Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City
|9th Congress
First Regular Session
-.`-.`.        8208
House Bill  No.
---__--__--_-------------------------------.------------------------------__
---------------- I- .I ----.------------- I -----------.-----..---.-------------------- _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Introduced by HONORABLE PETER 8. MIGUEL
-______------------------------------------.--.---------------------------_____
-__--___-----------1-.-.--.--..-----------------------------..-----------------------__
AN ACT CREATING THE PHILIPPINE CENTERS FOR DISEASE PREVENTION AND
CONTROL, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
EXPIANATORY NOTE
The proposed center for disease prevention and control will be the nation's leading science-based,
data-driven, service organization that will protect the public's health. It will put science into action to
help children stay healthy so they can grow and learn; to help fainilies, businesses, and communities
fight disease and stay strong; and to protect the public's health.
This institution will advance science and health equity towards the vision of our country in achieving
equitably protecting health, safety and security. It will serve as the national public health agency of
our country.
The agency's main goal is the protection of public health and safety through the control and prevention
of disease,  injury,  and disability in the  country  and  worldwide.  The  CDC  will  focus  the  national
attention on developing and applying disease control and prevention. It especially focuses its attention
on infectious    diseases, food   borne    pathogens, environmental    health, occupational    safety   and
health, health promotion, injury prevention and educational activities designed to improve the overall
health and welfare of Filipinos.
Through this Act, the creation of center for disease prevention and control dedicated to managing
emerging diseases will be achievable. With this puxpose in mind, the immediate approval of this bill
is strongly requested.
Representative, 2nd District South Cotabato


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEEr`ITII coNGREss
First Regular Session
HOusEBini-N-O.    6208
On substitution of House Bills Numbered 9, 46,159, 281, 359, 994,1375,1715, 2521, 2694,
2730, 2799, 2935, 2977, 3010, 3094, 3117, 3447, 3502, 3530, 3540, 3609, 3666, 4064, 4100,
4147, 4778, 4864, 5797, and 5913)
J#troc7wcec7 Z7); jleprese7?fcz/7.veg  Ciriaco  8.  Gato,  Jr.,  Ferdinand  Martin  G.  Romualdez,  Yedda
Marie K. Romualdez, Jude A. Acidre, Ma. Lucille L. Nava, M.D., Joey Sarte Salceda, Ma. Rene
Ann Lourdes G. Matibag, Keith Micah "Atty. Mike" D.L. Tan, Maria Angela S. Garcia, Luis
Raymund "LRay" F. Villafuerte, Jr., Miguel Luis R. Vil]afuerte, Tsuyoshi Anthony G. Horibata,
Nicolas C. Enciso VIII, Mikaela Angela 8. Suansing, Horacio P. Suansing, Jr., Anthony Rolando
T. Golez, Jr., Patrick Michael D. Vargas, Ron P. Salo, JC Abalos, Joseph "Jojo" L. Lara, Rufus
8.  Rodriguez,  Michael L.  Romero,  Ph.D.,  Reynante U.  Arrogancia,  Teodorico  Haresco,  Jr.,
Edward Vera Perez Maceda, Edwin L. 0livarez, Alfred C. Delos Santos, Paolo Z. Duterte, Eric
Go  Yap,  Edvic  G.  Yap,  Jocelyn  P.  Tulfo,  Jeffiey  Soriano,  Kristine  Singson-Meehan,  Ray
Florence T. Reyes, Juan Carlos "Arjo" C. Atayde,  Lorenz R.  Defensor, Harris Christopher M.
Ongchuan,and Marlyn L. Prinicias-Agabas, Midy N. Cua, Gerville R. Luistro, Edgar M. Chatto
AN ACT
CREATING  Tlm  pHILlppn`u   CENTERS  FOR  DlsEASE  pREvnNTloN  AND
CONTROL, DEIFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
Be  it enacted by the Senate and the  House Of Represerttatives Of the  Philippines in Congress
assembled:
ARTICLE I
TITLE AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
3       SECTION  1.  Title.  -  This  Act  shall  be  known  as  the  "Philippine  Centers  for  Disease
4      Prevention and control (CDC) Act".
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
SEC. 2. Declaration of Poliey. -It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right
to health of all Filipinos and instill health consciousness among them. Towards this end, the State
shall adopt an integrated, comprehensive, and evidence-informed approach consistent with the
direction under Republic Act (RA) No.  11223, or the Universal Health Care (UIIC) Act, and
adopt a framework that fosters a whole-of-system, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society
approach, ensuring clear delineation of tasks between existing agencies and maximizing current
mandates. The State shall also allot the necessary support and institutional resources to provide
for effective disease prevention and control through a high-level public institution imbued with
the capacity, competence, and authority to confront global and local public health risks.
SEC. 3. Objectives. -The objectives of this Act are the following:
18       a)          Protect the Filipino people from the impact of all diseases of public health importance;
Page 1 of 18


