Magna Carta for Health Worker

Republic Act No. 7305             March 26, 1992

THE MAGNA CARTA OF PUBLIC HEALTH WORKERS

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

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of Public Health Workers"

Section 2. Declaration of Policy and Objective. - The State shall instill health consciousness among our people to
effectively carry out the health programs and projects of the government essential for the growth and health of the nation.
Towards this end, this Act aims: (a) to promote and improve the social and economic well-being of the health workers,
their living and working conditions and terms of employment; (b) to develop their skills and capabilities in order that they
will be more responsive and better equipped to deliver health projects and programs; and (c) to encourage those with
proper qualifications and excellent abilities to join and remain in government service.

Sanitation Code

December 23, 1975

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 856

CODE ON SANITATION

WHEREAS, the health of the people, being of paramount importance, all efforts of public services should be directed
towards the protection and promotion of health; and

WHEREAS, with the advance in the field of sanitation in recent years, there arises the need for updating and codifying our
scattered sanitary laws to ensure that they are in keeping with modern standards of sanitation and provide a handy
reference and guide for their enforcement;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by
the Constitution, do hereby order and decree the following Code on Sanitation:

CODE ON SANITATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

CHAPTER I General Provisions

SECTION 1. Title. — The title of this Code is "Code on Sanitation of the Philippines".

SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. — Whenever any of the following words or terms is used herein or in any rule or
regulation issued under this Code, it shall have the meaning given it in this section, as follows:

a. Code — Code on Sanitation of the Philippines.

b. Department — The Department of Health.

d. Regional Director — an official who heads a Regional Health Office.

e. Local Health Authority — an official or employee responsible for the application of a prescribed health measure in a
local political subdivision.

f. Health Officer — Provincial, City or Municipal Health Officer.

g. Engineer — A Sanitary Engineer.

h. Section — any section of this code unless the term refers to other statutes which are specifically mentioned.

SECTION 3. Functions of the Department of Health. — The Department shall have the following powers and functions:

a. Undertake the promotion and preservation of the health of the people and raise the health standards of individuals and
communities throughout the Philippines;

b. Extend maximum health services to the people in rural areas and provide medical care to those who cannot afford it by
reason of poverty;

c. Develop, administer and coordinate various health activities and services which shall include public health, preventive,
curative and rehabilitative programs, medical care, health and medical education services;

d. Upgrade the standards of medical practice, the quality of health services and programs to assure the people of better
health services;

e. Assist local health agencies in developing public health programs including medical care, and promote medical and
public health research;

f. Issue permits to establish and operate government and private hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, schools of nursing,
midwifery, and other paramedical courses, puericulture centers, clinical laboratories and blood banks;

g. Prescribe standard rates of fees for health, medical, laboratory, and other public health services; and

h. Performs such other functions as may be provided by law.

SECTION 4. Authority of the Secretary. — In addition to the powers and authority of the Secretary which are provided by
law, he is likewise empowered to promulgate rules and regulations for the proper implementation and enforcement of the
provisions of this Code.

SECTION 5. Authority of the Bureau of Directors. — The Bureau Directors shall be responsible for staff activities involving
the development of plans, programs, operating standards and management techniques in their respective field of
assignment.

SECTION 6. Authority of the Regional Directors. — The Regional Directors shall administer health functions in their
regions, implement policies, standards and programs involving health services; and enforce the provisions of this Code
and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this Code.

SECTION 7. Authority of the Health Officers. — The health officers shall administer health functions in areas under their
jurisdiction and enforce the provisions of this Code and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this
Code.

SECTION 8. Miscellaneous Provisions. —

a. International treaties, agreements and conventions — The Republic of the Philippines recognizes international treaties,
agreements and conventions on public health. Their provisions may be considered parts of this Code provided they do not
contravene the Constitution, existing laws or any provision of this Code.

b. Rights and proceedings — Any proceeding which has commenced or any right which has accrued upon the effectivity
of this Code shall not be affected by any of its provisions. However, matters of procedure and rights arising after the date
of effectivity of this Code shall conform to the provisions hereof.
c. Delegation of power and assignment of duty — Whenever a power is granted or a duty is assigned to any public health
officer in this Code, the power may be exercised by a deputy or agent of the official pursuant to law, unless it is expressly
provided otherwise in this Code.

d. Language required — Any notice, report, statement or record required or authorized by this Code, shall be written in
English or Pilipino.

e. Mailing of notices — Unless otherwise expressly provided, any notice required to be sent to any person by any
provision of this Code, shall be sent through the postal service. The affidavit of the official or employee who mailed the
notice is prima facie evidence that the notice was sent as prescribed herein.

f. Condemnation and seizure of property — When any property is officially condemned or seized by government
authorities in the interest of public health, the owner thereof shall not be entitled to compensation.

g. Command responsibility — When a duty is expressly vested in a health officer as provided in this Code, it shall be
understood that it shall likewise be the concern of the superiors of the health office under the principle of command
responsibility.

