CHN Notes

(Final)

NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE ACT

[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′.”
SEC. 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.

https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/about_us/ra10606.pdf

BLOOD DONATION PROGRAM

                 Republic Act No. 7719, also known as the National Blood Services Act of
1994, promotes voluntary blood donation to provide sufficient supply of safe blood and
to regulate blood banks. This act aims to inculcate public awareness that blood donation
is a humanitarian act.

                 The National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) of the Department

of Health is targeting the youth as volunteers in its blood donation program this year. In
accordance with RA No. 7719, it aims to create public consciousness on the importance
of blood donation in saving the lives of millions of Filipinos.
                 Mission:

  Blood Safety
  Blood Adequacy  
  Rational Blood Use
  Efficiency of Blood Services

Goals:

The National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) aims to achieve the following:

1. Development of a fully voluntary blood donation system;

2. Strengthening of a nationally coordinated network of Blood Supply Facility (BSF) to

increase efficiency by centralized testing and processing of blood;

3. Implementation of a quality management system including of Good Manufacturing

Practice (GMP) and Management Information System (MIS);

4. Attainment of maximum utilization of blood through rational use of blood products and
component therapy; and

5. Development of a sound, viable sustainable management and funding for

thenationally coordinated blood network.

Blood transfusion transmissible disease - diseases which may be transmitted as a

result of blood transfusion, including AIDS, Hepatitis-B, Malaria and syphilis.

https://doh.gov.ph/blood-donation-program#:~:text=Blood%20Donation%20Program
%20Republic%20Act%20No.%207719%2C%20also,awareness%20that%20blood%20donation
%20is%20a%20humanitarian%20act

SENIOR CITIZEN LAW

Republic Act 9994 defines the privileges all senior citizens in the Philippines are entitled
to. Elderly Filipinos aged 60 and above are entitled to a 20% senior citizen discount and
are exempted from the value-added tax ( VAT ) on applicable goods and services for
their exclusive use. These privileges apply to both cash and credit card payments. RA
9994 is a social welfare legislation intended to benefit our Filipino elderly and provide
them additional privileges.
What is Republic Act (RA) No. 9994? RA 9994 is the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of
2010.
It amended RA 9257 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003, which also amended
RA 7432, the original Senior Citizens Act of 1993.
When did RA 9994 become effective? RA 9994 became effective on April 22, 2010. It
was published on March 28, 2010 in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and April 7, 2010 in
Business Mirror.
Within what period did the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) need to be
formulated? The DSWD, in consultation with other government agencies, senior citizens
NGOs and other stakeholders, had until June 22, 2010 or 60 days from the law’s
effectivity to draft the new IRR to provide specific and operationalize the new senior
citizens law.  
https://aboutphilippines.org/files/frequently-asked-questions-on-republic-act-no-9994-.pdf

REVISED DANGEROUS DRUG LAW

RA 9165 Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
It is the policy of the State :
1. to safeguard the integrity of its territory & the well-being of its citizenry, particularly the
youth, from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs on their physical & mental well-
being, and
2. to defend the same against acts or omissions detrimental to their development and
preservation Unlawful Acts and Penalties
Section 4. Importation of Dangerous Drugs &/or Controlled Precursors & Essential
Chemicals. Offenders: Penalty:
1. Importer= Life to Death + P500k-P10M
2. Importer= Death + P10M using Diplomatic Passport
3. Financier, Organizer= Death + P10M Manager of Importation
4. Protector/Coddler =12y1d to 20y + P100k to P500k
Section 5. Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution &
Transportation of Dangerous Drugs &/or Controlled Precursors & Essential Chemicals
Elements: Identity of the buyer and the seller, the object, and the consideration Delivery
of the thing sold and the payment thereof Maximum Penalty Imposed on :  Committed
within 100m from a school  Use of minors or mentally incapacitated persons as
runners, couriers & messengers, or in any other capacity  If the victim is a minor or
mentally incapacitated  Dangerous drug is the proximate cause of death of victim 
Organizer, Manages the unlawful acts, financier Protector/Coddler - 12y1d to 20y +
P100k to P500k
Sec 6. Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort Den, Dive or Resort - A place where any
dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical is administered ,
delivered , stored for illegal purposes , distributed , sold or used in any form . 
Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort Maintenance – Life to death + P500k – P10M fine
 Caters to minor clients – Death + P10M fine  Financier - Death + P10M fine 
Protector/Coddler - 12 years 1 day – 20 years + P100k - P500k fine  Client dies –
Death + P1M - P15M fine * den/dive/resort shall be confiscated in favor of government
Section 7. Employees and Visitors of a Den, Dive or Resort Imprisonment: 12y 1d - 20y
+ Fine: P100k - P500k (a) Any employee of a den, dive or resort, who is aware of the
nature of the place as such; and (b) Any person who, not being included in the
provisions of the next preceding, paragraph, is aware of the nature of the place as such
and shall knowingly visit the same