1b)
2
3c)
4
5
6d)
7
8
9
10e)
11
12D
13
14
15
168)
17
18
19
20
21
22
Develop   policies,   plans,   and  protocols  to   improve  on   all   identified  areas   in  the
lnternational Health Regulations (IHR) hazards;
Clarify governance, decision-making, communication, and coordination processes and
protocols   related   to   identifying,   diagnosing,   forecasting,   preventing,   controlling,
eliminating and eradicating, and monitoring diseases of public health importance;
Ensure  swift,  coordinated,  and  data-driven  surveillance  and  response  through  the
Deparfuent  of Health  (DOH),  Epidemiology  and  Surveillance  Units  (ESUs),  public
health laboratory systems, points of entry, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
@RRM) for Health system;
Provide the overall national framework and strategic direction for the establishment of a
health laboratory system ;
Maintain a pool of in-house experts that shall serve as the technical authority who will
provide  evidence-informed  guidance  on   standards,  technologies,   and  analytics   for
epidemiology,  disease  control,  prevention,  elimination,  eradication,  health  emergency
preparedness and response; and
Ensure the development and implementation of a shared risk and crisis communication
plan with the DOH and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
ARTICLE H
DEFn`ITTION OF TERMs
SHC. 4. Deflnition of Terms. -As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:
23
24a)
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32b)
33
34
35
36c)
37
38
39
40
41
42
43d)
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Disease - refers to conditions that may be due to infectious agents or their toxic products
which may be transmitted from a reservoir to a susceptible host (either directly from an
infected person or animal or indirectly through the agency of an intermediate plant or
animal  host,  vector,   or  the  inanimate  environment,  or  coming  from  laboratories
intentionally or unintentionally) or to chronic diseases or those which tend to be of long
duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and
behavioral factors.
Disease control - refers to the reduction of disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity, or
mortality  to  a  locally  acceptable  level  as  a result  of deliberate  efforts  and  continued
intervention measures to maintain the reduction.
Disease    surveillance   -   refers    to   the    ongoing    systematic    collection,    analysis,
interpretation,  and  dissemination  of outcome-specific  data  for  use  in  the  planning,
implementation,   and   evaluation   of  public   health   practice   in   terms   of  epidemics,
emergencies,   and  disasters.   A   disease   surveillance  system   includes  the   functional
capacity for data analysis as well  as the timely dissemination of these data to persons
who can undertake effective prevention and control activities.
Emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases (EREID) - refer to diseases that fulfill any
of the following conditions:
i)           have not occurred in humans before;
ii)         have occurred previously but affected only small numbers of people in isolated
areas;
iii)        are caused by previously undetected or unknown infectious agents;
iv)        are due to mutant or resistant strains ofa causative organism; or
Page 2 of 18


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
v)          were once major health problems in the country, and then declined dramatically,
but  are  again  becoming  health  problems  for  a  significant  proportion  of the
population.
e)         Epidemiological investigation -refers to an inquiry to the incidence, prevalence, extent,
source, mode of transmission, causation of, and other information pertinent to a disease
occurrence.
I)          Health Research -research or research-related activities that seek to provide timely and
quality evidence to address knowledge gaps on areas related to identifying, diagnosing,
forecasting, preventing, controlling, eliminating and eradicating, and monitoring diseases
of public health importance.
g)          International Health Regulations (IHR) -refers to an international agreement managed
by the  World  Health  Organization  (WHO)  and  focused  on  addressing  serious  public
health threats that have the potential to spread beyond a country's borders to other parts
of the world and  define the  standards that countries must meet to be able to prevent,
detect, and respond to public health threats
19
2o       h)          Public health  emergency -refers to an occurrence or imminent threat of an  illness or
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
health condition that:
i)           Is caused by any of the following:
1 )          Bioterrorism ;
2)          The   appearance   of  a  novel   or  previously   controlled   or  eradicated
infectious agent or biological toxin;
3)          A natural disaster;
4)          A chemical attack or accidental release;
5)          A nuclear attack or accident; or
6)          An attack or accidental release of radioactive materials; and
ii)          Poses a high probability of any of the following:
1 )          A large number of deaths in the affected population;
2)          A large number of serious injuries or long-term disabilities in the affected
population;
3)          Widespread   exposure   to   an   infectious   or  toxic   agent  that   poses   a
significant risk of substantial  harm  to  a  large number of people  in  the
affected population ;
4)          International   exposure  to  an   infectious  or  toxic  agent  that  poses  a
significant risk to the health of citizens of other countries; or
5)          Trade and travel restrictions.
i)          Public health event -refers to either a public health emergency or a public health threat
due to biological, chemical, radio-nuclear, and environmental agents.
j)          Public health laboratories -are facilities responsible for providing timely and reliable
diagnostic results primarily for improvement of patient outcomes,  disease prevention,
control, surveillance, population-based interventions, and outbreak emergency response.
They shall perform core public health and environmental activities, including reference
tests for diseases of public health inportance.
Page 3 of 18


k)         Public health threat ~ refers to any situation or factor that may present a danger to the
health of the people.
4
5       I)          Notifiable disease -refers to a disease that, by legal requirements, must be reported to
6                    the public health authorities.
7
8      in)        Quarantine -refers to the restriction of activities and/or separation from others of suspect
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
persons who are not ill, or of suspect baggage, containers, conveyances, or goods, in such
a manner as to prevent the possible spread of infection or contamination.
n)         Response -refers to the implementation of specific activities to control further spread of
infection,  outbreaks,  or  epidemics  and  prevent  reoccurrence.  It  includes  verification,
contact  tracing,   rapid   risk  assessment,   case   measures,   treatment  of  patients,   risk
communication, the conduct of prevention activities, and rehabilitation.
ARTICLE Ill
18          cREATloN ANI] FUNCTloNs oF TIRE PHILmplNE CENTERS FOR DlsEASE
19                                                       PREVENTION AND CONTROL
20
21      SHC. 5. Creation of the philippine centers for Disease prevention and control. -There is
22       hereby established an agency to be known as the philippine centers for Disease prevention and
23       control, hereinafter referred to as "CDC." The CDC shall be an agency directly under the office
24      of the secretary of the DOH.
25
26      SEC. 6. Functions of the CDC. -The CDC shall be the technical authority on forecasting,
27       analysis, strategy, and standards development for the prevention and control of all diseases of
28      public health importance and health security events, whether domestic or international in origin.
29      The CDC shall coordinate with global CDCs and act as the national focal point (NFP) of the
3o      Philippines for IlR concerns.
31
32      The functions of the cDc include the following:
33       a)          Develop strategies, standards, and policies for disease prevention and control;
34       b)          Implement disease surveillance and field epidemiology activities;
35       c)          Perform data collection and analytics;
36       d)          Establish and strengthen public health laboratories;
37       e)          Recommend actions for public health threats to appropriate national government bodies;
38       f)           Lead public health and risk communications;
39       g)          Conduct and manage health research and evidence synthesis;
4o       h)          Build local capacity for surveillance and health research;
41       i)           Promote  scientific  integrity by  ensuring that all  its  products  are technically  accurate,
42                     scientifically  and  ethically  sound,  and  useful  to  the  government  and  the  intended
43                    population through the institutionalization of appropriate mechanisms and bodies.
44
45      Further, it shall perform other functions as may be mandated by law or duly delegated by relevant
46      authorities,  as well  as those that may be  necessary or  expedient  for the performance  of its
47       functions under this Act.
48
49       The CDC shall submit annual detailed cost work plans relating to its functions to the secretary
5o       of Health (SOH) for approval.
51
52
Page 4 of 18


