSON 
AGAINST A T&CM PRACTITIONER, FACILITY, OR 
ESTABLISHMENT VIOLATING ANY PROVISION OF THIS ACT 
AND ITS IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND TO 
IMPOSE APPROPRIATE ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS OR 
PENALTIES PROVIDED IN THIS ACT;
"(2) TO PROMULGATE RULES GOVERNING THE 
CCND JCT OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS: PROVIDED, THAT 
IN SUCH PROCEEDINGS, THE INSTITUTE SHALL NOT BOUND 
BY TECHNICAL RULES OF EVIDENCE UNDER THE RULES OF 
COURT: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT THE LATTER MAY BE 
APPLIED IN A SUPPLETORY MANNER;
"(3) TO ISSUE SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM AND AD 
TESTIFICANDUM, REQURING THE PRODUCTION OF SUCH 
BOOKS, CONTRACTS, CORRESPONDENCE, RECORDS, 
STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNTS, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS AND 
THE ATTENDANCE AND TESTIMONY OF PARTIES AND 
WITNESSES MATERIAL TO THE INVESTIGATION BEING 
CONDUCTED BY THE INSTITUTE. FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE 
INSTITUTE IS VESTED WITH THE POWER TO CITE ANY PARTY 
FOR CONTEMPT WHICH SHALL BE EXERCISED PURSUANT TO 
THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF RULE 71 OF THE RULES OF 
COURT;


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"(4) TO CAUSE THE PROSECUTION OF ALL CASES 
INVOLVING VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT AND ITS 
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS;
"(5) TO SUMMARILY ORDER THE CLOSURE OF T&CM 
AND OTHER RELATED FACILITIES AND ESTABLISHMENTS 
OPERATING WITHOUT A LICENSE; AND
n(6) TO PREVENTIVELY SUSPEND T&CM FACILITIES 
FOUND DURING INSPECTION OR MONITORING TO HAVE 
COMMITTED VIOLATION OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS; 
FRAUDULENT MISREPRESENTATIONS; OPERATING WITH 
UNLICENSED PERSONNEL; USING AND PROMOTING T&CM 
PRODUCTS WITHOUT AUTHORITY FROM THE FOOD AND 
DRUG ADMINISTRATION; AND THE COMMISSION OR 
OMISSION OF ANY ACT WHICH MAY RESULT TO SERIOUS 
INJURY, PERMANENT DISABILITY, OR LOSS OF LIFE OF A 
PATIENT OR STAFF, OR WOULD COMPROMISE PUBLIC 
SAFETY.
"[{j)] (P) To formulate standards and guidelines for the manufacture, 
marketing and quality control of different traditional and alternative health 
care materials and products for approval and adoption by the Bureau of Food 
and Drugs;
"[W] (Q) To coordinate with other institutions and agencies involved 
in the research on herbal medicines;
"[©] To adopt and use a corporate seal;
"[(w)] (S) To sue and be sued in its corporate name;
(T) To succeed by its corporate name;
"[{^] (U) To adopt its bylaws and promulgate such rules and 
regulations as may be necessary or proper to implement this Act, and to 
amend or repeal the same from time to time;
"[(P)] (V) To enter into, make and execute contracts and agreements 
of any kind or nature;


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"[f^] (W) To borrow, raise or obtain funds, or to enter into any 
financial or credit arrangement in order to support or carry out its research 
programs, finance its capital and operating expenses, subject to pertinent 
laws governing public debts and expenditures;
"[(f)] (X) To invest in, purchase or otherwise acquire, own, hold, use, 
mortgage, pledge, encumber, sell, assign, convey, exchange, or otherwise 
deal in real and/or personal properties of whatever kind and nature, or any 
interest therein, including shares of stock, bonds, notes, securities and other 
evidences of indebtedness of natural or juridical persons, whether domestic or 
foreign and whether government or private;
"[(s)] (Y) To exercise all the powers of a corporation under the 
General Corporation Law, insofar as such powers are not in violation of the 
provisions of this Act; and
"[{^] (Z) To exercise such other powers and functions, and perform 
such other aas as may be necessary, proper or incidental to the attainment 
of its purposes and objectives."