Sec. 11 Possession of Dangerous Drugs. Life Imprisonment to Death and Fine P500k -
P10M Any person, who, unless authorized by law, shall possess any dangerous drug in
the following quantities, regardless of the degree of purity: Elements: Person is in
possession which is identified to be a prohibited drug Such possession is not authorized
by law Person freely & consciously possessed the said prohibited drug 1) 10 grams or
more of opium; (2) 10 grams or more of morphine; (3) 10 grams or more of heroin; (4)
10 grams or more of cocaine or cocaine hydrochloride; (5) 50 grams or more of
methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" (6) 10 grams or more of marijuana resin or
marijuana resin oil; (7) 500 grams or more of marijuana; and (8) 10 grams or more of
other dangerous drugs such as, but not limited to, methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDA) or "ecstasy", paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), trimethoxyamphetamine (TMA),
lysergic acid diethylamine (LSD), gamma hydroxyamphetamine (GHB), and those
similarly designed or newly introduced drugs and their derivatives, without having any
therapeutic value or if the quantity possessed is far beyond therapeutic requirements.
Section 12. Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and Other Paraphernalia
for Dangerous Drugs . Imprisonment: 6 months & 1 day – 4 years Fine: P10k - P50k
Any person, who, unless authorized by law, shall possess or have under his/her control
any equipment, instrument, apparatus and other paraphernalia fit or intended for
smoking, consuming, administering, injecting, ingesting, or introducing any dangerous
drug into the body.
Section 15. Use of Dangerous Drugs. A person apprehended or arrested, who is found
to be positive for use of any dangerous drug, after a confirmatory test, shall be imposed
a penalty of a minimum of 6 months REHABILITATION in a government center for the
first offense If apprehended using any dangerous drug for the second time , he/she shall
suffer the penalty of Imprisonment 6 years & 1 day to 12 years + Fine P50k to P200k
Provided, That this Section shall not be applicable where the person tested is also
found to have in his/her possession such quantity of any dangerous drug provided for
under Section 11 of this Act, in which case the provisions stated therein shall apply.
https://www.pntr.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/RA-9165.pdf

CHEAPER MEDICINES ACT

The Law intends to achieve better health outcomes for the Filipino people by assuring
that quality medicines are accessible and affordable to as many Filipinos especially the
poor.    

There are a number of factors to be considered and a variety of issues and concerns to
address when facing the problem of access to medicines.  Among the major and critical
issues include those of rational drug use, public perception on generics, health
professional behaviour on prescribing and dispensing medicines, information
asymmetry and exercising informed choice, pricing, supply and distribution, and
procurement systems’ transparency, respect for patent rights vis-à-vis access by the
poor, quality assurance, and many others.  This is the reason why the Law too has
many different interventions ready to address these critical and major issues.

Who are involved in the implementation of the Cheaper Medicines Act?