1      SEC. 7. StructureofthecDC.-
2
3       a)          The CDC shall have establishedcentersthat shall lead and coordinate themajorfunctions
4      of the cDc and in this capacity, establish strategic linkages and partnerships to fulfill the stated
5       functions. In line with their functions, each of the following centers shall be headed by a Deputy
6       DirectorGeneral:
7
8                    i)           Center for Health statistics (CHS). The CHS shall provide the national leadership
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
in health statistics, data analytics, and health information systems management of
non-epidemiologic   surveys   in   coordination   with   the   Philippine   Statistics
Authority (PSA) and shall complement the roles and responsibilities of the DOH
related to sectoral policy and planning by providing relevant health statistics. It
shall   likewise   progressively   develop   and   expand   its   methodological   and
analytical  capacity;   its  use  of  informatics,  digital  tools,  innovations,  among
others; and expand its portfolio of national health-related surveys it develops and
manages to complement existing national health surveys being managed by other
national agencies.
ii)          Center for Epidemiology and surveillance (CES). The CES shall lead and execute
a national  public health  surveillance  strategy  in  line with the existing Regional
Epidemiology   and   Surveillance   Units   (RESUs),   and   consistent   with   the
provisions of RA No.11332, and RA No.11223.   It shall progressively enhance
its  epidemiology  and   surveillance   functions  to   further  develop   its  overall
analytical capacity; to expand the scope of surveilled events and diseases; to set
standards for and continually expand tools for data management and surveillance
systems; to expand the scope of data collected; to lead in the development of
epidemiology  and  surveillance  capacities  for  all  diseases  and  their  causes,
including  social  determinants  of health;  to  lead  in  implementing  International
Health Surveillance and Im processes; and to expand its technical expertise to
include other and emerging branches  and types  of epidemiology and relevant
epidemiologically related approaches.
iii)         Center  for  Health   Evidence  (CHE).  The  CHE   shall  be  established  to  lead
evidence-informed policy-making for the prevention and control of all diseases,
through the synthesis of available evidence, the conduct of high-quality health
research, the development of evidence-informed strategies and standards of care,
the  provision  of scientific  inputs  to  guide  the  development,  evaluation,  and
improvement  of`  public  health   programs,   and  the  development  of  science-
informed standards to address public health threats, in partnership with academe,
professional  societies, research bodies, National  Institutes of Health OVIH), and
the Department of science and Technology (DOST).
iv)        Center for Health Laboratories (CHL). The CHL shall develop and provide the
overall strategic direction, policies, standards, and plans in the implementation of
the Philippine Health Laboratory System (PIILS) and the institutionalization of
stand-alone   CDC   public   health   laboratories,   including   national   reference
laboratories,  subnational,  and  regional  public  health  laboratories  (RPIILs)  in
partnership with the DOH.  It shall  lead the country's public health laboratory
response for rapid detection of emerging and re-emerging public health threats. It
shall promote and develop innovative science, technologies, and processes that
support CDC's ability to protect the Philippines from health, safety, and security
threats, both foreign and local.
Page 5 of 18


1b)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8c)
9
10d)
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
The CDC  shall  also have  3  offices directly  under the  Director General,  that provides
support to all Centers, namely:
i)          Office for Health Economics
ii)         Office for policy and plarming
iii)        Office for Administration, Finance, and Legal Affairs
Regional CDCs shall be established, consisting of counterparts of CEL, CHS, and CES.
Additional offices may be created in accordance with the mandate of the CDC, upon the
assessment  and  recommendation  of  the  Director  General,   approval  of  the   SOH,
availability of funds, and in view of emerging needs of the health sector.
ARTICLH IV
0PHRATI0NAL STRUCTURE, MAI`IAGEMENT, AND STAFF OF THH CHNI.ER
SEC. 8. Relationship with Existing Agencies and Ofrices.
18
19a)
20
21
22
23b)
24
25
26
27c)
28
29
30
31
32
33d)
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Relationship between CDC and DOH Operations. The CDC shall be an agency under the
Office  of the  SOH.  The  DOH  shall  develop  operational  and  intersectoral  policies  to
support implementation of strategies and standards developed by the CDC.
Relationship between CDC and the DOH Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ). The CDC shall
set the standards for international health surveillance and surveillance at ports of entry
and coordinate with the BOQ for operationalization and stakeholder management.
Relationship between Regional CDCs and DOH Regional Offices. The CDC shall have
regional counterparts of its CHL, CHS, and CES to form the Regional CDCs separately
from DOH Regional Offices. The DOH, through its regional offices, shall work closely
with  CDC,  through  its  regional  CDCs  to  support  implementation  of strategies  and
standards of the CDC.
Relationship  between  CDC  and  LGUs.  LGUs  shall  adopt  and  localize  standards  and
guidelines developed by the CDC, as operationalized by the DOH, in the performance of
activities related to disease prevention and control. Further, LGUs shall allocate funding
for the  establishment of functional  ESUs based  on  standards  set by the  DOH  and  as
provided for by laws, including the creation of positions for needed Disease Surveillance
Officers (DSOs) and field epidemiologists in line with the goal of building local capacity
for health surveillance;  Provided that LGUs who are unable to achieve such standards
shall be eligible to receive augmentation from the National Government.
41
42       SHC. 9. TransferofAgencies.
43
44      a)         Restructuring  of Affected  offices  and  units.  The  following  offices,  including  their
45                    administrative units, shall be restructured to ensure that the cDc and DOH shall co-exist
46                    synergistically and facilitate full operations of the CDC.
47
48                   i)          The different units of the RITM shall be absorbed in the different centers of the
49                                   CDC :
5o                                 1)         The RITM's national reference laboratories shall be absorbed within the
51                                                   CHL.
Page 6 of 18