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Section 3. Section 8 of the same Act is hereby amended, with the sub-
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sections renumbered accordingly, to read as follows:
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"Section 8. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall 
exercise the following powers and functions:
"(a) XXX 
"x X X
"[(d-)---TQ appomt-,-transferT-promote,--suspend,-remove or otherwise 
discipline—any• subordinate—officer -or—employee of the Institute, upon
feeemmendat-ien -of the Director General;]
"[(e)] (D) X X X 
"x X X.'
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Section 4. Section 9 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"Section 9. Director Generai and Other Officers. -


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'(A) The Institute shall be headed by a Director General who shall be 
appointed by the Presiaent of the Philippines upon recommendation of the 
Secretary of Health. The Director General shall have a term of six (6) years.
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL SHALL ENJOY THE BENEFITS, PRIVILEGES, 
AND EMOLUMENTS EQUIVALENT TO THE RANK OF 
UNDERSECRETARY.
"AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE INSTITUTE, THE 
DIRECTOR GENERAL SHALL EXERCISE GENERAL SUPERVISION AND 
CONTROL OVER THE OPERATIONS OF THE INSTITUTE EXCEPT 
MATTERS WHICH ARE EXCLUSIVELY WITHIN THE FUNCTION OF 
THE BOARD.
"(B) DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL. - The Director General shall be 
assisted by such Deputy Director General(s) [afid—program 
managers/coordinators} as the Board may determine to carry out the 
purposes and objectives of this Act. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL(S) 
SHALL BE CAREER OFFICIAL(S) AND SHALL ENJOY THE BENEFITS, 
PRIVILEGES AND EMOLUMENTS EQUIVALENT TO THE RANK OF AN 
ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
"(C) OTHER OFFICERS - THE DIRECTOR GENERAL SHALL 
LIKEWISE 
BE 
ASSISTED 
BY 
DEPARTMENT
MANAGERS/COORDINATORS AND SUCH OTHER OFFICERS AS THE 
BOARD MAY DETERMINE TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES AND 
OBJECTIVES OF THIS ACT."
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Section 5. Section 10 of the same Act is hereby amended, with the
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subsections renumbered accordingly, to read as follows:
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"Section 10. Powers, Functions and Duties of the Director Generai. 
The Director General shall have the following powers, functions and duties: 
"(a) XXX 
"x X X


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"(c) TO APPOINT, TRANSFER, PROMOTE, SUSPEND, REMOVE 
OR OTHERWISE DISCIPLINE ANY SUBORDINATE OFFICER OR 
EMPLOYEE OF THE INSTITUTE;
"[{€)] (D) X X X 
"XXX."
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Section 6. A new Section 12 under Article III of the same Act is hereby
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inserted to read as follows:
"SEOION 12. HUMAN RESOURCE. - THE PITAHC SHALL 
REVIEW ITS EXISTING ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND 
STAFFING PATTERN. NEW OR ADDITIONAL POSITIONS SHALL BE 
CREATED IF THERE BE A NEED FOR ADDITIONAL MANPOWER AS 
IDENTIFIED AND DETERMINED BY THk£ DIRECTOR GENERAL AND 
APPROVED BY THE BOARD."
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Section 7. A new Section 13 under Article III of the same Act is hereby
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inserted to read as follows:
"SECTION 13. RETENTION OF INCOME. - PITAHC SHALL HAVE 
THE RIGHT TO RETAIN ALL OF ITS INCOME DERIVED FROM THE 
OPERATIONS OF HERBAL PROCESSING PLANTS AND OTHER 
INCOME GENERATING SERVICES/ACTIVITIES. SUCH INCOME SHALL 
BE UTILIZED TO AUGMENT ITS NEEDED MAINTENANCE AND 
OPERATING EXPENSES, CAPITAL OUTLAYS, UPGRADING, AND 
MODERNIZATION."
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Section 8. Sections 12, 13, 14, and 15 of the same Act are hereby
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renumbered as Sections 14,15,16, and 17.