Clean Air Act

Republic Act No. 8749             June 23, 1999

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL POLICY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Chapter 1
General Provisions

Article One
Basic Air Quality Policies

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999."

Section 2. Declaration of Principles. - The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

The State shall promote and protect the global environment to attain sustainable development while recognizing the
primary responsibility of local government units to deal with environmental problems.

The State recognizes that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment is primarily area-based.

The State also recognizes the principle that "polluters must pay".

Finally, the State recognizes that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and should, therefore, be the
concern of all.

Generic Act

REPUBLIC ACT No. 6675             September 13, 1988

AN ACT TO PROMOTE, REQUIRE AND ENSURE THE PRODUCTION OF AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION,
USE AND ACCEPTANCE OF DRUGS AND MEDICINES IDENTIFIED BY THEIR GENERIC NAMES

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

Section 1. Title – This Act shall be known as the "Generics Act of 1988."

Section 2. Statement of Policy – It is hereby declared the policy of the State:

To promote, encourage and require the use of generic terminology in the importation, manufacture, distribution,
marketing, advertising and promotion, prescription and dispensing of drugs;
To ensure the adequate supply of drugs with generic names at the lowest possible cost and endeavor to make them
available for free to indigent patients;

To encourage the extensive use of drugs with generic names through a rational system of procurement and distribution;

To emphasize the scientific basis for the use of drugs, in order that health professionals may become more aware and
cognizant of their therapeutic effectiveness; and

To promote drug safety by minimizing duplication in medications and/or use of drugs with potentially adverse drug
interactions.

National Health Insurance Act (Philhealth)

REPUBLIC ACT No. 10606

AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7875, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE
ACT OF 1995″, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. Section 1 of Republic Act No. 7875, as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:

"SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the ‘National Health Insurance Act of 2013′."

Section 2. Section 2 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

"SEC. 2. Declaration of Principles and Policies. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to adopt an integrated and
comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social
services available to all the people at affordable cost and to provide free medical care to paupers. Towards this end, the
State shall provide comprehensive health care services to all Filipinos through a socialized health insurance program that
will prioritize the health care needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, persons with disabilities (PWDs), women and
children and provide free health care services to indigents.

"Pursuant to this policy, the State shall adopt the following principles:

"x x x."

National Blood Services Act

Before this Court are petitions assailing primarily the constitutionality of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 7719, otherwise
known as the "National Blood Services Act of 1994," and the validity of Administrative Order (A.O.) No. 9, series of 1995
or the Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 7719.

G.R. No. 133640,1 entitled "Rodolfo S. Beltran, doing business under the name and style, Our Lady of Fatima Blood Bank,
et al., vs. The Secretary of Health" and G.R. No. 133661, 2 entitled "Doctors Blood Bank Center vs. Department of Health"
are petitions for certiorari and mandamus, respectively, seeking the annulment of the following: (1) Section 7 of Republic
Act No. 7719; and, (2) Administrative Order (A.O.) No. 9, series of 1995. Both petitions likewise pray for the issuance of a
writ of prohibitory injunction enjoining the Secretary of Health from implementing and enforcing the aforementioned law
and its Implementing Rules and Regulations; and, for a mandatory injunction ordering and commanding the Secretary of
Health to grant, issue or renew petitioners’ license to operate free standing blood banks (FSBB).

The above cases were consolidated in a resolution of the Court En Banc dated June 2, 1998.3

G.R. No. 139147,4 entitled "Rodolfo S. Beltran, doing business under the name and style, Our Lady of Fatima Blood Bank,
et al., vs. The Secretary of Health," on the other hand, is a petition to show cause why respondent Secretary of Health
should not be held in contempt of court.