 The Secretary of Health has special powers to be able to make informed

decisions and ensure the full implementation of the Law.  Such influence extends
even to the Local Government Units where the DOH shall actively engage in
meaningful partnerships to ensure the Law is followed.
 The DOH is the main implementing and monitoring agency for Cheaper
Medicines Act but this is not a sole responsibility of the Department.  DTI, IPO,
FDA, PhilHealth, PITC, PITC Pharma Inc. are all collectively working together to
get the intent of the Law done.  Moreover, the Secretary can deputize any other
government agency for any purpose related to the implementation and apt
enforcement of the Law and its IRR.
 Private Sector participation, partnerships, and advice are encouraged and sought
in terms of monitoring implementation, building capacity, and reporting violations
of the Law and its IRR.

 
Will Senior citizen’s discounts and discounts for people with disabilities still be honored
on drugs with Maximum Retail Prices (MRP)?

With the Power to regulate prices, why not just regulate all drugs and medicines prices?

The Law recognizes competition as the primary instrument to attain the best price and
best quality for drugs and medicines through generics promotion.  Competition also
encourages innovation so we can have newer and better drugs.  However, in instances
that effective competition is not attained, the Law and its IRR provides for regulations of
prices as well as of all the other factors that contribute to high and inaccessible costs of
drugs and medicines.  Thus, a balance between these two may be best for our
countrymen to reap the full benefits of quality affordable medicines without
compromising innovation for research for newer drugs.

https://doh.gov.ph/book/export/html/977

SAVE THE CHILDREN

Our Work
Save the Children (STC) works hard to help children gain
access to quality education and health services, support
them in times of great need, and protect them from risks
and harm. STC works with the government in developing
policies, plan and budgets to ensure that children,
especially those living in poor communities, have access
to quality basic services and have their rights protected.
Our generous supporters in the Philippines and throughout
the world help makes STC work possible.
 Humanitarian Response
When disasters strike, we ensure that children are given care and emotional support to
survive, recover, and continue to learn and live normal lives.

Health and Nutrition

We improve the health of children and families so children no longer die of
preventable illnesses and live past their fifth birthday.

Education
We create greater access to quality education and ensure that girls and boys are able to
learn in safe and positive environments.

Childs' Rights & Protection

We ensure that children are safe from abuse, exploitation and violence at all times,
and have a say in government decisions that affect their lives.
 