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Section 9. A new Section 18 under Article IV of the same Act is hereby
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inserted to read as follows:
"SECTION 18. SPECIAL RULES AND EXEMPTIONS. - 
RECOGNIZING THE UNIQUE MANNER OF OBTAINING THE
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KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE, IT BEING 
HANDED DOWN FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER WITHOUT 
THE INFLUENCE OF FORMAL EDUCATION OR TRAINING, 
PRACTITIOMERS BELONGING TO THIS CATEGORY SHALL BE 
EXEMPT FROM THE STANDARD EXAMINATION REQUIRED BY THIS 
ACT. NONETHELESS, THEY ARE STILL MANDATED TO ACQUIRE THE 
NECESSARY GRANT OF AUTHORITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 
GUIDELINES TO BE PRESCRIBED BY PITAHC. IT SHALL BE 
NECESSARY FOR TRADITIONAL PRACTITIONERS TO ESTABLISH THE 
LENGTH OF TIME FOR WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO HAVE 
PRACTICED TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND PROVE THAT, IN THE 
COURSE OF THEIR PRACTICE, NO RELATED COMPLAINT, WHETHER 
REPORTED OR NOT, WAS MADE AGAINST THEM. FURTHER, SHOULD 
THEY OFFER, WHETHER FOR A FEE OR NOT, OR USE AS A MODALITY 
HEALTH PRODUCTS, PRACTITIONERS MUST SEEK APPROVAL FOR 
THE SAME FROM THE PITAHC."
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Section iO. Sections 16 and 17 under Article V of the same Act are hereby
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deleted.
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Section 11. A new Section 19 under Article V of the same Act is hereby
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inserted to read as follows:
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"ARTICLE V 
"PENAL PROVISIONS 
"SECTION 19. PROHIBITED ACTS. -
"(A) TRADITIONAL AND COi^PLENENTARY MEDICINE 
MODALITIES
"(1) THE PRACTICE OF ANY OF THE APPROVED T&CM 
MODALITIES BY ANY PERSON OR OPERATION OF 
T&CM FACILITIES WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE 
LICENSE OR GRANT OF AUTHORITY TO PRACTICE.


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'(2) THE CONTINUOUS PRACTICE OF ANY OF THE 
APPROVED T&CM MODALITIES BY ANY 
PRACTITIONER OR OPERATION OF T&CM 
FACILITIES WHOSE ACCREDITATION OR GRANT OF 
AUTHORITY HAS ALREADY EXPIRED OR HAS BEEN 
CANCELLED OR REVOKED.
'(3) THE PRACTICE OF ANY UNAPPROVED T&CM 
MODALITIES BY ANY PERSON, WHETHER 
CERTIFIED OR NOT TO PRACTICE IN THE 
PHILIPPINES.
'(4) THE MERE ACT OF INTRODUCING TO THE PUBLIC 
BY ANY PERSON, CERTIFIED OR NOT, OF A T&CM 
MODALITY THAT IS NOT VALIDLY APPROVED BY 
PITAHC.
'(5) THE ACT OF A CERTIFIED PRACTITIONER OF 
ALLOWING A PERSON 
TO COMMIT AN
UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF T&CM WHETHER IT 
BE UNDER HIS/HER DIRECT OR INDIRECT 
SUPERVISION.
'(6) THE ACT OF ASSISTING IN OR PERFORMING 
UNAUTHORIZED PRAC.ICE OF T8iCM, WHETHER 
FOR PROFIT OR NOT.
‘(7) THE ACT OF USING T&CM SERVICES TO CAUSE 
INJURY, ILLNESS, OR DEATH TO A 
CONSUMER/ CUSTOMER.
(8) OFFERING T&CM PROGRAMS AND TRAINING OR 
RENDERING T&CM SERVICES BY SCHOOLS OR 
TRAINING CENTERS WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE 
LICENSE OR AUTHORITY FROM PITAHC.
(9) RENDERING T&CM SERVICES BY ACCREDITED 
SCHOOLS OR TRAINING CENTERS THAT ARE
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"(B)
PRODUCTS
BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THEIR APPROVED 
PROGRAMS AND TRAININGS.
