FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
) 
) 
First Regular Session 
SEN~TE 
S.No. 1476 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 11, Section 15 provides: 
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('v 
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and 
instill health consciousness among them. 
Prenatal exposure to alcohol can cause a range of disorders, known as fetal alcohol 
spectrum disorders (FASDs). One of the most severe effects of drinking during pregnancy is 
fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is one of the leading known preventable causes of mental 
retardation and birth defects. If a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy, her baby can be 
born with F AS, a lifelong condition that causes physical and mental disabilities. F AS is 
characterized by abnormal facial features, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system 
(CNS) problems. People with F AS might have problems with learning, memory, attention span, 
communication, vision, hearing, or a combination of these. These problems often lead to 
difficulties in school and problems getting along with others. 
F AS is a permanent condition. It affects every aspect of an individual's life and the lives 
of his or her family. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) is an umbrella term describing the 
range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. 
These effects include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible 
lifelong implications. 
In February 2005, the US Surgeon General issued an Advisory on Alcohol Use in 
, 
Pregnancy til raise public awareness about this important health concern. To reduce prenatal 
alcohol exposure, prevention efforts should target not only pregnant women who are currently 
drinking, but also women who could become pregnant, are drinking at high-risk levels, and are 
1 


having unprotected sex. This bill aims to increase awareness of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and 
lessen its incidence.! 
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1 This bill was originally filed during the 141h Congress 1" Regular Session 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S,No. 1476 
, " 
'IU'CI'IVl'n 1'\"1 ' 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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AN ACT 
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PREVENTING THE DANGERS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN CAUSING FETAL 
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ALCOHOL SYNDROME IN MOTHERS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title, - This Act shall be known as the "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome 
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Warning Act." 
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SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. -As used in this Act, the term-
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(A) "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome" or F AS is a disorder of permanent birth defects that 
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occurs in the offspring of women who drink alcohol during pregnancy. The main effect of PAS 
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is permanent central nervous system damage, especially the brain. Developing brain cells and 
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structures are underdeveloped or malformed by prenatal alcohol exposure, often creating an 
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array of primary cognitive and functional disabilities (including poor memory, attention deficits, 
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impUlsive behavior, and poor cause-effect reasoning) as well as secondary disabilities; 
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(B) "Alcoholic beverage" is any drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol, 
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which is a psychoactive drug, with a depressant effect; and 
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(C) "Department" means the Department of Health; 
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SECTION 3. Packaging Requirement - Any person who offers any alcoholic beverage 
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for sale shall include a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable label on the packaging or warning 
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in the business establishment stating: 
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WARNING: Consumption of alcohol, spirits, wine or beer shortly before 
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conception or during pregnancy can cause birth defects, including fetal alcohol 
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syndrome and alcohol related neurological disorders. 
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SECTION 4. Penalties. - The Department is empowered to establish and assess penalties 
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or fines against an employer for violations of this Act or regulations adopted under this Act. In 
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no circumstance will any penalties or fines exceed Ten Thousand Pesos (PIO,OOO.OO) for each 
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day the permit holder remains in violation. 
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SECTION 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
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valid and SUbsisting. 
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SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
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with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SE~tION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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