This case was originally assigned to the Third Division of this Court and later consolidated with G.R. Nos. 133640 and
133661 in a resolution dated August 4, 1999.5
Petitioners comprise the majority of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Association of Blood Banks, a duly registered
non-stock and non-profit association composed of free standing blood banks.

Public respondent Secretary of Health is being sued in his capacity as the public official directly involved and charged with
the enforcement and implementation of the law in question.

The facts of the case are as follows:

Republic Act No. 7719 or the National Blood Services Act of 1994 was enacted into law on April 2, 1994. The Act seeks to
provide

an adequate supply of safe blood by promoting voluntary blood donation and by regulating blood banks in the country. It
was approved by then President Fidel V. Ramos on May 15, 1994 and was subsequently published in the Official Gazette
on August 18, 1994. The law took effect on August 23, 1994.

On April 28, 1995, Administrative Order No. 9, Series of 1995, constituting the Implementing Rules and Regulations of
said law was promulgated by respondent Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH). 6

Laws on Notifiable Disease

REPUBLIC ACT No. 11332

An Act Providing Policies and Prescribing Procedures on Surveillance and Response to Notifiable Diseases,
Epidemics, and Health Events of Public Health Concern, and Appropriating Funds Therefor, Repealing for the
Purpose Act No. 3573, Otherwise Known as the "Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases"

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

Section 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the "Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health
Events of Public Health Concern Act".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. -It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to health of
the people and instill health consciousness among them. It shall endeavor to protect the people from public health threats
through the efficient and effective disease surveillance of notifiable diseases including emerging and re-emerging
infectious diseases, diseases for elimination and eradication, epidemics, and health events including chemical, radio-
nuclear and environmental agents of public health concern and provide an effective response system in compliance with
the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR) of the World Health Organization (WHO). The State recognizes
epidemics and other public health emergencies as threats to public health and national security, which can undermine the
social, economic, and political functions of the State.

The State also recognizes disease surveillance and response systems of the Department of Health (DOH) and its local
counterparts, as the first line of defense to epidemics and health events of public health concern that pose risk to public
health and security.

Senior Citizen Law

REPUBLIC ACT No. 9994

AN ACT GRANTING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO SENIOR CITIZENS, FURTHER AMENDING
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "AN ACT TO MAXIMIZE THE CONTRIBUTION
OF SENIOR CITIZENS TO NATION BUILDING, GRANT BENEFITS AND SPECIAL PRIVILEGES AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES"

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

Section 1. Title. - This Act Shall be known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010."

Section 2. Section 1 of Republic Act No. 7432, as amended by Republic Act No. 9257, otherwise known as the
"Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003", is hereby further amended to read as follows:
"SECTION 1. Declaration of Policies and Objectives. - As provided in the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, it
is the declared policy of the State to promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and
independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services,
promote full employment, a rising standard of living and an improved quality of life. In the Declaration of Principles and
State Policies in Article II, Sections 10 and 11, it is further declared that the State shall provide social justice in all phases
of national development and that the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for
human rights.

"Article XIII, Section 11 of the Constitution provides that the Sate shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach
to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the
people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and
children. Article XV, Section 4 of the Constitution Further declares that it is the duty of the family to take care of its elderly
members while the State may design programs of social security for them.

"Consistent with these constitutional principles, this Act shall serve the following objectives:

"(a) To recognize the rights of senior citizens to take their proper place in society and make it a concern of the family,
community, and government;

"(b) To give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of the elderly and their full participation in society,
considering that senior citizens are integral part of Philippine society;

"(c) To motivate and encourage the senior citizens to contribute to nation building;

"(d) To encourage their families and the communities they live with to reaffirm the valued Filipino tradition of caring for the
senior citizens;

"(e) To provide a comprehensive health care and rehabilitation system for disabled senior citizens to foster their capacity
to attain a more meaningful and productive ageing; and

"(f) To recognize the important role of the private sector in the improvement of the welfare of senior citizens and to actively
seek their partnership.

"In accordance with these objectives, this Act shall:

"(1) establish mechanisms whereby the contributions of the senior citizens are maximized;

"(2) adopt measures whereby our senior citizens are assisted and appreciated by the community as a whole;

"(3) establish a program beneficial to the senior citizens, their families and the rest of the community they serve: and

"(4) establish community-based health and rehabilitation programs for senior citizens in every political unit of society."

