FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'11 
MAY 19 
p 2 :46 
SENATE 
S. No. 2835 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution provides: 
Article 2, Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to 
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them 
Article 15, Section 1. The State recognizes the Filipino family as the 
foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and 
actively promote its total development. 
According to UNICEF, more than one third of child deaths occur during the first fragile 
months of life. Early breastfeeding provides critical nutrients, protects infants against deadly 
diseases, and fosters growth and development. 
UNICEF estimates that exclusive breastfeeding from birth up to the age of six months 
can prevent the deaths of 1.3 million children under the age of five each year. 
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all children be exclusively 
breastfed for six months, and believes colostrum - the sticky, yellowish substance that is rich in 
antibodies and produced by the mother soon after birth - is the perfect food for every newborn. 
However, due to a widespread lack of awareness of its qualities and its key roles in contributing 
to the health and growth of newborns, colostrum is frequently discarded. According to the 
agency, feeding water or other liquids deprives babies of a good start in life. 
This bill seeks to promote awareness on breastfeeding amongst couples seeking to get 
married by mandating that all applicants for a marriage license receive instructions and 
information on breastfeeding and infant nutrition. 
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This is the Senate counterpart bill to House Bill No. 3088 filed by Representative Anna 
York P. Bondoc, MD. 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. 2835 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
.) . 
• I 
TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT BREASTFEEDING 
MIIY 19 D2 :46 
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AS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD 
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 "Family Support for 
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Breastfeeding Act." 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Principles and State Policies. - The State shall protect and 
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promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. The State 
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likewise recognizes the sanctity of family as a basic autonomous social institution. 
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The State upholds that preparation for responsible parenthood should start even prior to 
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the celebration of marriage so as to allow prospective husband and wife ample time to consider 
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their options and priorities. 
Towards this end, a comprehensive and effective responsible 
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parenthood program should also include promotion of breastfeeding and proper infant nutrition 
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as an inherent component of each child's right to enjoy, and each parent's responsibility to 
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provide, the highest attainable standard of health. 
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SECTION 3. Mandate. - The Office of Family Planning in every city and municipality is 
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hereby mandated to give instructions and information not only pertaining to family planning and 
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responsible parenthood but also to breastfeeding and infant nutrition. 
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The city or municipal health officer shall continue to be assisted by the city or rural 
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health nurse, members of the city or rural health unit, and such other personnel from different 
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agencies of the government involved in efforts towards promotion of responsible parenthood. 
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SECTION 4. Certificate of Compliance. - Pursuant to Section 3 of Presidential Decree 
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No. 965, no marriage license shall be issued by the Local Civil Registrar unless the applicants 
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present a Certificate of Compliance issued by the Family Planning Officer certifying that they 
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had duly received comprehensive instructions and information on family planning, responsible 
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parenthood, breastfeeding, and infant nutrition. 
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The instructions and information shall be given, and the certificate of compliance shall be 
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issued, free of charge. 
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SECTION 5. Assistance of Government Agencies. - Agencies of the government shall 
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assist the Family Planning Offices in order to further promote and support family planning and 
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responsible parenthood. Towards this end, the Department of Health, the Department of Social 
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Welfare and Development and the Population Commission shall furnish each Family Planning 
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Office with the proper information and resources on current studies and research related to 
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family plam1ing, responsible parenthood, breastfeeding, and infant nutrition. 
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SECTION 6. Assistance from the Private Sector. - The Family Planning Office may 
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request volunteer doctors, nurses, or duly-licensed health professionals or health care workers to 
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assist in giving the instructions and information mandated by this Act: PrOVided, That in no 
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event shall anyone promote, endorse, market, or do any act tending to promote or endorse any 
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commercially-produced al1d/or commercially-sold product or any paid medical, health, or 
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wellness service. 
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SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared to be 
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unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby 
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shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
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SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, or 
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parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
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in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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