ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING
Yawan, Derick Keith B.
BSN 2-E
Public Health Laws
A. Magna Carta for Health Worker
[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7305, March 26, 1992 ]
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.
SEC. 3. Definition. - For purposes of this Act, "health workers" shall mean all persons who are
engaged in health and health-related work, and all persons employed in all hospitals, sanitaria, health
infirmaries, health centers, rural health units, barangay health stations, clinics and other health-related
establishments owned and operated by the Government or its political subdivisions with original
charters and shall include medical, allied health professional, administrative and support personnel
employed regardless of their employment status.
B. Sanitation Code
Presidential Decree No. 856 Promulgating the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines.
The objective of this Code on Sanitation is the improvement of the way of the Filipinos by directing
public health services towards the protection and promotion of the health of the people.
Chapter III contains the provisions for food establishments. In this chapter means an establishment where
food or drinks are 1nanufactured, processed, stored, sold or served. In order to operate a food
establishment for public patronage, a permit shall be obtained from the local health office. All foods must
be obtained from sources approved by the local health authority. The Chapter makes provisions among
others, requirements for food establishments' structure, quality and protection of all types of food, fish
marketing areas, inspection or evaluation of food establishment, health certificates of employees,
bactericidal treatment.
Chapter II provides for water supply. Standards for drinking water and their bacteriological and chemical
examinations, together with the evaluation of results, shall conform to the criteria set by the National
Drinking Water Standards. The treatment of water to render it safe for drinking, and the disinfection of
contaminated water sources together with their distribution systems shall be in accordance with
procedures prescribed by the Department. Other provisions include the examinations required for
drinking water, examining laboratories and submission of water samples, the measures to protect drinking
water from contamination, etc.
In addition, the Code makes provisions for: requirements in the operation of sewerage works and sewage
treatment plants, responsibilities of cities and municipalities for providing a system of collecting,
transporting and disposing solid wastes in their areas of jurisdiction in a manner approved by the local
health authority, the authority of the Health Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations for the control
and prevention of the environment pollution, etc.
C. Clean Air Act
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, Republic Act No. 8749.
The Act provides for the creation of a national program of air pollution management focusing primarily
on pollution prevention; for the promotion of mass media communication in order to create social
awareness and active participation in air quality planning and monitoring.
A Certificate of Conformity issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to vehicle
manufacturer / assembler or importer shall certify that this new vehicle or vehicle type meets the
mandatory requirements in terms of pollution prevention as per this Act. The provisions of this Act
extend to the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), that significantly deplete or otherwise modify the
ozone layer, and to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), organic compounds persisting in the
environment, bioaccumulating, and resisting photolytic, chemical and biological degradation (including
but not limited to dioxin, furan, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, such as
aldrin, dieldrin, DDT, hexachlorobenzene, lindane, toxaphene and chlordane) and other toxic or
poisonous substances potentially damaging human and animal health and the ecosystem.
D. `Generic Act
Generics Act of 1988 (Republic Act No. 6675).
This Act, consisting of 15 sections, declares the policy to promote, require and ensure the production of
adequate supply, use and acceptance of drugs (including for animal use) identified by their generic names.
Its objectives are: 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; to encourage the
extensive use of drugs with generic names through a national system of procurement and distribution; to
emphasize the scientific basis for the use of drugs; and to promote drug safety by minimizing duplication
in medications and/or use of drugs with potentially adverse drug interactions. In the promotion of the
generic names for pharmaceutical products, special consideration shall be given to drugs and medicines
which are included in the Essential Drug List to be prepared within 180 days from approval of this Act by
the Department of Health conditions obtaining in the Philippines as well as in the internationally accepted
criteria. In particular: a) all medical and veterinary practitioners, including private practitioners, shall
write prescriptions using generic name; b) any organization or company involved in the manufacture,
import, repackaging, marketing and/or distribution of drugs and medicine shall indicate the generic name
of the product labels; c) drugstores, pharmacies and related stores shall inform any buyer about all other
generic drugs. Offences and penalties for illegal activities are appended to the text.
E. National Health Insurance Act (Phil Health)
National Health Insurance Act of 1995 (R.A. No. 7875).
Was enacted creating the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), a government-owned
and-controlled corporation tasked with the mandate of implementing the National Health Insurance
Program. Twelve years later, the National Health Insurance Program serves more than 15 million
members and 61.82 million beneficiaries with a host of medical benefits, but it has not been without its
share of problems.
Provides a National Health Insurance Program for all Filipinos and establishes the Philippine Health
Insurance Corporation for that purpose. S. 2 sets forth guiding principles of the Program, including
universality, equity, social solidarity, devolution, informed choice, and cost sharing.
F. National Blood Services Act
Republic Act No. 7719, 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.
Based from the data from the National Voluntary Blood Services Program, a total of 654,763 blood units
were collected in 2009. Fifty-eight percent of which was from voluntary blood donation and the
remaining from replacement donation. This year, particular provinces have already achieved 100%
voluntary blood donation. The DOH is hoping that many individuals will become regular voluntary
unpaid donors to guarantee sufficient supply of safe blood and to meet national blood necessities.
