Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Meteo Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5208

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO REPORT
THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON HUMAN HEALTH

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Center for Environmental Law and Policy of Yale University and the
Earth Institute of Columbia University in collaboration with the World
Economic Forum (WEF) ranked the Philippines at 82nd out of 180 countries
in 2018 Environmental Performance Index (EPI).

EPI is a study focuses on environmental health and ecosystem vitality.
Among the metrics used that can relate to human health include air and
water quality pollution. It was found out that air quality is one of the leading
causes of diseases, disabilities and deaths.

In 2018, World Health Organization (WHO) placed the Philippines as the 3rd
highest number of deaths due to air pollution with about 45.3 deaths per
100,0000 individuals. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer,
and pneumonia were other leading causes.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace Water Patrol Investigation found out that drinking
water in the country, particularly in farming areas, has high levels of nitrate
can cause serious health problems, particularly among children. Several
news reports have also noted the statement of United Nations Environment
Program that “about 80 percent of all diseases and more than one-third of
all deaths in developing countries are caused by contaminated water.”

It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to health of
every Filipino. As such, it is imperative that we come up with ways to
address the hazardous effects of the environment to women and children.



‘This bill directs the Secretary of Health to submit to Congress a report on
the effects that environmental factors have on the health of women and
children. With such a report, we are on our way to take the initial steps in
protecting the health and welfare of the Filipinos. :

Thus, this Representation secks the immediate passage of this bill.


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Meteo Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 5208

INTRODUCED BY REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO REPORT
THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON HUMAN HEALTH

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Health
Environmental Factors Act."

SECTION 2. Report on Effects of Environmental Factors on Human Health.
- The Secretary of Health shall submit to Congress a report in accordance
with the following:

1. The report shall summarize the body of scientific knowledge on the
effect of environmental factors to human health. The report shall
include description of the known effects of environmental factors on
cancer, on immune dysfunction, organ development, and the like.

2. The report shall specify an agenda to conduct and support researches
on the effects of environmental factors to human health. The agenda
shall specify the categories of research that should receive priority. In
the development of the agenda, the summary prepared under
paragraph | shall be considered, including consideration of areas
identified by the summary as having received insufficient study.

SECTION 3. Date for Submission of Report. - The report under Section 2
shall be submitted to Congress not later than one (1) year after the date of
the enactment of this Act

SECTION 4. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall
thereby remain in force and effect.


|
SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders and
other rope issuances and parts thereof, which are inconsistent

with the provisions of this Act, is hereby amended, repealed or modified
accordingly. |

SECTION 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette and in at least two (2) newspapers of
national circulation.

Approved,