'(10) FRAUD, MISREPRESENTATION, OR USE OF 
FALSIFIED OR FORGED DOCUMENTS ISM OBTAINING 
THE NECESSARY PITAHC APPROVAL OR 
CERTIFICATE OR GRANT OF AUTHORITY.
TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
'(1) THE MANUFACTURE, IMPORTATION, 
EXPORTATION, SALE, OFFERING FOR SALE, 
DISTRIBUTION, TRANSFER, NON-CONSUMER USE, 
PROMOTION, ADVERTISING, OR SPONSORSHIP OF 
ANY T&CM PRODUCT THAT IS ADULTERATED, 
UNAPPROVED, UNREGISTERED, OR MISBRANDED.
'(2) THE ADULTERATION OR MISBRANDING OF ANY 
T&CM PRODUCT.
(3) FORGING, COUNTERFEITING, SIMULATING, OR 
FALSELY REPRESENTING OR, WITHOUT PROPER 
AUTHORITY, USING ANY MARK, STAMP, TAG, 
LABEL, OR OTHER IDENTIFICATION DEVICE 
AUTHORIZED OR REQUIRED BY REGULATIONS 
PROMULGATED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS 
ACT.
l(4) THE USE, ON THE LABELING OF ANY T&CM 
PRODUCT OR IN ANY ADVERTISEMENT RELATING 
TO THE SAME, OF ANY FALSE OR MISLEADING 
REPRESENTATION OR SUGGESTION WITH RESPECT 
TO THE REGISTRATION OF SUCH PRODUCT.
(5) THE SALE, OFFERING FOR SALE, IMPORTATION, 
EXPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION, OR TRANSFER OF 
ANY T&CM PRODUCT BEYOND ITS EXPIRATION OR 
EXPIRY DATE, IF APPLICABLE.
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"(6) FRAUD, MISREPRESENTATION, OR USE OF 
FALSIFIED OR FORGED DOCUMENTS IN OBTAINING 
THE NECESSARY PITAHC APPROVAL OR 
CERTIFICATE OR GRANT OF AUTHORITY. THIS IS 
WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE EXERCISE OF PITAHC 
OF ITS POWER TO REVOKE OR CANCEL 
CERTIFICATES, GRANTS, OR APPROVAL IT HAS 
ISSUED.
"(C) ANY OTHER ACT WHICH VIOLATES OR UNDERMINE ANY 
OF THE EXPLICIT POWERS OF OR WHICH TENDS TO IMPEDE 
PITAHC FROM EXERCISING ANY OF ITS FUNCTIONS PROVIDED FOR
IN THIS ACT."
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Section 12. A new Section 20 under Article V of the same Act is hereby
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inserted to read as follows:
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"SECTION 20. PENALTIES. -
"(A) FOR ACTS PROHIBITED UNDER SECTION 9 (A) AND (C)
"ANY PERSON WHO VIOLATES ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF 
SECTION 9 (A) AND (C) HEREOF SHALL, UPON CONVICTION, 
SUFFER THE PENALTY OF IMPRISONMENT RANGING FROM ONE (1) 
YEAR BUT NOT MORE THAN TEN (10) YEARS OR A FINE OF NOT 
LESS THAN FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P50,000.00) BUT NOT MORE 
THAN FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P500,000.00), OR BOTH, 
AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COURT.
"THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES UNDER THIS SECTION 
SHALL BE WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE ISSUANCE OF A CEASE- 
AND-DESIST ORDER OR TO THE EXERCISE BY PITAHC OF ITS 
POWER TO REVOKE OR CANCEL CERTIFICATES, APPROVALS, OR 
GRANTS IT HAS ISSUED AND/OR TO THE FILING CF APPROPRIATE 
CIVIL OR CRIMINAL ACTION, WHENEVER APPROPRIATE OR 
NECESSARY.