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 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 the nationally coordinated
blood network.
G. 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
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.
H. Senior Citizen Laws
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"
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.
I. Revised Dangerous Act
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
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.
J. Act on Cheaper Medicine
Republic Act (RA) No. 9502
Otherwise known as “The Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008.” The
report presents and showcases the progress of initiatives in improving access of Filipinos to affordable
and quality medicines and health commodities.
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.
K. Senior Citizen Laws
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"
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.
L. Revised Dangerous Drugs Law
[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165]
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
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.
M. Disaster Risk Reduction Management
Republic Act 10121
The Act shifted the policy environment and the way the country deals with disasters from mere response
to preparedness. RA 10121 provides a comprehensive, all-hazard, multi-sectoral, inter-agency, and
community-based approach to disaster risk management through the formulation of the National Disaster
Risk Management Framework.
A National Disaster Risk Management Plan (NDRMP) is being formulated, developed, and implemented
as the master plan that will provide the strategies, organisation, tasks of concerned agencies and local
government units, and other guidelines in dealing with disasters or emergencies. Through this plan, a
coherent, integrated, efficient, and responsive disaster risk management at all levels will hopefully be
achieved.
The law also promotes the development of capacities in disaster management at the individual,
organisational, and institutional levels. A very important feature of this law is its call for the
mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction in physical and land-use planning, budget, infrastructure,
education, health, environment, housing, and other sectors.
RA 10121 also recognises local risk patterns and trends and decentralisation of resources and
responsibilities and thus encourages the participation of NGOs, private sectors, community-based
organisations, and community members in disaster management. It inhibits the full participation of the
Local Government Units (LGUs) and communities in governance. The approach tends to be 'response-
oriented' or 'reactive.' This is evidenced by the widespread emphasis on post-disaster relief and short-term
preparedness, such as forecasting and evacuation, rather than on mitigation and post- disaster support for
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Moreover, the Act mandates the establishment of a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
(DRRMO) in every province, city and municipality, and a Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Committee (BDRRMC) in every barangay.
The Strategic National Action Plan on Disaster Risk Reduction for 2009-2019 aims to enhance the
capacities of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils.
Finally, RA10121 provides for the calamity fund to be used in support of disaster risk reduction or
mitigation, prevention, and preparedness activities for the potential occurrence of disasters and not just
for response, relief, and rehabilitation efforts.
N. Rooming-in and Breastfeeding Act of 1992 (Milk Code)
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 .
eclaration 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.
O. Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10354
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
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
P. Mandatory Infant and Children Health Immunization Act of 2011
Republic Act No. 10152
otherwise known as the “Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act of 2011, which
requires that all children under five years old be given basic immunization against vaccine-preventable
diseases. Specifically, this bill provides for all infants to be given the birth dose of the Hepatitis-B vaccine
within 24 hours of birth.
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.
SEC. 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.
Hepatitis-B vaccine shall be administered by any duly licensed physician, nurse or midwife to ah infants
born in hospitals, health infirmaries, health centers or lying-in centers with obstetrical and pediatric
services, whether public or private, within twenty-four (24) hours after birth: Provided, however, That in
cases of infants born in places other than the above, any duly licensed physician, nurse or midwife who
delivers, or assists in the delivery of the newborn shall be responsible for administering the vaccine to the
latter: Provided, further. That for deliveries assisted by persons other. than the health professionals
mentioned above, the infant should be brought to any available health care facility so as to be immunized
against Hepatitis-B within twenty-four (24) hours after birth but not later than seven (7) days: Provided,
finally, That subsequent doses of Hepatitis-B vaccination shall be completed according to the
recommended schedule of Hepatitis-B immunization, as may be provided in the implementing rules and
regulations to be issued by the Department of Health (DOH).
Q. Children Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015
RA 10666 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN ABOARD MOTORCYLES
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.
R. 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
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.
S. Child and Youth Welfare Code of the Philippines
Presidential Decree No. 603, s. 1974
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.
T. Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (RA 9211)
Republic Act No. 9211
AN ACT REGULATING THE PACKAGING, USE, SALE, DISTRIBUTION AND
ADVERTISEMENTS OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
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 interests of tobacco farmers, growers, workers and stakeholders are not
adversely compromised.
SECTION 3. Purpose.—It is the main thrust of this Act to:
a. Promote a healthful environment;
b. Inform the public of the health risks associated with cigarette smoking and tobacco use;
c. Regulate and subsequently ban all tobacco advertisements and sponsorships;
d. Regulate the labeling of tobacco products;
e. Protect the youth from being initiated to cigarette smoking and tobacco use by prohibiting the sale of
tobacco products to minors;
f. Assist and encourage Filipino tobacco farmers to cultivate alternative agricultural crops to prevent
economic dislocation; and
g. Create an Inter-Agency Committee on Tobacco (IAC-Tobacco) to oversee the implementation of the
provisions of this Act.