 https://www.savethechildren.org.ph/

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9262 AN ACT DEFINING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND
THEIR CHILDREN, PROVIDING FOR PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR VICTIMS,
PRESCRIBING PENALTIES THEREFORE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Section 1. Short Title.- This Act shall be known as the "Anti-Violence Against Women
and Their Children Act of 2004."
Sec. 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.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms.- As used in this Act: (a) "Violence against women and their
children" refers to any act or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman
who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a
sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child
whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which result in or is
likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse
including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary
deprivation of liberty. It includes, but is not limited to, the following acts:
A. "Physical Violence" refers to acts that include bodily or physical harm;
B. "Sexual violence" refers to an act which is sexual in nature, committed against a
woman or her child. It includes, but is not limited to: a) Rape, sexual harassment, acts of
lasciviousness, treating a woman or her child as a sex object, making demeaning and
sexually suggestive remarks, physically attacking the sexual parts of the victim's body,
forcing her/him to watch obscene publications and indecent shows or forcing the woman
or her child to do indecent acts and/or make films thereof, forcing the wife and
mistress/lover to live in the conjugal home or sleep together in the same room with the
abuser; b) Acts causing or attempting to cause the victim to engage in any sexual
activity by force, threat of force, physical or other harm or threat of physical or other
harm or coercion; c) Prostituting the woman or child.
C. "Psychological violence" refers to acts or omissions causing or likely to cause mental
or emotional suffering of the victim such as but not limited to intimidation, harassment,
stalking, damage to property, public ridicule or humiliation, repeated verbal abuse and
mental infidelity. It includes causing or allowing the victim to witness the physical, sexual
or psychological abuse of a member of the family to which the victim belongs, or to
witness pornography in any form or to witness abusive injury to pets or to unlawful or
unwanted deprivation of the right to custody and/or visitation of common children.
D. "Economic abuse" refers to acts that make or attempt to make a woman financially
dependent which includes, but is not limited to the following: 1. Withdrawal of financial
support or preventing the victim from engaging in any legitimate profession, occupation,
business or activity, except in cases wherein the other spouse/partner objects on valid,
serious and moral grounds as defined in Article 73 of the Family Code; 2. Deprivation or
threat of deprivation of financial resources and the right to the use and enjoyment of the
conjugal, community or property owned in common; 3. Destroying household property;
4. Controlling the victims' own money or properties or solely controlling the conjugal
money or properties. (b) "Battery" refers to an act of inflicting physical harm upon the
woman or her child resulting to the physical and psychological or emotional distress. (c)
"Battered Woman Syndrome" refers to a scientifically defined pattern of psychological
and behavioral symptoms found in women living in battering relationships as a result of
cumulative abuse. (d) "Stalking" refers to an intentional act committed by a person who,
knowingly and without lawful justification follows the woman or her child or places the
woman or her child under surveillance directly or indirectly or a combination thereof. (e)
"Dating relationship" refers to a situation wherein the parties live as husband and wife
without the benefit of marriage or are romantically involved over time and on a
continuing basis during the course of the relationship. A casual acquaintance or
ordinary socialization between two individuals in a business or social context is not a
dating relationship. (f) "Sexual relations" refers to a single sexual act which may or may
not result in the bearing of a common child. (g) "Safe place or shelter" refers to any
home or institution maintained or managed by the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) or by any other agency or voluntary organization accredited by
the DSWD for the purposes of this Act or any other suitable place the resident of which
is willing temporarily to receive the victim. (h) "Children" refers to those below eighteen
(18) years of age or older but are incapable of taking care of themselves as defined
under Republic Act No. 7610. As used in this Act, it includes the biological children of
the victim and other children under her care.
Sec. 4. Construction.- This Act shall be liberally construed to promote the protection and
safety of victims of violence against women and their children.
Sec. 5. Acts of Violence Against Women and Their Children.- The crime of violence
against women and their children is committed through any of the following acts: (a)
Causing physical harm to the woman or her child; (b) Threatening to cause the woman
or her child physical harm; (c) Attempting to cause the woman or her child physical
harm; (d) Placing the woman or her child in fear of imminent physical harm; (e)
Attempting to compel or compelling the woman or her child to engage in conduct which
the woman or her child has the right to desist from or desist from conduct which the
woman or her child has the right to engage in, or attempting to restrict or restricting the
woman's or her child's freedom of movement or conduct by force or threat of force,
physical or other harm or threat of physical or other harm, or intimidation directed
against the woman or child. This shall include, but not limited to, the following acts
committed with the purpose or effect of controlling or restricting the woman's or her
child's movement or conduct: (1) Threatening to deprive or actually depriving the
 woman or her child of custody to her/his family; (2) Depriving or threatening to deprive
the woman or her children of financial support legally due her or her family, or
deliberately providing the woman's children insufficient financial support; (3) Depriving
or threatening to deprive the woman or her child of a legal right; and (4) Preventing the
woman in engaging in any legitimate profession, occupation, business or activity or
controlling the victim's own money or properties, or solely controlling the conjugal or
common money, or properties. (f) Inflicting or threatening to inflict physical harm on
oneself for the purpose of controlling her actions or decisions; (g) Causing or attempting
to cause the woman or her child to engage in any sexual activity which does not
constitute rape, by force or threat of force, physical harm, or through intimidation
directed against the woman or her child or her/his immediate family; (h) Engaging in
purposeful, knowing, or reckless conduct, personally or through another, that alarms or
causes substantial emotional or psychological distress to the woman or her child. This
shall include, but not be limited to, the following acts: (1) Stalking or following the
woman or her child in public or private places; (2) Peering in the window or lingering
outside the residence of the woman or her child; (3) Entering or remaining in the
dwelling or on the property of the woman or her child against her/his will; (4) Destroying
the property and personal belongings or inflicting harm to animals or pets of the woman
or her child; and (5) Engaging in any form of harassment or violence. (i) Causing mental
or emotional anguish, public ridicule or humiliation to the woman or her child, including,
but not limited to, repeated verbal and emotional abuse, and denial of financial support
or custody of minor children of access to the woman's child/children.
http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/research/Philippines/RA%209262%20-%20Law%20Against%20Violence
%20Against%20Women%20and%20Their%20Children.pdf

