EXISTING NATIONAL LAWS RELATED TO HEALTH TRENDS , ISSUES,AND CONSERNS

RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACT OF 2012(RA 10354

It is very necessary to know the importance of responsible parenthood and Reproductive Health in the
lives of every family.Each family must promote the welfare and protect the growth of their children for
them to become responsible citizens and parents in the future.

That government at their end, passed a law that will safeguard the lives and rights of every individual
particularly couples, adult individuals, women,and adolescents through the Responsible Parenthood
and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 or RA 10354, known as the Reproductive Health Law or RH Law .Is
a law in the Philippines, which guarantees universal access to methods of contraception, fertility control,
sexual education and maternal care.

Under the law, the state shall defend to following:

1.the right of spouse to found a family in accordance with their religious convictions and the demands of
responsible parenthood;

2.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;

3.the right of the family to a family living wage and income;and

4.the right of families or family associations to participate in the planning and implementation of policies
and programs.

The state likewise guarantees universal access to medically-safe non-abortifacient, effective,legal,

affordable,and quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies which do not
prevent the implementation of a fertilized ovum as determine by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) and relevant information and education thereon according to the priority needs of women ,
children, and other underprivileged sectors, giving preferential access to those identified through the
National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) and other government measures
of identifying marginalization,who shall be Voluntary beneficiaries of reproductive health care, services,
and supplies for free.

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

The state shall also promote openness to life ; provided that parents bring forth to the world only those
children whom they can raise in a truly humane way.

The implementation of this law has some guiding principles.Important guiding principles that will help
each family are the following.
1.Respect for protection and fulfillment of reproductive health and rights which seek to promote the
rights and welfare of every person particularly couples, adult individuals women and adolescents

2.While this act recognizes that abortion is illegal and punishable by law , the government shall ensure
that all women needing care for post-abortive complications and all other complications arising from
pregnancy,labor and delivery and related issues shall be treated and counseled in a humane,
nonjudgmental,and compassionate manner in accordance with law and medical ethics

3.The state shall respect individuals ‘preferences and choice of family planning methods that are in
accordance with their religious convictions and cultural beliefs, taking into consideration the State’s
obligations under various human rights instruments

4.Each family shall have the right to determine its ideal family size; provided, however, that the state
shall equip each parent with the necessary information on all aspects of family life, including
reproductive health and responsible parenthood,in order to make that determination

5.That a comprehensive reproductive health program addresses the needs of people throughout their
life cycle

Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (RA 9211)

(Smoking is dangerous to health (

Smoking poses major danger to the health of most people.The danger is not only limited to those who
are active smokers but also to persons exposed to second -hand smoke.It also pollutes the air you
breathe and everything else in the environment.

A law that will protect the lives of everyone against hazardous smoke is the tobacco Regulation Act of
2003(RA 9211). With the hazardous tobacco smoke that effects the health of so many people, a law that
promote a healthy environment is very crucial at this time.

Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 9211 is an act regulating the packaging,use,sale, distribution, and
advertisement of tobacco products and for other 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.

What places are included in the smoking ban?

Section 5.Smoking Ban in Public Places.Smoking shall be absolutely prohibited in:

1. Centers of youth activity such as playschools,preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools,
colleges and universities, youth hostels, and recreational facilities for the public

2. Elevators and stairways

3. Locations in which fire hazards ate present, including gas station and storage areas for flammable
liquids,gas explosives,or combustible materials

4. Within the buildings and premises of:

a) public and private hospitals

b) medical clinics

c) dental clinics

d) optical clinics

e) health centers

f) nursing homes

g) dispensaries

h) laboratories

5. Puclic conveyances like jeeps, buses, taxis , and tricycles

6. Food preparation areas like the kitchen

There are places that are exempted from smoking ban. These facilities allowed smoking in designated
areas only.

What does RA 9211 provide with regard to minors?

This law does not allow minors to sell,distribute, and purchase cigarette or any tobacco product . To
protect school children or students, sale and distribution of tobacco products is prohibited within one
hundred meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, playground, or other facility frequented by
minors.

What are the warning written in the package of tobacco products?

Tobacco product package must display a written warnings such as:

1. “GOVERNMENT WARNING. Cigarette Smoking Is Dangerous to Your Health.”

2. GOVERNMENT WARNING. Cigarettes Are Addictive.”
3. GOVERNMENT WARNING. Tobacco Smoke Can Harm Your Children.”
4. GOVERNMENT WARNING. Smoking Kills.”