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
2)          Its   clinical   research   units,   hospital   ancillary   services,   and   research
laboratory departments shall be absorbed within the CHE.
3)          Its  biological  research  and  manufacturing  units  shall  be  temporarily
absorbed  within  the  CRE  until  an  agency  is  fmally  tasked  by  the
government to take the lead.
ii)         The  EB  shall  be  transformed  to  the  CHS  and  CES  in  phases.  All  previous
functions of the National Epidemiology Center or the EB  and all disease and
public health surveillance functions assigned to the DOH by law shall likewise
be transferred to the CES. In line with this, all RESUs and FHSIS Units of the
DOH Regional Offices shall be transferred to and be under the sole supervision
and control of the Regional CDCs upon the effective transition of the EB to the
CDC.
1)          The   Knowledge   Management   and   Information   Technology   Service
(KMITS) of the DOH shall restructure and rationalize its functions to eliminate
or  minimize  overlaps  and  duplication  with  the  standards  and  sectoral  policy
function of the CHS.
2)          The CES shall set the standards for international health surveillance and
surveillance at ports of entry and shall coordinate with the Bureau of Quarantine
(BOQ)   for   operationalization   and   stakeholder   management.    Further,   the
screening  and  quarantine  processes  for  inbound  and  outbound  international
travelers as provided for in Sections 4 and 5 of RA No. 9271  or the "Quarantine
Act of 2004" shall remain with BOQ, aligned to the standards promulgated by
CDC.
iii)        The Disease prevention and control Bureau (DPCB) shall be transfomed into
the Public Health Strategy and Management Bureau, and shall be responsible for
developing operational  strategy  and  guidelines  aligned with  CDC's  standards,
stewarding    intersectoral    collaboration    platforms,    and    ensuring    strategic
management    of   national    health    programs.    DPCB's    previous    standards
development  function  shall  be  transferred  to  the  CDC's  CHE.  The  DOH
Undersecretary  in-charge  of Operations  and  the  DOH  Regional  Offices  shall
continue   to   perform   their   role   in   operational   planning,   coordination   and
performance management.
iv)        The  communications  office  (CO)  of the  DOH  shall  be  institutionalized  as  a
shared  service  among  all  DOH  offices,  including  FDA  and  CDC,  and  shall
perform the following functions:
1)          Develop  strategic  communication  plans,  including  but  not  limited  to
corporate risk and crisis communication plans;
2)         Manage and implement risk communication activities and initiatives, such
as,  but not be linited to development and issuance of information and
education communication (IEC) materials, events, stakeholder meetings,
and other media engagement activities;
3)         Manage and activate crisis communication protocol for health risks and
hazards, and institutional reputational risks;
4)         Develop  and  implement  corresponding  capacity-building  activities  in
relation to corporate risk and crisis communications;
5)         Perform internal communication functions within the institution;
Page 7 of 18


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
6)          Develop  and  facilitate  the  approval  of communication  materials  and
policies as aligned with the approved communication plans;
7)         Manage    different    platforms    of   the    institution    for    release    of
communication materials; and
8)         Foster,   maintain,   and   continuously   build   external   partnership   and
communication networks with public and private health institutions.
b)         Transfer of Material. The offices affected by the transfer of agencies shall also transfer
applicable funds and appropriations, records, equipment, and property to the CDC subject
to a multi-year transition plan.
i)          As  a result  of the  reorganization under this  Act,  the  DOH  shall  evaluate the
credentials,  skills and experiences of all  employees in  affected officesfoureaus
and shall conduct matching to positions within the new officesfoureaus created
based on the set qualification standards. The Department shall develop a technical
working group to ensure that  RA 6656 shall be properly observed towards the
protection  of tenure  of affected  employees  and  shall  institute  mechanisms  for
retooling.  There  shall  be  no  diminution  of  salaries  and  benefits  of affected
employees.   Affected employees may opt for voluntary separation from service
within  six (6)  months  from  the effectivity  of this Act  and  shall  be  entitled to
receive   separation   and   early   retirement   benefits   and   other   benefits   under
applicable laws and issuances such as RA No. 6656 within ninety (90) days from
the date of effectivity of their separation. Provided they are not entitled to said
benefits, employees concerned shall be paid a separation gratuity in the amount
equivalent to one (1) month salary for every year of service;
ii)         The  CDC  shall  employ  scientific,  technical,  and  non-technical  staff,  where  a
compensation and accountability mechanism  shall be  created  for  all  in-house
experts employed in highly technical positions. Correspondingly, the DOH shall
endorse the salary and compensation for positions developed for the CDC to the
DBM for review and approval.
1 )          The  salary  and  compensation  of all  employed  staff under  managerial,
technical, and administrative positions shall be subject to prevailing Civil
Service Commission (CSC) standards and regulations.
2)          The compensation mechanism for the expert pool shall be in accordance
with the rules and regulations in this Act and its IRR and shall be exempt
from prevailing CSC standards and regulations.
3)          All in-house experts shall be encouraged to practice their profession and
receive additional compensation from such engagements.
4)          All employed staff and engaged in-house experts shall submit declaration
of conflict-of-interest (Col), non-disclosure agreement (NDA), and other
pertinent documentary requirements as may be deemed necessary.
iii)        Transfer ofapplicable funds and appropriations, records, equipment, and property
to the CDC, among others, shall commence within two (2) years from effectivity
of this Act to enable the smooth transfer of the same from the DOH.
48
49      SEC.  10.  Structure  and  Stafflng  Pattern.  -  Subject  to  the  review  and  approval  of the
50      Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the SOH shall determine the organizational
51      structure and staffmg pattern of the CDC, in accordance with existing civil service laws, rules
52       andregulations.
Page 8 of 18