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT

A country prone to natural disasters

The article “Philippines: A country prone to natural disasters” describes how

the Philippines have suffered from many deadly typhoons, earthquakes,
volcano eruptions, and other natural disasters primarily because of its location
close to the Ring of fire, typhoon belt in the pacific ocean region where many
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions take place (Deutsche Welle, 2013).

So why is the Philippines so disaster-prone?

Here are five reasons according to the National Geographic article:
1. Warm ocean waters. Because the Philippines sits just above the
equator, it is surrounded by warm ocean waters at 28 degrees C.  These
warm waters ‘powers storms’ that brings 20 typhoons a year.
2. Coastal Homes. In the Philippines, 60% of the populations live along
low-lying coastal areas.
3. Deforestations. Bare hillsides lead to mudslides that can kill people
during typhoons, clog waterways that result in cholera outbreaks.
4. The Philippines is in the ring of fire, which makes it experience
earthquakes and volcanic activity more frequently.
5. Underdevelopment and poor population. Poor people settling in
coastal areas have houses and dwellings made of flimsy materials that cannot
withstand typhoons and storm surges.  And inadequate evacuation plans in
the Philippines also contributes to the number of people affected by these
disasters.

The mitigation strategies the NDRRMC is doing, especially one that considers
climate change and the country’s infrastructure, are included and discussed in
the Philippines Disaster Management Reference Handbook, March 2018.
It consists of 3 stages that can sometimes overlap. Below is a summary of the
stages:
The first stage is the pre-disaster risk assessment action, plants and protocol
or, simply put, emergency response preparedness. Ideally, this should happen
before the hazard or emergency and includes assessments of possible risks.
This first stage alone involves many government departments and agencies
like civil defense, social welfare, department of interior and local government,
and representatives from more government departments.

The second stage involves Response Clusters and Incident Management

Teams (IMT). This happens during or when disaster hits. The rallying of relief
and response happens at this stage. Again, this stage involves several
government agencies and departments.
Management of resources and personnel is under the Incident management
teams, while mandate and technical expertise are under the response
clusters, implying a clear and separate function of each team involved during
relief and response operation.
For instance, agencies involved in the Response clusters include the Armed
Forces of the Philippines, the Health Department, the Department of Social
Welfare and Development, the Philippine National Police, Department of
Foreign Affairs – in case foreign assistance is needed, among others.

The third and final stage is the Response cluster and IMT demobilization
and deactivation. This is the transition to recovery and rehabilitation and
where response clusters slowly move out.  Post-disaster activities happen at
this stage where response clusters review their operations and document their
operations, lessons learned, and best practices to help improve policies.
https://climateadaptationplatform.com/disaster-management-and-response-in-the-philippines/

ROOMING-IN & BREASTFEEDING ACT OF 1992

Republic Act No. 7600
 
AN ACT PROVIDING INCENTIVES TO ALL GOVERNMENT AND
PRIVATE HEALTH INSTITUTIONS WITH ROOMING-IN AND
BREAST-FEEDING PRACTICES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
  
 
  
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Rooming-In
and Breast-Feeding Act of 1992". chan robles virtual law library
 
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.
 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the
following definition are adopted:
(a)  Age of gestation -  the length of time the fetus is inside the
mother's womb.
 
(b)  Bottle-feeding - the method of feeding an infant using a bottle
with artificial nipples, the contents of which can be any type of
fluid.
 
