Challenges remain in reproductive health education:

Group
By Nef Luczon

December 16, 2022, 4:38 pm

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW. Cagayan de Oro City Administrator Roy Hilario

Raagas (center) and members of the City Leadership Team attend a three-day
‘Pause and Reflect Workshop and Program Design’ in Davao City in October
2022. The event revisited the local government’s accomplishments in the
implementation of adolescent and youth sexual reproductive health programs.
(File photo by Jun Ladao/CIO)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A non-government organization here has expressed
renewed interest in working to educate the youth about the Reproductive
Health (RH) Law, as the city government vowed to address teenage
pregnancies through the Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health
(AYSRH) program.
In a statement Friday, Roots of Health executive director Amina Evangelista-
Swanepoel noted that 10 years since the passage of Republic Act (RA) 10354,
or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, teenage
pregnancy remains a national concern of their organization.
“Pre-test and post-test activities during our sexuality education sessions for
high school students in Palawan reveal continued low levels of knowledge
among young people about sexual and reproductive health,” Evangelista-
Swanepoel said.
Based on the sex education sessions conducted by the group, she said at least
70 percent of the students believed that “jumping up and down” after sex is an
effective way to avoid pregnancy; around 80 percent believed that withdrawal
is an effective method of pregnancy prevention.
“We also found out that many young people’s first sexual encounter was not
planned and that many girls entered sexual relationships earlier than they
wanted because of pressure or force from their partners,” she said.
Swanepoel said the idea that sexual relationships should be built on the
consent and willingness of both parties is new to many young people, adding
that the old idea of male conquest often goes along with a refusal to use
condoms or other forms of contraception.
The Roots of Health also called for more public investments in RH programs at
the national and local levels and better integration of age-appropriate
comprehensive sexuality education in public and private schools.
Meanwhile, Mayor Rolando Uy said the local government recognizes the
importance of implementing social development programs related to AYSRH.
“Working together with the whole bureaucracy will enable us to address
soonest the problem of increasing teen pregnancy,” he said.
Data from the City Health Office (CHO) showed that the city recorded 30
childbirths from mothers aged 10 to 14 years old last year.
There were also 1,070 childbirths labored by mothers aged 15 to 19-years-old.
The same CHO data, however, tallied a 40 percent decrease in teenage
pregnancies in 2021 with 1,782 childbirths, as compared to 2019 which had
2,945. (PNA)
Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190918

Future gen wins in SC ruling on FDA power over

tobacco products
By Wilnard Bacelonia

June 12, 2022, 3:24 pm

VICTORY. Senator Pia Cayetano (right) goes to the Supreme Court to file a
motion to intervene in the Department of Health and Food and Drugs
Administration case against the Philippine Tobacco Institute on April 11, 2013.
The organization sought court intervention to be free from FDA regulation and
the high court finally ruled in favor of the DOH and FDA on June 7. (Photo
courtesy of the Office of Sen. Pia Cayetano)
MANILA – Senator Pia Cayetano called it a victory for the future generation as
she commended on Sunday the Supreme Court (SC) ruling that upheld the
validity of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9711 or the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Act of 2009 and recognized the continued
regulatory authority of the Department of Health (DOH) and FDA over
cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Cayetano said the health hazards of tobacco cannot be denied as backed by
strong medical evidence.
“It is common sense that these products be subjected to strict regulation by a
competent health authority. As principal sponsor of RA 9711 and later, as an
intervenor in this case along with Senator Franklin Drilon, I laud our SC for this
landmark decision,” she said in a statement.
Cayetano credited the guidance and support of her fellow health advocates,
including the late DOH secretary, Dr. Alberto “Quasi” Romualdez, for the
“triumph”. She is hoping that the incoming Marcos administration will
continue to strengthen the health systems and ensure that all harmful and
potentially harmful products are duly regulated. Cayetano recalled going to the
SC with Drilon on April 11, 2013 to file a motion to intervene in the DOH and
FDA case against the Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI), whose members
include Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing, Inc., Fortune Tobacco Corp.,
La Suerte Cigar, and Cigarette Factory.
The organization rejected FDA’s authority then and sought court intervention.
The SC decision, promulgated on June 7, read “there is no overlap of functions,
as it is clear that petitioners have technical authority over matters of public
health” and that the implementing rules explicitly state that rules and
regulations and other issuances to be promulgated by the FDA will refer to
policy areas that are not covered by specialized agencies and special laws.
“Tobacco-related addiction and disease constitute a global epidemic with
serious consequences. However, despite these obvious health hazards, the
tobacco industry has marketed and sold their lethal products with zeal,
deception, a single-minded focus on financial success, and without regard for
the human tragedy or social costs that such success has exacted. Through
creative and aggressive marketing and advertising, the tobacco industry is
constantly able to conceal the harm and addictiveness of its products,” read
Cayetano and Drilon’s motion to intervene eight years ago.
In 2011, a Las Piñas court also denied for lack of merit PTI’s petition to stop the
DOH and FDA from enforcing any form of regulation or supervision on tobacco
products. According to the PTI petition, RA 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act
of 2003 states that the Inter-Agency Committee on Tobacco has exclusive
authority to implement the law, which includes regulation.
FDA and DOH countered that cigarette falls under their authority because of its
impact on health. “Imagine how detrimental it will be for Filipinos if the
petition of the tobacco industry was granted. The industry wants a government
committee where it sits as a member to regulate tobacco products. This is not
only ironic, but worse, puts the whole nation’s health at risk,” tobacco control
advocate Emer Rojas said at the time. (PNA)
Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176483

