Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

Nineteenth Congress
Third Regular Session

House Bill No.11492

Introduced by Akbayan Representative Percival V. Cendafia

AN ACT
REGULATING THE SALE AND PACKAGING OF ALCOHOL PRODUCTS AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The proposed "Alcohol Sale and Packaging Regulation Act of 2025" seeks to address
significant gaps in the regulation of alcohol sales and consumption in the Philippines,
particularly concerning the protection of minors and public health. This bill builds upon
existing laws, including Presidential Decree No. 1619, which penalizes the unauthorized sale
of volatile substances to minors, yet does not comprehensively regulate the sale and packaging
of alcoholic beverages. By closing this legal loophole, this Act aims to provide clearer
enforcement mechanisms and stricter safeguards against underage drinking and alcohol-related
harm.

The regulation of alcohol sales and packaging is a critical public health measure.
Studies have shown that early exposure to alcohol increases the likelihood of addiction and
long-term health complications. By enforcing responsible retail practices and enhancing
consumer awareness through clear product labeling, this bill aims to mitigate the adverse
effects of alcohol consumption while safeguarding the well-being of minors and other
vulnerable populations.

This proposed legislation represents a whole-of-government approach to promoting
responsible alcohol consumption, preventing illicit sales, and reinforcing existing regulations
to create a safer and more informed society. The passage of this measure is an urgent and
necessary step toward addressing the gaps in current laws and ensuring the protection of public
health, particularly for the youth.

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



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

Nineteenth Congress
Third Regular Session

House Bitl NoL1492

Introduced by Akbayan Representative Percival V. Cendaiia

AN ACT
REGULATING THE SALE AND PACKAGING OF ALCOHOL PRODUCTS AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES,

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

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Alcohol Sale and Packaging
Regulation Act of 2025.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. — \t is the policy of the State to safeguard public
health, promote responsible consumption of alcohol, and protect minors from the harmful
effects of alcohol consumption. The State recognizes that unregulated access to alcohol
contributes to various social and health issues, including underage drinking, alcohol
dependence, and alcohol-related harm.

In line with these concerns, the State shall implement measures to regulate the sale and
packaging of alcoholic products to ensure public safety and consumer awareness. Through
clear labeling requirements, responsible retail practices, and effective enforcement
mechanisms, this Act aims to mitigate the negative impacts of alcohol consumption while
upholding the rights of responsible adult consumers.

Furthermore, the State shall adopt a whole-of-government approach to effectively
implement this Act, in coordination with relevant agencies, to promote a culture of responsible
alcohol consumption, prevent illicit sales, and safeguard the well-being of all Filipinos,
particularly the youth and vulnerable sectors.

Section 3. Definition of Terms, — As used in this Act:

a. "Alcohol" - refers to alcoholic beverages classified into beer, wine, and distilled
spirits, the consumption of which produces intoxication. For the purposes of this
Act, alcohol shall be understood as alcoholic beverages or any other alcohol
products.

b. "Distributor" - refers to any person to whom alcoholic products are delivered or
sold for purposes of distribution in commerce, except that such terms do not
include a manufacturer, retailer, or common carrier of such products;

c. "Minor" - refers to any person below eighteen (18) years old;


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d. "Manufacturer" - refers to any person entity, including a re-packer, who makes,
fabricates, assembles, processes, or labels a finished product;

e. "Package" - refers to packs, boxes, cartons, or containers of any kind in which
any alcoholic product is offered for sale to consumers;

f. "Persons" - refers to an individual, partnership, corporation, or any other
business or legal entity;

g. “Point-of-sale" - refers to any location at which an individual can purchase or
otherwise obtain alcoholic products;

h. "Retailer" - refers to any person or entity that sells alcoholic products to
individuals for personal consumption;

i, "Standard Drink" shall be defined as a measure of an alcoholic beverage that
contains ten (10) grams of pure ethanol, regardless of the type of beverage
consumed.

j. "Warning" - refers to the notice printed on the alcoholic product or its container
and/or displayed in print or alert in broadcast or electronic media including
outdoor advertising and which shall bear information on the hazard of alcohol
consumption.

Section 4. Minimum Age Sales. ~ Under this Act, it shall be unlawful:
a. For any retailer to sell or distribute alcohol to any minor;

b. For any person to purchase alcohol from a minor;

c. For a minor to sell or buy alcohol;

d. For any person to aid or abet a minor to sell or buy alcohol; and

¢. For a minor to drink or consume alcohol.

It shall not be a defense for the persons selling or distributing alcohol to minors that
they are not aware of the real age of the minor. Neither shall it be a defense that they did not
know nor had any reason to believe that the alcohol was for the consumption of the minor to
whom it was sold. The sale to minors is presumed because of the age verification requirement
mentioned in Sec. 10 hereof.

Section 5. Sale of Alcoholic Products Within School Perimeters. — The sale or
distribution of alcohol is prohibited within two hundred (200) meters from any point of the
perimeter of a school, educational facility, public playground, or other facility frequented
particularly by minors.

Section 6. Point-of-Sale Signage. — Point-of-sale establishments offering, distributing,
or selling alcohol to consumers, shall post the following statement in a clear and conspicuous
manner: "SALE OF ALCOHOL TO PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE IS STRICTLY
PROHIBITED" or any other statement of similar import.

Section 7. Proof-of-Age Verification. — Retailers shall ensure that no individual below
eighteen (18) years of age is allowed to purchase alcohol. It shall be the responsibility of
retailers to verify the age of buyers. For this purpose, the presentation of any valid government-
issued identification card exhibiting the buyer's photograph and date of birth shalll be required.


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Section 8. Mandatory Alcohol Labeling Requirements. —

a. Allalcoholic beverage containers sold in the Philippines shall include a label displaying
the following information:
i. The total number of Standard Drinks contained in the product, calculated based
on its ethanol content and volume;
ii. A health warning states: "Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health.
Drink responsibly.” or anything of similar import;
iii. A statement indicating that the sale and consumption of the product by persons
below eighteen (18) years of age is prohibited.
iv. The percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV).
b. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) shall issue regulations prescribing the format, size, and placement of such labels
to ensure visibility and readability.

Section 9. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination
with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), shall be responsible for implementing and enforcing the provisions of this Act.

Section 10. Penalties. —

a. Any manufacturer, importer, or distributor of alcoholic beverages who fails to comply
with the labeling requirements under Section 8 of this Act shall be subject to an
administrative fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (PHP 50,000) but not more
than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP 500,000) per violation.

b. Any person or entity found violating Section 4 of this Act shall be subject to:

i, A fine of not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos (PHP 20,000) but not more than
One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP 100,000) for the first offense;

ii, A fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP 100,000) but not
more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP 500,000), and suspension of
business license for a period of not more than six (6) months for the second
offense;

iii, Revocation of business license and a fine of not less than Five Hundred
Thousand Pesos (PHP 500,000) for the third and subsequent offenses.

Section 11. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of
this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the implementing agencies.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DOH, DTI, and FDA shall jointly promulgate the necessary rules
and regulations for its effective implementation.

Section 13. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected shall continue to be in full
force and effect.

Section 14. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, or regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


109 Section 15. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
110 in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,