SEC.11. Director General @G), Deputy Director Generals, and Directors.
3
4a)
5
6
7
8
9b)
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Appointment of the Director General  a)G).  The CDC  shall be headed by a Director
General (DG), with the rank of undersecretary, who shall be appointed by the President,
upon  the  recommendation   of  the   SOH,   based  on  technical   expertise,   academic
background, and appropriate experience.
Appointment of the Deputy Director Generals.  The DG  shall  be  assisted by Deputy
Director Generals, with the rank of Assistant Secretary, who shall oversee the functions
of the Offices and Centers, and any additional offices created in accordance with Sec. 7
(c) of this Act. The Deputy Director General shall likewise be appointed by the President,
upon   the   recommendation   of  the   SOH,   based   on   technical   expertise,   academic
background, and appropriate experience.
c)          Appointment of Directors. The DG shall likewise be assisted by the following:
17
18                     i)           Director for Health Economics service with the rank of Director lv
19                     ii)          Director for policy and planning with rank of Director Iv
2o                    iii)        Director for Administration, Finance, and Legal Affairs with rank of Director lv
21
22        d)            Eligibility.
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39e)
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
i)          The DG shall be a public health professional, must be a medical doctor, with at
least   15  years  of  post-graduate  combined  experience  in  relevant  fields  of
medicine, public health, research, and managerial positions.
ii)         The Deputy Director General of each center shall possess a postgraduate degree,
preferably a doctorate,  in fields related to medicine, public health or research,
with management experience in a position related to histher field of discipline or
profession;
iii)        The Directors directly under the office of the DG shall possess third level service
eligibility  with  educational  background  in  relevant  fields  of medicine,  public
health,  accounting,  management,  economics or any  business  course,  and must
have management experience in a position related to histher field of discipline or
profession.
Powers and Functions of the Director General.
i)           Provide   leadership,   policy   guidance,   coordination,   technical   expertise,   and
services  to  promote  the  development  and  implementation  of CDCs  national
programs;
ii)         Certify to the SOH the occurrence ofa public Health Emergency.
iii)        Notify  the  WHO  and  other Focal  Points  of any  public  health  emergeney  or
incident in accordance to IIR guidelines, and lead in the coordination of public
health response with said bodies and National Focal Points;
iv)        Recommend to the president, through the SOH, the exercise of special powers in
the case of public health emergencies, including mobilization of the governmental
Page 9 of 18


and nongovemmental  agencies,  including the private sector, to respond to the
threat in performing the following functions:
1 )         Develop and implement national policies to prevent and mitigate further
transmission of diseases of public health importance;
2)         Ensure  that  local  goverrment  units  follow  all  rules,  regulations,  and
directives  issued  by  the  National  Government  pursuant  to  this  Act,
Provided that all LGUs are authorized to develop localized policies and
interventions provided it is aligned with the national rules and regulations;
3)         Develop   and   implement   flexibilities   in   procurement   of   essential
commodities and implement programs in response to the public health
emergency;
4)         Ensure an adequate and equitable distribution of health workforce for the
public health emergency response, and the provision of additional benefits
and protection against discrimination of health workers and their family
and other household members;
5)         Enforce  measures  to  protect  the  people  from  hoarding,  profiteering,
injurious speculations, manipulation of prices, product deceptions, cartels,
monopolies,orothercombinationsinrestraintoftrade,orotherpemicious
practices  affecting  the  supply,  distribution,  and  movement  of  food,
clothing, hygiene and sanitation products, medicines and medical supplies
devices,  implements  machinery  equipment and  spare  parts  required  in
agriculture, industry, other essential services, and other articles of prime
necessity, whether imported or locally produced or manufactured;
6)         Ensure  that  donation,  acceptance,  and  distribution  of health  products
commodities intended to address the PHE are not unnecessarily delayed
considering the shelf-life of the commodities and that health products for
donation duly certified by the national regulatory authorities (NRA) or
their  accredited third  party  from  countries  with  established  regulation
shall be automatically cleared; and
7)          Perform such other functions and activities, as deemed necessary.
v)         Issue an order requiring any person to furish cDc the following within the
period of the public health emergency;
1 )          Such information as may be required; and
2)         Any sample of any substance or matter in the possession or control of that
person,  whether  taken  pursuant  to  this  Act  or  otherwise,  as  may  be
considered necessary or appropriate.
vi)        Request  the   Philippine  National   Police  (PNP)   or  the  National  Bureau  of
Investigation (NBI) to locate any patients or persons suspected of contracting a
communicable disease;
Page 10 of 18


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
vii)       Certify the termination ofa public Health Emergency which may serve as basis
for the de-escalation and eventual termination of response;
viii)      Develop  policies  with  provisions  on  penalties  for  local  implementation  and
enforcement:
1)          The  Director  General,  upon  consultation  with  the  SOH,  shall  provide
recommendations on the corresponding rules and regulations, as well as
penalties, for local implementation and enforcement that are necessary to
control  and  prevent  diseases  within  the  country  and  to  prevent  the
introduction,  transmission,  or  spread  of communicable  diseases  from
other countries into the Philippines or from one domestic seaporvairport
to another; and
2)         For  purposes  of implementing  these  regulations,  the  Director  General
upon consultation with the SOH, shall provide public health preventive
measures and intervention strategies such as health education, promotion,
and     advisories,     isolation,     quarantine,     inspections,     fumigation,
disinfection,   disinfestation,   vector   control,   pest   extermination,   and
destruction of animals or articles found to be infected or contaminated as
to be  sources of infection to human beings in coordination with other
concerned  quarantine  agencies  such  as  veterinary  quarantine,  plant
quarantine, and other measures as may be necessary;
ix)        Develop contairment strategies for inland contagion or community transmission
of public health threats and shall coordinate these with the SOH. During public
health emergencies, DOH HEMB shall coordinate with DOH BOQ in controlling,
directing, and managing all quarantine stations, grounds, and anchorages, and in
designating their boundaries in accordance with Section 6 of RA No. 9271 or also
known as the Quarantine Act of 2004;
x)         Provide or obtain technical assistance for regional and local health departments,
private agencies, and international and supranational agencies before, during, and
after public health emergencies;
xi)        Develop a shared risk communication plan in coordination with the DOH and the
FDA;
xii)       Liaise with other government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs),
international   organizations,   including   the   WHO,   leaming   and   academic
institutions,  and other pertinent groups  or entities  in the  conduct of activities
relating to disease prevention and control;
xiii)      Coordinate with appropriate DOH offices regarding administrative and program
matters;
xiv)      Appoint eligible employees ofcDc in accordance with civil service Law, rules
and regulations, and this Act;
xv)       Delegate the powers vested under this Act to the Deputy Directors General; and
Page 11 of 18