S. African ‘drug mule’ with P120-M shabu nabbed in

Mactan airport
By John Rey Saavedra
February 2, 2023, 10:52 am

DRUG MULE. Customs personnel assigned at the Mactan-Cebu International

Airport (right photo) conducts inventory of illegal drugs seized from a South
African national who arrived in Cebu from Doha, Qatar on Wednesday (Feb. 1,
2023) as a chemist from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency looks on. The
suspect, Pietro Aliquo (sitting, left photo), who is suspected to be an
international drug mule, is now facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165
or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Contributed photo)
CEBU CITY – A South African national believed to be a “drug mule” is now
facing charges after he was intercepted at the Mactan-Cebu International
Airport (MCIA) and seized from him 17.6 kilos of suspected “shabu” worth
PHP120 million on Wednesday night.
Collector Gerardo Campo, subport collector of the Bureau of Customs-Mactan,
identified the passenger as Pietro Aliquo.
Details of Aliquo’s identity are under investigation but MCIA records showed
that Aliquo flew into Cebu from Doha, Qatar.
“The Passenger Service received derogatory information about a person
carrying a suspicious object. Upon receiving the derogatory info, it was
immediately disseminated to the customs officers on duty,” Campo told the
Philippine News Agency.
Aliquo was carrying with him two pieces of luggage and a briefcase.
X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) personnel of BOC-Mactan found that the two
pieces of luggage seemed suspicious and were immediately marked with “X”
which the attention of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)’s K-9
unit for inspection and assistance.
In a statement, the PDEA-7 Airport Interdiction Unit (AIU) and K9 Unit
inspected the luggage along with the personnel of the Bureau of Immigration,
Philippine National Police’s Aviation Security Unit, National Bureau of
Investigation, and MCIA’s Emergency and Security Service Department headed
by Arthur Dela Rosa.
The drug-sniffing dog “NDD Bulik” alerted his handler of the possible presence
of dangerous drugs when the K9 team inspected the briefcase.
“A thorough check of the three items led to the discovery of a total of 10 packs
of suspected shabu weighing around 17,699 grams worth PHP120,353,200 in
hidden compartments,” the PDEA-7 said.
The initial tests on the substances conducted by a PDEA-7 chemist yielded a
positive result for dangerous drugs, it said. The seized substances have been
submitted to PDEA 7 laboratory for chemical analysis.
Aliquo will face a case for importing dangerous drugs, a violation under
Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194194

DTI warns against establishments implementing a ‘No

Return, No Exchange’ policy; explains to consumers
the rule on return and exchange
Published on: November 02, 2022
By DTI

MAKATI CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reiterates that the
“No Return, No Exchange” policy is prohibited because this is considered a
deceptive sales act. Under Republic Act No. 7394 (RA 7394) or the “Consumer
Act of the Philippines,” as well as its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the
words “No Return, No Exchange” or words to such effect shall not be written
into the contract of sale, receipt in a sales transaction, in any document
evidencing such sale or anywhere in a store or business establishment.
The Consumer Act of the Philippines specifies, “Sellers are obliged to honor
their warranties and grant corresponding remedies to consumers”. As such,
consumers should be allowed to return or exchange the goods, or avail
themselves of other remedies, in case of hidden faults or defects, or any
charge the buyer was not aware of the time of purchase. In enforcing these
remedies, however, consumers should bear in mind to at least prove the sale
transaction and show an evidence such as the official receipt. In cases where
the official receipt is not available, the buyer may resort to any other
alternative proof.
In the case of medicines, the seller is obliged to replace medicines that are
adulterated, misbranded, counterfeit or expired upon purchase. However, if
the product bought has no imperfection or defect, or if the medicine
purchased is not adulterated, misbranded, counterfeit or expired, the seller
may either refuse to replace or refund or, in the exercise of goodwill towards
their customers, may grant the replacement or request for refund.

DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Assistant Secretary, Atty. Ann Claire C.
Cabochan emphasizes, “Consumers are entitled to the repair, replacement and
refund of products with defects. However, they are not entitled to these
because of a change of mind or a mistake on their part.”
“This is why the Department constantly advises the consumers to examine the
product prior to purchase and ask about the seller’s return and exchange
policies”, Assistant Secretary Cabochan explains.
Source: https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2022/11/02/dti-warns-against-
establishments-implementing-a-no-return-no-exchange-policy-explains-to-
consumers-the-rule-on-return-and-exchange

Roque to push for environmental education in

primary level
February 28, 2022, 3:06 pm

MANILA – UniTeam senatorial candidate Harry Roque would push for

environmental education for students from kindergarten to grade school to
develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Roque said students must be well-informed about key environmental issues

facing the world so they can develop critical and creative thinking.

He vowed to reintroduce House Bill No. 5984, which he first filed when he was
a member of the House of Representatives. The bill seeks to include
environmental education in the curriculum for the primary education
department.
Under the bill, the Department of Education (DepEd) shall ensure that the
course of instruction from kindergarten to elementary school shall include a
component on environmental education. Such component shall instruct
students on topics including, but not limited to, recycling, energy efficiency,
conservation, and climate change.

In 2008, Republic Act 9512 on National Environmental Awareness and

Education Act was implemented to promote environmental awareness through
environmental education, encompassing ecological concepts and principles
and ecological laws.

Under the law, the DepEd, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) should implement
public education and awareness programs on environmental protection and
conservation. (PR)
Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1168674

Government agency, Cebu Province ink deal to train

BHWs on alternative medicine
August 31, 2022

THE Philippine Institute in Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC)

signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Cebu Provincial
Government on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, to provide trainings to barangay
health workers (BHWs) on alternative healthcare services.
During the signing, PITAHC Director General Dr. Annabelle Pabiona-De Guzman
expressed gratitude to the Cebu Provincial Government for being the first
province to embrace the traditional method of medication.
“Through this MOA, the DOH (Department of Health) PITAHC and the province
of Cebu will share resources together to promote and support traditional and
complementary medicine as a relevant and alternative healthcare,” De
Guzman said.
The program is also designed to help improve the healthcare system of
hospitals in localities and barangay health clinics.
The project is expected to benefit the residents in the far-flung barangays
through the alternative and traditional methods of healing the disease such as
massage, steam inhalation or tuob, and herbal and medicinal plants that are
organic and can be planted easily.
“When we speak of those that can afford millions in hospital debts, I’m talking
of hospital billings, I speak of those who can fly to other countries for better
medical care they are the chosen few. The greater number are just trying to
eke out a living from day to day in order to feed their families and when
someone gets sick that becomes an unbudgeted, unprepared for expense,”
said Garcia on Wednesday, August 31, through Sugbo News Live feed.
During the event, PITAHC turned over materials that will be used by BHWs
during the training such as lagundi, sambong, books for traditional and
alternative healthcare and acupuncture table, among others.
The province of Cebu has around 14,000 barangay health workers.
It can be recalled that during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (Covid-19),
the province recommended the use of tuob as a way to fight the disease.
PITAHC is a government-owned and controlled corporation attached to the
DOH. It was created on December 7, 1997 as per Republic Act 8423, also
known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (Tama) of 1997. (ANV,
TPT)
Source:https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sunstar.com.ph/ampArticle/
1939459

PIA, BCS raise awareness on HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day

