Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL No. 10976 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by: HON. CARL NICOLAS C. CARI 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Snakes, spiders, scorpions, and various marine animals, including jellyfish and stonefish, are 
among the numerous venomous species that inhabit the Philippines. Although these organisms are a 
critical component of the nation's ecosystems, they present substantial health hazards, particularly to 
residents of rural, coastal, and remote regions where medical infrastructure is frequently inadequate. 
A variety of symptoms, such as paralysis, tissue necrosis, and organ failure, can result from venomous 
wounds and stings, ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening situations. 
Despite the severe and immediate threat presented by these venomous species, numerous 
healthcare facilities nationwide, particularly in rural and underserved areas, lack the requisite supply 
of antivenom vaccines. This shortage is a critical gap in the healthcare system that frequently leads to 
preventable deaths and enduring disabilities. The administration of life-saving antivenom treatments 
is commonly delayed as a result of the extensive travel required by victims of venomous wounds and 
stings to reach specialized medical centers. This delay can be fatal for a significant number of 
individuals. The absence of readily accessible antivenom vaccines has a disproportionate impact on 
vulnerable populations, including farmers, fishers, children, and indigenous communities, who are 
more likely to encounter venomous animals in their daily activities. 
By requiring all hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Philippines, whether public or private, 
to maintain a sufficient and easily accessible stock of antivenom vaccines, the proposed legislation, 
referred to as the "Venom Bill," aims to resolve this public health concern. This measure mandates that 
healthcare institutions guarantee the availability of antivenom for the most prevalent venomous species 
in their geographic region, including cobra and sea snake antivenom in rural or coastal areas. By 
implementing this measure, the disparity between the timely provision of appropriate medical care and 
life-threatening encounters with venomous creatures is intended to be bridged. 
The bill will also promote collaboration among local healthcare providers, government 
agencies, and international organizations to guarantee that healthcare professionals are well-versed in 
the appropriate administration and use of antivenom treatments. Furthermore, the Department of 
Health (DOH) shall be responsible for supervising the bill's implementation, which will encompass 
establishing guidelines for stocking, distributing, and using antivenom and monitoring compliance 
across healthcare institutions. 
The government will not only reduce the long-term healthcare costs associated with venom-
induced injuries but also save lives by enacting the Venom Bill. Given the aforementioned, it is with 
the utmost urgency that the immediate passage of this measure be pursued to guarantee that no Filipino 
lives are lost as a result of the absence of accessible, life-saving antivenom treatment. 
CARL NICOLAS C. CARI 
Representative 
Fifth District of Leyte 
September 25, 2024
4:10 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL No. 10976 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by: HON. CARL NICOLAS C. CARI 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
MANDATING THE AVAILABILITY OF ANTI-VENOM VACCINES IN ALL 
HOSPITALS, PROVIDING GUIDELINES FOR STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Venom Bill.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and 
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. In line with 
this, it shall be a priority of the government to ensure that antivenom vaccines are readily available 
in all healthcare facilities to address the dangers posed by venomous species. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined 
as follows: 
a.
Antivenom – a biological product used to treat venomous bites or stings by neutralizing
the venom.
b. Hospitals – any healthcare facility, public or private, that provides medical and surgical
treatment.
c.
Venomous Species – refers to animals that inject venom, including but not limited to
snakes, spiders, and marine animals.
SECTION 4. Mandatory Availability of Antivenom Vaccines. 
a.
All public and private hospitals shall maintain a stock of antivenom vaccines sufficient to
treat venomous bites and stings common to the region where the hospital is located.
b. The Department of Health (DOH) shall establish a list of antivenom vaccines required
based on the venomous species prevalent in each region.
SECTION 5. Guidelines for Storage and Distribution. 
a.
Hospitals shall ensure proper storage of antivenom vaccines in accordance with DOH
guidelines to maintain their effectiveness.
b. Antivenom vaccines shall be readily accessible in emergency rooms and other relevant
departments for immediate use during emergencies.
c.
The DOH shall develop and implement a distribution system to ensure the equitable
distribution of antivenom vaccines and ensure priority in rural and remote areas where
access to larger medical centers may be limited.


 
 
 
 
 
 
Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
 
 
SECTION 6. Training and Capacity Building. 
 
a. The DOH, in partnership with relevant medical institutions, shall conduct regular training 
for healthcare professionals on the proper administration of antivenom vaccines and the 
management of venomous bites and stings. 
b. Hospitals shall designate personnel responsible for the storage, handling, and 
administration of antivenom vaccines. 
 
SECTION 7. Funding. 
 
a. The initial funding for the procurement, storage, and distribution of antivenom vaccines 
shall be sourced from the current appropriations of the DOH. 
b. Subsequent funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity 
of this Act, the DOH, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall issue the necessary rules 
and regulations to implement this Act effectively. 
 
SECTION 9. Penalties. – Failure of hospitals to comply with the provisions of this Act shall result 
in the imposition of fines and administrative penalties as determined by the DOH. 
 
SECTION 10. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect. 
 
SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations, or parts 
thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
SECTION 12. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,