EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

House Brit No. __ £806

Introduced by Representative ROMMEL RICO T. ANGARA.

AN ACT
AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11036,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE MENTAL HEALTH ACT

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In 2018, Republic Act No. 11036 or the Mental Health Act was enacted in
response to the studies made by the World Health Organization (WHO) which revealed
that the Philippines has the highest incidence of depression among Southeast Asian
countries. The Department of Health had also similar findings based on surveys which
show that almost one in every one hundred (100) households has a member with a
mental disorder.

Access to mental health services and interventions from regional, provincial and
tertiary hospitals and even at the barangay level was strengthened through the
passage of this law. The rights of patients with mental disorder was likewise
recognized and given due respect. However, it is our belief that along with the
recognition of the well-being of our mentally challenged kababayans, we also need to
address and assist the mental health needs of the Filipino workforce, both in public
and private sectors. Through this measure, we will be able to lessen the incidence of
another health problem.

It is undeniable that employees go through a lot deal of stress from work on
an everyday basis. In a typical day, an ordinary Filipino employee goes through the
stress of daily long commutes, to and from work, the lack of work/life balance, and/
or less than competitive salary, among others. This unhealthy environment exposes
these employees to the risks of several health problems which affect all aspects of
their life, including their emotions, behaviors, thinking ability, and physical health.

While RA 11036 has placed measures to make it easier for workers to seek
help, itis our belief that it still lacks assistance in terms of relieving the financial burden
of availing these services. Seeking for professional help entails big costs and it is
unfortunate that the PhilHealth has yet to increase the benefit package of Seven
Thousand Eight Hundred Pesos (P7,800.00) for mental and behavioral disorders.

RECEIVED *
LATE: MAY 26 2020
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Based on the foregoing, we seek for the passage of a law which would amend
the Mental Health Act in order to reinforce already existing laws - such as Presidential
Decree No. 626! (for private and public employees) and Republic Act No. 6963? (for
‘our uniformed personnel) — which provide for compensation benefits and/or special
financial assistance in the event a worker sustains a disability while in the performance
of duty or by reason of his/her position. It is our firm belief that getting professional
medical help is the best way to solve the emerging problem of mental health among
the Filipino employees. It is, thus, rightful that we pass a law which reinforces their
rights to a secure monetary compensation and assistance to lessen, if not eliminate,
the burden and harmful effects this serious health hazard.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of the bill is earnestly ‘sought.

ROMMEL , ANGARA
Lone Aurora

{Further Arnending Cartan Arties of Preskeniil Decroe No, 442 Entitled "Labor Code of the
ippines".

2 An Act Granting Special Financial Assistance and Benefits to the Family or Beneficiary of Any Police
or Military Personnel or Fireman Killed or Permanently incapacitated while in the Performance of His
Duty or by Reason of His Office or Position and For Other Purposes.

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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

House Brit no, 6896

Introduced by Representative ROMMEL RICO T. ANGARA

AN ACT
AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11036,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE MENTAL HEALTH ACT

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philppines in
assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 11036 otherwise known as the
“Mental Health Act” is hereby amended to read as flows:

“Sec. 5. Rights of Service Users — Service users shall enjoy, on an equal
and nondiscriminatory basis, all rights guaranteed by the Constitution as
well as those recognized under the United Nations Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and all other relevant international and regional human rights
conventions and declarations, including the right to:

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“(U) IMMEDIATELY RECEIVE COMPENSATION BENEFITS
AND/OR ANY SPECIAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT THE
SERVICE USER IS ENTITLED TO UNDER EXISTING LAWS
SHOULD THE SERVICE USER SUSTAIN TEMPORARY OR
PERMANENT MENTAL DISABILITY WHILE IN THE
PERFORMANCE OF DUTY OR BY REASON OF HIS OR HER
OFFICE OR POSITION.”

SEC. 2. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders or rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of the general circulation.

Approved,