(c)  Breastfeeding - the method of feeding an infant directly from
the human breast.chan robles virtual law library

 
(d)  Breastmilk - the human milk from a mother.
 
(e)  Expressed Breastwork - the humanmilk which has extracted
from  the breast by hand or by pump.  It can be fed to an infant
using the dropper, a nasogatric tube, a cup and  spoon, or a
bottle.
 
(f)  Formula Feeding - the feeding of a newborn with infant
formula usually by bottlefeeding.  It is also called artificial
feeding.
 
(g)  Health Institutions - are hospitals, health infirmaries,  health
centers, lying-in centers, or puericulture centers with obstetrical
and pediatric services.
 
(h)  Health Personnel - are professionals and workers who manage
and/or administer the entire operation and health institutions
and/or who are involved in providing maternal and child  health
services.
 
(i)  Infant - a child within zero (0) to twelve (12) months of age.
 
(j)  Infant Formula - the Breastmilk substitute formulated
industrially in accordance with applicable Codex Alimentary
standards, to satisfy the normal nutritional requirements of
infants up to six (6) months  of age,  and adopted to their 
physiological characteristics.
 
(k)  Lactation Management - the general care of a mother-infant
nursing couple during the mother's prenatal immediate
postpartum  and postnatal periods.  It deals with educating and
providing knowledge and information to pregnant and lactating
mothers on the advantages of Breastfeeding, the physiology of
lactation, the establishment and maintenance of lactation, the
proper care that would contribute to successful Breastfeeding.
 
(l)  Low Birth Weight Infant - a newborn weighing less than two
thousand five hundred (2,500) grams at birth.
 
(m)  Mother's milk - the Breastwork from the newborn's own
mother.
 
(n)  Rooming-in - the practice of placing the newborn in the same
room as the mother right after delivery up to discharge to
facilitate  mother-infant bonding and to initiate breastfeeding. 
The infant may either share the mother's bed or be placed in a
crib beside the mother.
 
(o)  Seriously-ill Mother - are those who are: with severe
infections; in shock; in severe cardiac or respiratory distress; or
dying' or those with other conditions that may be determined by
the attending physician as serious.
 
(p)  Wet-nursing - the feeding of a new-born from another
mother's breast when his/her own mother cannot breast-feed.

https://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno7600.htm#.YZ8oBI4zbIU

RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE Health

Law 2012
The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, also
known as the Reproductive Health Law or RH Law, and officially designated
as Republic Act No. 10354, is a Philippine law that provided universal access to
methods on contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care in the
Philippines.
While there is general agreement about its provisions on maternal and child
health, there is great debate on its mandate that the Philippine government and the
private sector will fund and undertake widespread distribution of family planning devices
such as condoms, birth control pills, and IUDs, as the government continues to
disseminate information on their use through all health care center
Passage of the legislation was controversial and highly divisive, with academics,
religious institutions, and major political figures declaring their support or opposition
while it was pending in the legislature. Heated debates and rallies both supporting and
opposing the RH Bill took place nationwide.
The Senate Policy Brief titled "Promoting Reproductive Health", the history of
reproductive health in the Philippines dates back to 1967 when leaders of 12 countries
including the Philippines' Ferdinand Marcos signed the Declaration on Population. The
Philippines agreed that the population problem should be considered as the principal
element for long-term economic development. Thus, the Population Commission was
created to push for a lower family size norm and provide information and services to
lower fertility rates.
Different presidents had different points of emphasis. President Ferdinand
Marcos pushed for a systematic distribution of contraceptives all over the country, a
policy that was called "coercive", by its leading administrator. The Corazon
Aquino administration focused on giving couples the right to have the number of
children they prefer, while Fidel V. Ramos shifted from population control to population
management. Joseph Estrada used mixed methods of reducing fertility rates, focusing
on mainstreaming natural family planning.  In 1989, the Philippine Legislators'
Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) was established, "dedicated to
the formulation of viable public policies requiring legislation on population management
and socio-economic development". 
In 2000, the Philippines signed the Millennium Declaration and committed to
attain the MDGs by 2015, including promoting gender equality and health. In 2003,
USAID started its phase out of a 33-year-old program by which free contraceptives were
given to the country. Aid recipients such as the Philippines faced the challenge to fund
its own contraception program. In 2004, the Department of Health (DOH) introduced the
Philippines Contraceptive Self-Reliance Strategy, arranging for the replacement of
these donations with domestically provided contraceptives.
In August 2010, the government announced a collaborative work with the USAID
in implementing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy in favor of
family planning called May Plano Sila (literally "they have a plan").
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responsible_Parenthood_and_Reproductive_Health_Act_of_2012
MANDATORY INFANTS AND CHILD HEALTH IMMUNIZATION ACT 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.