2022
Published on: December 02, 2022
By PMD

QUEZON CITY (PIA) – To mark World AIDS Day 2022, the Philippine Information
Agency (PIA) collaborated with the Bureau of Communication Services (BCS) in
developing and producing a compact brochure to raise knowledge and
awareness about HIV and AIDS.
The standee-type brochure, currently on display at the PIA lobby until
December 15, chronicles important facts on HIV (human immunodeficiency
virus) which, if left untreated, can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome), health experts said.
It also features information on this year’s theme “End HIV, Act for Equality Para
sa Isang Healthy Pilipinas” which was anchored on the international theme
“Equalize.”
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS),
people around the world are asked to address the inequalities which are
holding back progress in ending AIDS.
Since the first reported HIV infection in the Philippines in 1984, some 105,794
confirmed HIV cases were reported to the HIV and AIDS Registry of the
Philippines.
In the Asia and Pacific Region, the Philippines has the fastest-growing HIV
epidemic, with a 237% increase in annual new HIV infections from 2010 to
2020. In the same period, AIDS-related deaths have increased by 315%, the HIV
and AIDS Registry said.

Commemorated annually on December 1, the observance also aims to provide

support to People Living with HIV (PLHIV), honor the lives lost to AIDS-related
illnesses, and honor men and women who have dedicated working to find a
cure to end HIV while helping PLHIV and their families.
The Philippine government’s response to the increasing cases of HIV and AIDS
was the establishment of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC). It was
created under Republic Act No. 8504, otherwise known as the Philippine AIDS
Prevention and Control Act of 1998, and reconstituted under RA 11166
(Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act).
The PNAC Is the national advisory, planning and policy-making body for the
comprehensive and integrated HIV and AIDS prevention and control program
in the country.
The council is composed of different government agencies and civil society
organizations with the Department of Health as its permanent chair. The PIA
acts as the council’s chair of the information, education and communication
committee. (PMD)

Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/2022/12/02/pia-bcs-raise-awareness-on-
hivaids-on-world-aids-day-2022

Army collects nearly 100 bags of blood in donation

drive
By Priam Nepomuceno
June 16, 2022, 10:14 am

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) has collected 44,500 cubic centimeters (cc)
of blood (around 98 bags with 450 milliliters each bag) from its blood-letting
drive held in connection with the upcoming 61st founding anniversary of its
Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG) on Wednesday.
Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement Wednesday night, said
the activity was held at the Army General Hospital at PA headquarters in Fort
Bonifacio, Metro Manila.
Military and civilian personnel of the unit spearheaded the blood-letting drive.
The HHSG, which will celebrate its founding anniversary on July 6, was
established to provide administrative, security, ceremonial services, command
activities, and service support to the PA.
"The blood-letting program aims to supplement the blood bank of the
Department of Health-administered Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City," he
added.
Trinidad said this activity shows the dedication and commitment of soldiers to
serve the people and save lives not just through combat operations but
through a multitude of other ways as well.
The government promotes the humanitarian act of voluntary blood donation
under Republic Act 7719, also known as the National Blood Services Act of
1994, to provide a sufficient supply of safe blood and to regulate blood banks.
(PNA)
Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176799

New law preserves vintage vehicles as integral part of

PH culture
By Filane Mikee Cervantes
April 27, 2022, 7:49 pm

Photo courtesy of National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)

Presidential Car Museum’s Facebook page
MANILA – The new law protecting vintage vehicles is a recognition that motor
vehicles are an integral part of Philippine culture and history and must be
preserved, a leader at the House of Representatives said on Wednesday.
Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian, one of the primary authors of the Vintage
Vehicle Regulation Act or Republic Act 11698, said vintage vehicles not only
passed the test of time but also serve as testimonial to the ingenuity, artistry
and skills of their mechanics and builders as well as of dedication and passion
of their owners.
“I believe we are just custodians for the next generation that’s why we need to
promote, protect and preserve these vintage vehicles,” said Gatchalian, as he
welcomed the enactment of the law.
The law covers all the aspects of regulation of vintage vehicles, its protection,
preservation, enhancement and promotion as nation’s heritage, as well as the
establishment and strengthening of policies that encourage the same.
It likewise seeks to increase economic opportunities from conditions favorable
to small and medium industries that may participate in international markets
for the restoration and repair of vintage vehicles as well as in the manufacture
of spare and replacement parts.
Gatchalian said the law also aims to encourage tourism through the promotion
of automobile tours, establishment of vintage vehicle or car museums,
exhibits, vintage motorsports, and other similar events.
He noted the various car groups and enthusiasts, such as the Manila Sportscar
Club, the Land Transportation Office, the PNP’s Highway Patrol Group have
expressed their support for the passage of the said measure.
Under the law, restoration shops and companies which are in the business of
importation of vintage vehicles for restoration in the Philippines and for export
of the same, shall be eligible to avail of the fiscal and tax incentives provided in
Republic Act No. 11534 or the “CREATE Law”.
Vehicles that can register and benefit from the law should be 40 years old from
the date of manufacture and whose chassis, engine, steering, and suspension
are either original or authentic and whose body has not been altered in
general appearance.
Other incentives include exemption from the Clean Air Act, anti-pollution tests,
safety and road-use, and other standards that were not in force at the time of
the manufacture of these vintage cars.
However, vintage vehicles manufactured after Dec. 31, 1967 must be fitted
with safety belts as mandated by RA 8750 or the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999.
By way of showing their distinct class, vintage vehicles are afforded to exhibit
special license plates bearing the words Vintage Vehicle and the model and
year of manufacture, in addition to the usual letters and numerals appearing in
license plates.
Gatchalian said these vintage cars shall only be used for personal purposes
and/or leisure driving in order for the government to not be burdened by
additional vehicles on the road.
He said a vintage vehicle shall in no event be used as a public utility vehicle or
for the commercial transport of persons or goods. (PNA)
Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173135