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
xvi)      Perform such other functions as may be mandated by law, or as may be delegated
by the SOH and/or the President.
ARTICLE V
RHSPONSE ACTION
SEC.  12.  Response  Cascade.  -  In  case  of public  health  emergencies  due  to  biological,
chemical, and toxic events:
a)          The CDC, through the CHE, shall develop technical guidance;
b)         The DOH, through the PHSMB,  shall develop operational and intersectoral strategies
guided by the strategies and standards developed by the CDC;
c)          The DOH, through its regional offices, shall work closely with CDC, through its regional
CDCs to undertake immediate response. If necessary, the DOH shall tap the National
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC);
d)         The CHL shall activate the public health laboratory response network and continuously
provide  guidance  for  core  laboratory  programs  in  quality  management,  laboratory
medicine and  safety  and  security programs,  laboratory  information management and
surveillance, research and development and training;
e)          The CES shall certify the official data to be used as basis for response and for public
reporting, and provide standards and overall guidance to the BOQ for the institution of
disease surveillance at all points of entry and exit;
f)          The National Telecommunications commission and any telecommunications entity as
defined under RA No. 7925  shall provide location information of patients or persons
suspected of contracting a disease upon request of the CDC;
g)         The secretary of Health may undertake the following functions in case of public health
emergency;
1 )         Hiring, transfer, and deployment of health personnel ;
2)         Implementation of whole-of-society public health emergency preparedness and
response in cooperation with the DOH, NDRRMC, DILG, LGUs, and private
sector;
3)         Strict  enforcement  and  augmentation  of  border  control  and  surveillance  in
coordination with the  Department of Foreign Affairs  (DFA),  DOH-Bureau of
Quarantine  (BOQ), Bureau of Immigration,  Philippine Ports Authority (PPA),
Department of Agriculture (DA), and Bureau of Customs;
4)         Commissioning of research in coordination with DOST;
5)         Promotion  of  treatment,  vaccination,  or  immunization  against  a  contagious
disease and requiring of isolation or quarantine of persons who are unable or
unwilling, for reasons of health, religion, or conscience, to undergo immunization
or treatment; Provided, that the guidelines for the exercise of such power shall be
formulated with the Department of Justice;
Page 12 of 18


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
6)         Decontanination of any facility or decontamination or destruction of any material
when the CDC reasonably suspects that such facility or material may endanger
public health, subject to just compensation;
7)         Issuance and enforcement of measures for safe handling and disposal ofhunan
and animal remains; and
8)         Requiring  any  health  or  funeral  facility  authorized  by  law  to  perform  such
services as are reasonable and necessary to respond to a public health emergency.
ARTICLE VI
SPECIAL POWERS / AUTHORITY TO ENABLE RESPONSE
13
14      SEC.   13.   Authority   for   Other   Professions   to   Administer,   Dispense,   and   Provide
15      Commodities for Public Health Emergencies  and Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases
16      (PHEED). -In addition to physicians, other health and allied medical professionals such as but
17      not limited to pharmacists and midwives who are duly trained by the DOH or its authorized
18      representatives may  administer,  dispense  and provide  commodities  for PHEED with special
19      authorization or regular certificate of registration from the FDA notwithstanding any law to the
20       contrary.
21
22      SEC.14. Issuance of special Regulatory Authorizations. -Pursunt to section 4 of Republic
23       ActNo. 3720, as amended by Republic ActNo. 9711 or the "FDA Actof2009," the FDA shall
24      be given authority to issue special authorizations for commodities for PHEED, provided the
25       following:
26
27      a)          Based on the totality of available scientific evidence, including data from adequate and
: :                ;ee]e]isde°c:rv:::t:fe::::°d]::gn¥sae[,S'oit ise:::g:nda£:]eea::/¥o]iecvoentcheaiTe health product may
3o      b)         The well-documented andpotential benefits of the healthproduct when used to diagnose,
::     c)        #eevr:n:'s°:otreaadtedq±:::es,e/:pop::::::man%uta::ifahbfea#e°m¥£:dt:0:::t££::itshkspfrfo¥uyc;t ¥odr
33                    diagnosing, preventing, or treating disease/s of concern.
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Distribution and administration of unauthorized commodities for PHEED shall be prohibited.
SEC. 15. Health Technology Assessment and Evidence Review. -The Health Technology
Assessment (HTA) shall not be a prerequisite to procurement of commodities for PHEED as an
exemption to Section 34 of the RA 11223. Further, HTA shall not be required for:
41a)
42b)
43
44c)
45
46
47
Donated health products;
Uuregistered  commodities  for  PHEED  which  are  qualified  for  compassionate  use
according to the guidelines set by the FDA; and
Immediate  repurposing  or  stock  realignment  of commodities  for  PHEED  that  have
already  been  procured  by  the  DOH,  LGUs,  private  sector  entities;  Provided,  that
repurposing or stock realignment shall be in accordance with the indication of its use as
approved by the FDA.
48
49      The DOH, FDA, HTAC, and other relevant offlces shall, without need for notice or demand,
50      immediately  provide  each other  with  any  and  all  information,  including  but not  limited,  to
51      proprietary submissions of data by manufacturers, traders, distributors, or other sources, for the
52      purpose of expediting the review of the evidence, product authorization or registration, and the
Page 13 of 18