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"IN CASE, HOWEVER, OF ILLNESS, INJURY, OR DEATH AS 
PROVIDED FOR UNDER PARAGRAPH (A)(7) OF SECTION 9, THE 
INTENTJONAL USE OF TEiCM SERVICES SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A 
SEPARATE CRIME. RATHER, THE USE OR EMPLOYMENT OF SUCH 
SERVICE SHALL SERVE AS AN AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCE TO 
QUALIFY THE APPLICABLE CRIME/S AS PROVIDED FOR BY THE 
REVISED PENAL CODE.
"SHOULD THE OFFENSE BE COMMITTED BY A JURIDICAL 
PERSON, THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR 
TRUSTEES, THE PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER, OR THE 
PARTNERS AND/OR THE PERSONS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE 
THEREFOR SHALL BE PENALIZED.
"SHOULD THE OFFENSE BE COMMITTED BY A FOREIGN 
NATIONAL, HE/SHE SHALL, IN ADDITION TO THE PENALTIES 
PRESCRIBED HEREIN, BE DEPORTED WITHOUT FURTHER 
PROCEEDINGS AFTER SERVICE OF SENTENCE.
"(B) FOR ACTS PROHIBITED UNDER SECTION 9 (B)
"ANY PERSON WHO VIOLATES ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF 
PARAGRAPH B OF SECTION 9 HEREOF SHALL, UPON CONVICTION, 
SUFFER THE PENALTY OF IMPRISONMENT RANGING FROM ONE (1) 
YEAR BUT NOT MORE THAN TEN (10) YEARS OR A FINE OF NOT 
LESS THAN FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P50,000.00) BUT NOT MORE 
THAN FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P500,000.00), OR BOTH, 
AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COURT: PROVIDED, THAT IF THE 
OFFENDER IS A MANUFACTURER, IMPORTER, OR DISTRIBUTOR OF 
ANY T&CM PRODUCT, THE PENALTY OF AT LEAST FIVE (5) YEARS 
IMPRISONMENT BUT NOT MORE THAN TEN (10) YEARS AND A FINE 
OF AT LEAST FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P500,000.00) BUT 
NOT MORE THAN FIVE MILLION PESOS (P5,000,000.L0) SHALL BE 
IMPOSED: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT AN ADDITIONAL FINE OF 
ONE PERCENT (1%) OF THE ECONOMIC VALUE/COST OF THE 
VIOLATIVE PRODUCT OR VIOLATION, OR ONE THOUSAND PESOS
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5
6
7
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{P1,000.00)A WHICHEVER IS HIGHER, SHALL BE IMPOSED FOR 
EACH DAY OF CONTINUING VIOLATION: PROVIDED, FINALLY, 
THAT TkkCM PRODUCTS FOUND m ViOLAlIO.4 OF THE 
PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT AND OTHER RELEVANT LAWS AND 
RULES AND REGULATIONS MAY BE SEIZED AND HELD IN CUSTODY 
PENDING PROCEEDINGS, WITHOUT HEARING OR COURT ORDER, 
WHEN THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE PITAKC HAS REASONABLE 
CAUSE TO BELIEVE FROM FACTS FOUND BY HIM/HER THAT SUCH 
T&CM PRODUCTS MAY CAUSE INJURY OR PREJUDICE TO THE 
CONSUMING PUBLIC."
11 
Section 13, A new Section 21 under Article V of the same Act is hereby
12 
inserted to read as follows:
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"SECTION. 21. LIABILITY UNDER OTHER LAWS. - A 
PROSECUTION UNDER THIS ACT SHALL BE WITHOUT PREJUDICE 
TO ANY LIABILITY FOR VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISIONS OF 
OTHER LAWS."
17 
Section 14. Section 18 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 22.
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Section 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90)
19 
days from effectivity of this act, the PUAHC, in consultation with concerned agencies
20 
and stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulation to effectively implement
21 
the provisions of this Act.
22 
Section 16. Separability Ciause, - If any part or provision of this Act is
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declared unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions which are not affected
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thereby shall continue in full force and effect.
25 
Section 17. Repeaiing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
26 
issuances, ordinances, rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent
27 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby amended, repealed, or modified accordingly.
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1 
Section 18. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
2 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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