Revised Dangerous Drugs Law

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165       June 7, 2002

AN ACT INSTITUTING THE COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF 2002, REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 6425, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, PROVIDING FUNDS
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known and cited as the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to safeguard the integrity of its territory and the well-being of
its citizenry particularly the youth, from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs on their physical and mental well-being,
and to defend the same against acts or omissions detrimental to their development and preservation. In view of the
foregoing, the State needs to enhance further the efficacy of the law against dangerous drugs, it being one of today's
more serious social ills.

Toward this end, the government shall pursue an intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of
dangerous drugs and other similar substances through an integrated system of planning, implementation and
enforcement of anti-drug abuse policies, programs, and projects. The government shall however aim to achieve a balance
in the national drug control program so that people with legitimate medical needs are not prevented from being treated
with adequate amounts of appropriate medications, which include the use of dangerous drugs.

It is further declared the policy of the State to provide effective mechanisms or measures to re-integrate into society
individuals who have fallen victims to drug abuse or dangerous drug dependence through sustainable programs of
treatment and rehabilitation.

Act on Cheaper Medicine

REPUBLIC ACT No. 9502             June 6, 2008

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR CHEAPER AND QUALITY MEDICINES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 8293 OR THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CODE, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6675 OR THE GENERICS ACT OF 1988,
AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5921 OR THE PHARMACY LAW, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act
of 2008".

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect public health and, when the public interest or
circumstances of extreme urgency so require, it shall adopt appropriate measures to promote and ensure access to
affordable quality drugs and medicines for all.

Pursuant to the attainment of this general policy, an effective competition policy in the supply and demand of quality
affordable drugs and medicines is recognized by the State as a primary instrument. In the event that full competition is not
effective, the State recognizes as a reserve instrument the regulation of prices of drugs and medicines, with clear
accountability by the implementing authority as mandated in this Act, as one of the means to also promote and ensure
access to quality affordable medicines.

Save the children

REPUBLIC ACT No. 10821

AN ACT MANDATING THE PROVISION OF EMERGENCY RELIEF AND PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN BEFORE,
DURING, AND AFTER DISASTERS AND OTHER EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

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 “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect the fundamental rights of
children before, during, and after disasters and other emergency situations when children are gravely threatened or
endangered by circumstances that affect their survival and normal development. Guided by the principles on survival and
development, on child participation, and consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well
as the Children’s Charter for Disaster Risk and Reduction, and the minimum standards for children in humanitarian action,
the State shall establish and implement a comprehensive and strategic program of action to provide the children and
pregnant and lactating mothers affected by disasters and other emergency situations with utmost support and assistance
necessary for their immediate recovery and protection against all forms of violence, cruelty, discrimination, neglect, abuse,
exploitation and other acts prejudicial to their interest, survival, development and well-being.

Violence Against Women

AN ACT DEFINING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN, PROVIDING FOR PROTECTIVE
MEASURES FOR VICTIMS, PRESCRIBING PENALTIES THEREFORE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title.- This Act shall be known as the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy.- It is hereby declared that the State values the dignity of women and children and
guarantees full respect for human rights. The State also recognizes the need to protect the family and its members
particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security.

Towards this end, the State shall exert efforts to address violence committed against women and children in keeping with
the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution and the Provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, the convention on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination Against Women, Convention on the Rights of the
Child and other international human rights instruments of which the Philippines is a party.

Disaster Risk Reduction Management

REPUBLIC ACT No. 10121

AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PHILIPPINE DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM,
PROVIDING FOR THE NATIONAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK AND
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE NATIONAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to:

(a) Uphold the people's constitutional rights to life and property by addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities to
disasters, strengthening the country's institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management and building the
resilience of local communities to disasters including climate change impacts;

(b) Adhere to and adopt the universal norms, principles and standards of humanitarian assistance and the global effort on
risk reduction as concrete expression of the country's commitment to overcome human sufferings due to recurring
disasters;

(c) Incorporate internationally accepted principles of disaster risk management in the creation and implementation of
national, regional and local sustainable development and poverty reduction strategies, policies, plans and budgets;

(d) Adopt a disaster risk reduction and management approach that is holistic, comprehensive, integrated, and proactive in
lessening the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of disasters including climate change, and promote the
involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all levels, especially the local community;