1      appropriate release of recommendations and supporting policies: Provided, that a non-disclosure
2      agreement OJDA) among all parties involved shall be executed and enforced prior to the sharing
3      of the said information.
4
5      SEC.16. Procurement of commodities and services for public Health Emergency by the
6      DOH. -The DOH shall be authorized to procure commodities for public health emergencies
7      that are recommended by any of the following:
::     3       giiE=apep:::::nccl;in;:aa::a=ttiicoengui:e:i:edeorrsit:t:ge=tgflfls?es; or
a)         World Health organization (WHO);
b)         Health Technology Assessment council urTAC);
14      For the purposes of this provision, the DOH may immediately enter into alternative modes of
15      expedited procurement with  United Nations  (UN)  Agencies,  International  Organizations,  or
16      International Financing Institutions and their operational ams, such as but not limited to WHO,
17      United Nations  Office  for  Project  Services  (UNOPS),  and  United Nations  Children's  Fund
18       (ENICEF).
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
Section 88 of presidential Decree No.1445, as amended, otherwise known as the "Goverrment
Auditing Code of the Philippines", and any law to the contrary notwithstanding, the DOH may
disburse  funds  as  advance  payment  if required  by  the  manufacturer,  trader,  or  distributor:
Provided,  that  the  authority  to  make  advance  payment  shall  be  for  the  procurement  of
commodities  for  PHE  and  to  secure  other  goods  and  services  necessary  for  their  storage,
transport, deployment, and administration.
SEC.  17.  Donation of Excess  Supply of Commodities. - In case of an excess supply  of
commodities as may be determined by the DOH, DOH may donate the excess commodities to
other LGUs, bureaus, agencies, instrumentalities, or private entities. The national goverrment,
led by the DFA and  in coordination with the DOH may also donate the excess supply to other
countri.es:.   Provided,   the   DOH,   Department   of  Budget   and   Management   (DBM),   and
CommissiononAudit(COA)shallissueaseparateoperationalguidelinesettingforthexpedited
procedures  to  facilitate  any  donations  pursuant  to  this  provision,  any  law  to  the  contrary
notwithstanding.
SEC.  18.  Authority  to  Direct the  Operations  of Private  Establishments  During Public
Health  Emergencies  -  The  President,  during  public  health  emergencies,  may  direct  the
operations  of any  privately-owned  establishments,  including,  among  others,  hospitals  and
medical  and  health  facilities,  passenger  vessels,  and  other  private  enterprises,  to  perform
functions and provide support services for public health emergency response, including, but not
limitedto,housinghealthworkers;servingasquarantineareas,quarantinecenters,medicalrelief
and  aid  distribution  locations,  or  other  temporary  medical  facilities;  and  fenying  health,
emergency,  and  frontline  persormel  and  other  persons;  Provided  that  the  management  and
operation  of  such  establishments  shall  be  retained  by  the  owners;  Provided  further,  that
reasonable  compensation  for  any  additional  damage  or  costs  incurred  by  the  owner  or  the
possessorofthesubjectpropertysolelyonaccountofcomplyingwiththedirectiveshallbegiven
tothepersonentitledtothepossessionofsuchprivatepropertiesorbusinessesafterthesitiration
has stabilized or at the soonest time practicable.
49
50      SEC.19. Transition to Regular Authorization. -For this purpose, the FDA shall be given
51      authority  to  develop  specific  guidelines  on  the  transition  of the  regulatory  authorization  of
52       commodities for PHEED from special use authorization to regular certificate of registration. This
Page 14 of 18


1       is in consideration of the time needed to process applications and to avoid a monopoly by a single
2      supplier of health products for PHEED. The granting of a regular certificate of registration by
3      the philippine FDA to the first brand deemed suitable for such registration shall not immediately
4      revoke  all  other special authorizations granted by the  FDA to other brands,  any  law to the
5      contrary notwithstanding: Provided, that once the DOH and the FDA had determined that the
6      suppliers granted with regular certificate of registration have enough capacity to  supply the
7      country's projected needs, all other special authorizations issued shall be deemed revoked by
8      this Act, without prejudice to their holders completing the process to obtain a regular certificate
9      of registration: Provided, further that any remaining stocks with a valid shelf-life but with a
1o      special authorization revoked pursuant to this provision shall either be donated to a country
11      where its use is still authorized by its NRA, held in storage until it is registered or disposed of
12      appropriately upon the temination of its shelf-life.
13
14      SEC.  20.  Immunity  from  Liability.  -   Notwithstanding  any  law to  the  contrary,  public
15      officials and employees, contractors, volunteers, including manufacturers, traders, or distributors
16      of commodities for public health emergencies under special authorizations, and representatives
17      of duly authorized private sector entities (the "Covered persons") who are authorized to cany
18      out and are actually carrying out the public health emergency response shall be immune from
19       suit and liability under Philippine laws with respect to all claims arising out of, related to, or
2o      resulting  from the administration or use of commodities under the public  health emergency
21      response in the discharge of the  Covered Persons'  official  duties  except, those arising from
22       willful misconduct and gross negligence.
23
24      The members of the FDA and the National Adverse Events Following Immunization OVAEFIC)
25      and its regional counterparts during the conduct ofmonitoring for probable adverse effects from
26      the commodities for public health emergency shall similarly enjoy the privileges given under
27      this  section,  waiving any  liability unless the  said members'  actions are tantamount to  gross
28       negligence or willful misconduct.
29
30                                                                         ARTICLE VII
31                            SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE CDC
32
33      SEC 21. Public Health surveillance programme. -
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
a)          The Director General shall identify priority health problems for prevention and control.
The   Director  General   shall   also   institute  public   health  surveillance  programs   in
accordance with RA 11332.
b)         For the purpose of any public health surveillance program, epidemiological investigation,
or survey under this Act, the Director General may issue an order requiring any person
to furnish CDC, within the period stated therein, with:
i)           Such information as may be required; and
ii)         Any sample of any substance or matter in the possession or control of that person,
whether taken pursuant to this Act or otherwise, as may be considered necessary
or appropriate.
47
48      c)          The CDC  shall perform the functions and obligations of the EB  and the DOH under
49
50
51
52
Sections 5, 6, and 8 of RA No.11332. As such:
i)          All public and private hospitals, clinics, health facilities, laboratories, institutions,
workplaces, schools, prisons, ports, airports, establishments, communities, other
Page 15 of 18