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.

Section 3. Coverage. - The mandatory basic immunization for all infants and children provided
under this Act shall cover the following vaccine-preventable diseases:

(a) Tuberculosis;

(b) Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis;

(c) Poliomyelitis;

(d) Measles;

(e) Mumps;

(f) Rubella or German measles;

(g) Hepatitis-B;

(h) H. Influenza type B (HIB); and

(i) Such other types as may be determined by the Secretary of Health in a department
circular.

The mandatory basic immunization shall be given for free at any government hospital or health
center to infants and children up to five (5) years of age.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) shall include the basic immunization services in
its benefit package.

https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2011/ra_10152_2011.html
CHILDREN SAFETY ON MOTORCYCLES 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.

Section 3. Definitions. – For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall mean:

(a) Motorcycle refers to any two (2)-wheeled motor vehicle having one (1) or two (2) riding
saddles;

(b) Public roads refer to roads designed by the national government or local government

units as roads for public use such as, but not limited to, national highways, provincial roads,
city, municipal and barangay streets;

(c) Foot peg refers to a flat form attached to the motorcycles on which to stand or brace the
feet; and

(d) Rider refers to the driver of a motorcycle.

Section 4. Prohibition. – It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a two (2)-wheeled motorcycle
with a child on board on public roads where there is heavy volume of vehicles, there is a high density
of fast moving vehicles or where a speed limit of more than 60/kph is imposed, unless:

(a) The child passenger can comfortably reach his/her feet on the standard foot peg of the
motorcycle;

(b) The child’s arms can reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle rider; and

(c) The child is wearing a standard protective helmet referred to under Republic Act No.
10054, otherwise known the "Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009."

Section 6. Penalties. – Any person who operates a motorcycle in violation of Section 4 of this Act
shall be fined with an amount of three thousand pesos (P3, 000.00) for the first offense; five
thousand pesos (P5, 000.00) for the second offense; and ten thousand pesos (P10, 000.00) for the
third and succeeding offenses.

Moreover, for the third offense, the driver’s license of the offender shall be suspended for a period of
one (1) month.

Violation of these provisions beyond the third time shall result to automatic revocation of the
offender’s driver’s license.

https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2015/ra_10666_2015.html

CHILDREN’S EMERGENCY RELIEF AND PROTECTION ACT 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”.

SEC. 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.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – For the purposes of this Act, the following shall refer to:
 Child – refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age or those over but are unable
to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty,
exploitation Or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition as
defined in Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse,
Exploitation and Discrimination Act;

 Child with Special Needs – refers to a child with a developmental or physical disability
as defined in Republic Act No. 10165 or the Foster Care Act of 2012;

 Child-Friendly Spaces – refer to spaces where communities create nurturing

environments for children to engage in free and structured play, recreation, leisure and
learning activities. The child-friendly space may provide health, nutrition, and
psychosocial support, and other services or activities which will restore their normal
functioning;

a. Orphans or Orphaned Children – refer to children who do not have a family and

relatives who can assume responsibility for their care;

b. Separated Children – refer to children separated from both parents, or from their
previous legal or usual primary caregiver, but not necessarily from other relatives. As a
result, this may include children accompanied by other family members;

 State of Calamity – refers to a condition involving mass casualty and/or major

damages to property, disruption of means of livelihoods, roads, and normal way of life
of people in the affected areas as a result of occurrence of natural or human-induced
hazard as defined in Republic Act No. 10121;

 Transitional Shelter – refers to structures temporarily constructed by the government

intended for families affected by a disaster while awaiting transfer to permanent
shelters; and

 Unaccompanied Children – refer to children who have been separated from both
parents and other relatives, and who are not being cared for by an adult who, by law or
custom, is responsible for doing so.