(e) Develop, promote, and implement a comprehensive National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan
(NDRRMP) that aims to strengthen the capacity of the national government and the local government units (LGUs),
together with partner stakeholders, to build the disaster resilience of communities, and' to institutionalize arrangements
and measures for reducing disaster risks, including projected climate risks, and enhancing disaster preparedness and
response capabilities at all levels;

(f) Adopt and implement a coherent, comprehensive, integrated, efficient and responsive disaster risk reduction program
incorporated in the development plan at various levels of government adhering to the principles of good governance such
as transparency and accountability within the context of poverty alleviation and environmental protection;

(g) Mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate change in development processes such as policy formulation,
socioeconomic development planning, budgeting, and governance, particularly in the areas of environment, agriculture,
water, energy, health, education, poverty reduction, land-use and urban planning, and public infrastructure and housing,
among others;
(h) Institutionalize the policies, structures, coordination mechanisms and programs with continuing budget appropriation
on disaster risk reduction from national down to local levels towards building a disaster-resilient nation and communities;

(i) Mainstream disaster risk reduction into the peace process and conflict resolution approaches in order to minimize loss
of lives and damage to property, and ensure that communities in conflict zones can immediately go back to their normal
lives during periods of intermittent conflicts;

(j) Ensure that disaster risk reduction and climate change measures are gender responsive, sensitive to indigenous know
ledge systems, and respectful of human rights;

(k) Recognize the local risk patterns across the country and strengthen the capacity of LGUs for disaster risk reduction
and management through decentralized powers, responsibilities, and resources at the regional and local levels;

(l) Recognize and strengthen the capacities of LGUs and communities in mitigating and preparing for, responding to, and
recovering from the impact of disasters;

(m) Engage the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector and volunteers in the government's
disaster risk reduction programs towards complementation of resources and effective delivery of services to the Citizenry;

(n) Develop and strengthen the capacities of vulnerable and marginalized groups to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and
recover from the effects of disasters;

(o) Enhance and implement a program where humanitarian aid workers, communities, health professionals, government
aid agencies, donors, and the media are educated and trained on how they can actively support breastfeeding before and
during a disaster and/or an emergency; and

(p) Provide maximum care, assistance and services to individuals and families affected by disaster, implement emergency
rehabilitation projects to lessen the impact of disaster, and facilitate resumption of normal social and economic activities.

Rooming In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992 (Milk Code)

Republic Act No. 7600

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Rooming-In and Breast-Feeding Act of 1992". 

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State adopts rooming-in as a national policy to encourage, protect and support the
practice of breastfeeding. It shall create an environment where the basic physical, emotional, and psychological needs of
mothers and infants are fulfilled through the practice of rooming-in and breastfeeding.
 
Breastfeeding has distinct advantages which benefit the infant and the mother including the hospital and the country that
adopt its practice. It is the first preventive health measures that can give to the child at birth. It also enhances mother-
infant relationship, Furthermore, the practice of Breastfeeding could save the country valuable foreign exchange that may
otherwise be used for milk importation.
 
Breastmilk is the best food since it contains essential completely suitable for the infant’s needs. It is also nature’s first
immunization, enabling the infant to fight potential serious infection, It contains growth factors that enhance the
maturization of an infant’s organ systems.

Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10354

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as "The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012″.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes and guarantees the human rights of all persons including their
right to equality and nondiscrimination of these rights, the right to sustainable human development, the right to health
which includes reproductive health, the right to education and information, and the right to choose and make decisions for
themselves in accordance with their religious convictions, ethics, cultural beliefs, and the demands of responsible
parenthood.

Pursuant to the declaration of State policies under Section 12, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is the duty of
the State to protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution and equally protect the life of the
mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of women
especially mothers in particular and of the people in general and instill health consciousness among them. The family is
the natural and fundamental unit of society. The State shall likewise protect and advance the right of families in particular
and the people in general to a balanced and healthful environment in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. The
State also recognizes and guarantees the promotion and equal protection of the welfare and rights of children, the youth,
and the unborn.

Moreover, the State recognizes and guarantees the promotion of gender equality, gender equity, women empowerment
and dignity as a health and human rights concern and as a social responsibility. The advancement and protection of
women’s human rights shall be central to the efforts of the State to address reproductive health care.