Lawmaker seeks changes in cyberlibel law

By: Jeannette I. Andrade – 1 week ago

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu City Rep. Rachel Marguerite del Mar wants a one-
year prescriptive period for cyberlibel, instead of the 12 years set in the
implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of
2012, to put in place a reasonable time limit on lawsuits over online
defamation.
In her House Bill No. 6750, Del Mar questioned why the prescription period for
cyberlibel was set at 12 years when the Revised Penal Code set a prescription
period of one year for the crime of libel.
In Del Mar’s explanatory note, she pointed out: “With the advent of advance
technologies, social media and other platforms, the exercise of freedom of
speech, of expression or of the press has become wider, faster and accessible.”
“Despite compliance with the Data Privacy Act, netizens — not only media
people — are now at risk [from] all kinds of lawsuits by commenting or
publishing something through a social media platform,” she pointed out.
The lawmaker noted that cyberlibel, under Republic Act No. 10175, or the
Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, has “no express provision on the
prescription,” but the Department of Justice set it at 12 years in the law’s
implementing rules.
A law’s prescription period is the time limit within which a person could bring
legal action for an offense or enforce a right.
Del Mar pointed out that there were two conflicting interpretations to the
prescriptive period of cyberlibel: 12 years under RA 10175’s IRR and the one
year set in section 90 of the Revised Penal Code.
She cited a 2014 Supreme Court ruling which stated that cyberlibel is “not a
new crime” as it already falls under “similar means of committing libel” in the
Revised Penal Code Article 353, in relation to Article 355.
Source:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/newsinfo.inquirer.net/1721307/lawmaker-
seeks-changes-in-cyberlibel-law/amp

House approves bill against child sexual abuse of all

forms
(Philstar.com) - March 25, 2022 - 12:00pm

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has approved on final

reading the bill aiming to prohibit all forms of sexual abuse or exploitation of
children.
Having gotten 203 affirmative votes, zero negative and zero abstention, House
Bill 10703 or the “Anti-Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children” received the
nod of the lower chamber, amending Republic Act No. 9775 or The Anti-Child
Pornography Act of 2009.
Under the new measure, internet intermediaries and other internet or
payment service providers are required to block, take down or remove
websites that facilitate such offenses against children.
It also seeks to create an inter-agency body that will supersede the inter-
agency council on anti-child pornography, as it outlines a system of reporting
for activities concerning sexual abuse of children both offline and online.
To reconcile both versions of Congress’ upper and lower chambers, a
bicameral conference committee will be formed, with Deputy Speaker Michael
Romero, representatives Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, Yedda Maria Romualdez,
Evelina Escudero, Lawrence Fortun, Joy Myra Tambuntin and Arlene Brosas, as
conferees of the House of Representatives.
During the pandemic, children’s rights groups have raised the alarm over the
rising cases of abuse, especially online, as deepening poverty spurred by
COVID-19 pushed families that were forced to stay at home to resort to easy
money-making schemes.
In 2020 alone, there were 1.2 million tips about alleged activities involving the
online sexual exploitation of children, according to the country’s Inter-Agency
Council Against Trafficking.

Source:https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.philstar.com/nation/
2022/03/25/2169607/house-approves-bill-against-child-sexual-abuse-all-
forms/amp/