SEC. 4. Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children. – The Department of Social

Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall formulate a Comprehensive Emergency
Program for Children, hereinafter referred to as the Program, taking into consideration
humanitarian standards for their protection. The Program shall be used as the basis for
handling disasters and other emergency situations to protect children, pregnant and
lactating mothers, and support their immediate recovery. This shall be implemented
immediately after the declaration of a national or local state of calamity or occurrence
of any other emergency situation.

The DSWD shall engage all relevant government agencies and stakeholders for the
implementation of the Program. Local government units (LGUs) shall integrate the
same in their development and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
(LDRRM) plans and budget.

The Program shall be gender-sensitive and have the following components:

(a) Establishment of Evacuation Centers. –

(b) Establishment of Transitional Shelters for Orphaned, Separated, and

Unaccompanied Children. –

(c) Assurance for Immediate Delivery of Basic Necessities and Services. –

(d) Stronger Measures to Ensure the Safety and Security of Affected Children. –

The DSWD shall require all government agencies, LGUs, and CSOs which are tasked to
provide any assistance or services to the affected children to adopt a child protection
policy. The child protection policy shall include measures to deter and effectively
respond to cases of violence, abuse, and exploitation of children.

All LGUs shall prioritize the establishment and functionality of the barangay violence
against women and children (VAWC) desks. The VAWC desk shall serve as one of the
key reporting and referral mechanism for cases of violence, abuse, and exploitation of
children in the barangay diming all phases of emergency response and recovery.

Children shall be given priority during evacuation as a result of a disaster or other

emergency situation.

(e) Delivery of Health, Medical, and Nutrition Services. –

(f) Plan of Action for Prompt Resumption of Educational Services for Children. –

(h) Promotion of Children’s Rights. – The Program shall include activities and processes
that will promote and uphold the rights of children by:

(1) Providing child-centered training for all responders;

(2) Ensuring that children are provided with adequate access to age-appropriate
information on their roles and responsibilities and those of government agencies
before, during, and after disasters and other emergency situations;

(3) Providing an effective mechanism for training and meaningful participation of

children in community disaster risk reduction program; and

(4) Consulting with the affected children on their needs and priorities for post-disaster
relief and recovery.

SEC. 8. Training of Emergency Responders on Child Protection. – The National Disaster

Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) shall promote and conduct a child-
responsive training program for all responders in the calamity area such as community
and barangay leaders, community members, school personnel and other rescuers. The
training program shall include the following:

(a) Proper procedures and measures to assess the situation, safeguard and protect the
affected children during and after emergencies and disasters; and

(b) Appropriate training on psychosocial interventions for children in different stages of

development who are victims of calamities.

Each member agency shall include or mainstream child protection in their emergency
response training to service providers.

SEC. 9. Data Gathering, Monitoring, and Reporting. –  The agencies mandated by this Act
shall monitor and report on the implementation of services under the Program to be
submitted jointly to Congress annually. The report shall include a specific section on
pregnant women and children under five (5) years of age as a strategy to address the
post-disaster nutrition needs of children under age five (5) and pregnant women.

Within five (5) days from the declaration of a national state of calamity or as soon as
practicable, the DSWD and the DILG shall jointly submit written documentation and
report on their surveillance and monitoring under Section 4(d) to the appropriate
committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

https://mirror.officialgazette.gov.ph/2016/05/18/republic-act-no-10821/