The State recognizes marriage as an inviolable social institution and the foundation of the family which in turn is the
foundation of the nation. Pursuant thereto, the State shall defend:

(a) The right of spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious convictions and the demands of responsible
parenthood;

(b) The right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect,
abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development;

(c) The right of the family to a family living wage and income; and

(d) The right of families or family associations to participate in the planning and implementation of policies and programs

The State likewise guarantees universal access to medically-safe, non-abortifacient, effective, legal, affordable, and
quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies which do not prevent the implantation of a fertilized
ovum as determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and relevant information and education thereon
according to the priority needs of women, children and other underprivileged sectors, giving preferential access to those
identified through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) and other government
measures of identifying marginalization, who shall be voluntary beneficiaries of reproductive health care, services and
supplies for free. ■ •

The State shall eradicate discriminatory practices, laws and policies that infringe on a person’s exercise of reproductive
health rights.

The State shall also promote openness to life; Provided, That parents bring forth to the world only those children whom
they can raise in a truly humane way.

Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act of 2011

REPUBLIC ACT No. 10152

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY BASIC IMMUNIZATION SERVICES FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN,
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 996, AS AMENDED.

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

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act of 2011".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - In accordance with Article II, Section 15 of the Constitution, It is hereby declared to be
the policy of the State to take a proactive role in the preventive health care of infants and children. Towards this end, the
State shall adopt a comprehensive, mandatory and sustainable immunization program for vaccine-preventable diseases
for all infants and children.

Children Safety on Motorcycle Act of 2015

REPUBLIC ACT No. 10666

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN ABOARD MOTORCYLES

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 "Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to defend the right of children to assistance, including proper
care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions
prejudicial to their development.

Towards this end, the State shall pursue a more proactive and preventive approach to secure the safety of passengers,
especially children, by regulating the operation of motorcycles along roads and highways.

Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act of 2016

REPUBLIC ACT No. 10821

AN ACT MANDATING THE PROVISION OF EMERGENCY RELIEF AND PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN BEFORE,
DURING, AND AFTER DISASTERS AND OTHER EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

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 “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect the fundamental rights of
children before, during, and after disasters and other emergency situations when children are gravely threatened or
endangered by circumstances that affect their survival and normal development. Guided by the principles on survival and
development, on child participation, and consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well
as the Children’s Charter for Disaster Risk and Reduction, and the minimum standards for children in humanitarian action,
the State shall establish and implement a comprehensive and strategic program of action to provide the children and
pregnant and lactating mothers affected by disasters and other emergency situations with utmost support and assistance
necessary for their immediate recovery and protection against all forms of violence, cruelty, discrimination, neglect, abuse,
exploitation and other acts prejudicial to their interest, survival, development and well-being.

Child and Youth Welfare Code of the Philippines

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 603

THE CHILD AND YOUTH WELFARE CODE

I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do
hereby order and decree the following:

TITLE I
GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Article 1. Declaration of Policy. - The Child is one of the most important assets of the nation. Every effort should be
exerted to promote his welfare and enhance his opportunities for a useful and happy life.

The child is not a mere creature of the State. Hence, his individual traits and aptitudes should be cultivated to the utmost
insofar as they do not conflict with the general welfare.
The molding of the character of the child starts at the home. Consequently, every member of the family should strive to
make the home a wholesome and harmonious place as its atmosphere and conditions will greatly influence the child's
development.

Attachment to the home and strong family ties should be encouraged but not to the extent of making the home isolated
and exclusive and unconcerned with the interests of the community and the country.

The natural right and duty of parents in the rearing of the child for civic efficiency should receive the aid and support of the
government.

Other institutions, like the school, the church, the guild, and the community in general, should assist the home and the
State in the endeavor to prepare the child for the responsibilities of adulthood.

Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003

Republic Act No. 9211             June 23, 2003

AN ACT REGULATING THE PACKAGING, USE, SALE DISTRIBUTION AND

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

Section 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the "Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003."

Section 2. Policy - it is the policy of the State to protect the populace from hazardous products and promote the right to
health and instill health consciousness among them. It is also the policy of the State, consistent with the Constitutional
ideal to promote the general welfare, to safeguard the Interests of the workers and other stakeholders in the tobacco
industry. For these purposes, the government shall institute a balanced policy whereby the use, sale, and advertisements
of tobacco products shall be regulated in order to promote a healthful environment and protect the citizens from the
hazards of tobacco smoke, and at the same time ensure that the interest of tobacco farmers, growers, workers and
stakeholders are not adversely compromised.