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
government  agencies,  and NGOs  are required to  accurately  and immediately
report notifiable disease and public health events to CDC.
ii)         All public  and private hospitals,  clinics, health facilities,  laboratories  shall  be
required to submit health and health-related data, which shall include, but not be
limited to, administrative, public health, medical, pharmaceutical, and financing
data to CDC.
iii)        DSOs, ESUs, CDC Laboratories, PHLs, pharmacies  and those employed by the
local government units involved in surveillance and response shall directly report
information required by the CDC at all times and as soon as practicable.
iv)        Failure of said establishments to report to the CDC shall constitute violation of
Section 9 (d) and (e) of RA No.11332.
SEC. 22. Philippine Health Laboratory System (PHLS). -
a)         Establishment. There shall be an established philippine Health Laboratory system by
unifying all diagnostic tests and surveillance of diseases of public health importance into
stand-alone laboratories across the nation.
b)         Oversight and Governance. The CDC shall exercise supervisory and oversight functions
over  all  public  health  laboratories  in  the  PHLS,  and  oversee  their  functions  and
performance through the CHL.
22      SEC. 23. Intergovemmental collaborative Activities. -The secretary of Foreign Affairs
23      and the SOH arejointly mandated to review and recommend to the cDc multilateral and bilateral
24      agreements which the country may adopt to strengthen its collaborative mechanisms with other
2 5       countri es.
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38      c)          Establishing sNLs and RPHLs;
39      d)         Emergency funding and procurement of commodities and hiring during public Health
40                    Emergencies; and
41      e)          Establishment of infrastructure and acquisition of parcels of  land to house the national
42                    offices under CDC.
43
44      The   DOH,   upon   coordination   with  CDC,   shall   submit  the   funding   requirements   with
45      corresponding annual targets for the implementation of the multi-year plan to the DBM and
46      concerned agencies, for the determination of appropriate national budget allocation; Provided,
47      that for local budget allocation, the LGUs shall also appropriate the necessary funds to ensure
48      the proper implementation of this Act, in relation to their devolved functions under the UHC Act
49       and other existing laws.
50
51      SEC. 25. Modernization Program. - The Director General shall, in consultation with the
52       DOH   and   other  concerned  agencies   of  government   and  the   private   sector,   develop  a
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 24. Transitory Provision. - The CDC, in coordination with the DOH and LGUs, shall
craft a multi-year plan to ensure the timely implementation and progressive realization of this
Act. Towards this end, the multi-year plan shall include, but not be limited to:
a)         Phased expansion of the capacity of the cDc to cover other health conditions or threats
in view of the needs of the Philippine health sector;
b)         Requiring that every province and city-wide health system have full-time DSOs, without
prejudice to the need for DSOs in municipalities, as may be deemed necessary;
Page 16 of 18


1      modemization program that will strengthen the human health resource of the CDC, which is the
2      key  component  of the  country's  disease  prevention  and  control  policy.  The  modemization
3      program shall include the acquisition and upgrading of appropriate technologies, laboratories,
4      facilities,  equipment,  other needed  resources,  and  the  needed  relocation  and  acquisition  of
5      additional land or location that would house the CDC.
6
7       Within one hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Director General shall,
8      upon the recommendation of the DOH and DBM secretaries, submit the modernization program
9      for the consideration and approval of congress.
10
11      The modemization program shall be implemented over a period of five (5) years. Appropriations
12      for the modemization progran shall be charged against the annual General Appropriations Act
13       (GAA).
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
SEC. 26. Authority to Solicit, Negotiate, and Receive Donations, Grants, Gifts, Legacies,
Endowments, and Contributions. - The CDC may solicit, negotiate with, and receive from
any public or private domestic or foreign sources legacies, gifts, donations, grants, endowments,
contributions or other transfers of ownership and/or possession of real or personal properties of
all kinds for use in its operations such as, but not limited to, upgrading of its facilities, equipment
outlay, human resource development and expansion, and the acquisition of the appropriate office
space to improve the delivery of its services to the public.
22
23      The Director General shall be authorized to retain, without need ofa separate approval from any
24      government agency, and subject only to existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations,
25      all  the  legacies,  gifts,  donations,  grants,  endowments,  contributions  or  other  transfers  of
26      ownership and/or possession of real or personal properties of all kinds solicited, negotiated, and
27      received by the CDC under this Act and other laws that it is mandated to administer based on the
28      immediately prior year of operations. The sane, which shall be in addition to the annual budget
29      of the CDC shall be deposited and maintained in a separate account or fund, which may be used
30      or disbursed directly by the Director General for the purpose of which the fund was originally
31       intended.
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
SEC. 27. Tax Exemptions. - Donations, grants, gifts, endowments, legacies, and contributions
used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose of the CDC shall be exempt from donor's
tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from gross income for purposes of
computing the taxable income of the donor, in accordance with Sec. (H)(2)(a) of the National
Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as anended. Likewise, such other transfers of ownership and/or
possession of real or personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all taxes.
39
4o      SEC. 28. Annual Report. -The CDC shall submit to congress and the office of the president
41      an annual report containing evaluation of the current and emerging threats to health in the country
42       and  progress  to  IHR  commitments,  initiatives  undertaken  to  address  these  and  recommend
43       legislative measures as may be necessary.
44
45      SEC. 29. Appropriations. -The amount necessary for the initial inplementation of this act
46      shall be charged against the curent year appropriations of the offices and agencies concerned.
47      Thereafter, the funding requirements for the ensuing years shall be included in the annual GAA.
48
49      SEC. 30. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -The DOH shall promulgate the necessary
5o      implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) working days from the effectivity of this
51       Act.
52
Page 17 of 18


1      SEC. 31. Separability clause. -If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
2      otherwise invalid, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected thereby.
3
4      SEC. 32. Repealing clause. --All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, other issunces,
5      or parts thereof, inconsistent with any provision of this Act, are hereby repealed or modified
6       accordingly.
7
SEC.33.Effectivity.-ThisActshalltakeeffectfifteen(15)daysafteritscompletepublication
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
11      Approved,
Page 18 of 18