SMOKING KILLS (Warning sign in cigarette pack)

President Benigno Aquino lll, signed the Republic Act 10643 on July 2014.It is an act to effectively instill
health conciuoness through graphic health warnings on tobacco products.This law requires tobacco
product packaging to display pictures of the I’ll effects of smoking, occupying the bottom half of the
display are a in both front and the back side of the packaging.
Several programs and projects aim to reduce the prevalence of tobacco smoking among adolescents,
reduce percentage of initiation to smoking and increase the level of awareness on the negative health
effects of smoking among adolescents. All concerns must effectively and consistently implement RA 9211
in full force.

Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 (RA 9165)

DRUG ABUSE WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE

The alarming problem on drug abuse prompted the government to take bold step in enacting Republic
Act 9165 also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.There are specific provisions in
this law that concern dangerous drug use and abuse.

Some of these provision are the following sections of Article II.

Unlawful Penalties

Importation- -Life
A.of dangerous imprisonment to
drugs death + fine of
Php500,000.00 to
Php10,000,000.00
-Imprisonment of
12 and 1day to 20
years + fine of
Php100,000.00 to
Php500,000.00
B.of controlled --Life
precursor and imprisonment to
essential death + fine of
chemicals. Php500,000.00 to
Php10,000,000.00
Sale , trading ,
administration, -Imprisonment of
dispensation, 12 and 1day to 20
delivery years + fine of
,distribution, Php100,000.00 to
and Php500,000.00
transportation-
A.of dangerous -Life
drugs imprisonment to
death + fine of
B.of controlled Php500,000.00 to
precursor and Php10,000,000.00
essential
chemical -Imprisonment of
12 and 1day to 20
Manufacture- years + fine of
A.of dangerous Php100,000.00 to
drugs Php500,000.00

B.of controlled -Life

precursor and imprisonment to
essential death + fine of
chemical Php500,000.00 to
Php10,000,000.00
Possession of
dangerous drugs
10 grams or -Life
more of cocaine imprisonment
or cocaine and a fine ranging
hydrochloride,50 from
grams or more Php400,000.00 to
of shabu,10 Php500,000.00
grams of MDMA
or ecstasy -Imprisonment of
20 years and 1
If the quantity day to life
involved in less imprisonment
than the and a fine ranging
foregoing from Php
quantities, the 400,000.00 to
penalties are Php 500,000.00
graduated as
follows: -Imprisonment of
A.10 grams or 12 years and 1
more but less day to 20 years
than 50 grams and a fine ranging
from Php
B.5 grams or 300,000.00 to
more but not Php400,000.00
less than 10
grams of either
cocaine , shabu
,and ecstasy

C.less than 5
grams of either
cocaine shabu
and ecstasy

Use of
dangerous drugs -A person
apprehended or
arrested,who is
 found to be
positive for use of
any dangerous
drug, after a
confirmation
test,shall be
imposed a
penalty of a
minimum of 6
months
rehabilitation in a
government
center for the first
offense. For the
second time, an
imprisonment
ranging from 6
years and 1 day to
12 years and a
fine of
Php50,000.00 to
Php 200,000.00

Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394)

Various agencies and organization help protect the consumers in many ways . Government agencies
such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),Department of Education (DepEd),Department of
Agriculture (DA),Department of Health (DOH),and the securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)Help in
enforcing the provisions of the Consumer Act of the Philippines or RA 7394. This act protects consumers
against deceptive, unfair, unconscionable sales practices , hazardous,unsafe products and services.

Every consumers must know this law that protects their health and welfare. As a consumer ,you must
exercise your rights. You will be able to protect yourself and others by returning faulty products, and
writing a letter of complaint about a faulty product to the manufacture. Be a vigilant and a wise
consumer.

National Environment Awareness and Education Act of 2008 (RA 9512)

RA 9512 is an act to promote environmental awareness through environmental education and for other
purposes.The department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education(CHED), the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD),in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and other relevant agencies,shall integrate
environment education in the school curricula at all levels ,whether public or private , including in
barangay daycare, preschool, non-formal , technical vocational,professional level ,indigenous learning,
and out – of – school youth courses or programs.
Environment education shall include important concepts such as the following:

1.Environment concepts and principles

2.Environmental laws

3.The state of international and local environment

4.Local environmental best practices

5.The threats of environmental degradation and its impact on human well -being

6.The responsibility of the citizenry to the environment and the value of conservation, protection, and
rehabilitation of natural resources

7.The environment in the context of sustainable development

Environmental education does not only cover the theoretical aspect but also the practicum
aspects.Some activities and projects leading to environmental protection and conservation are:

• Tree planting
• Waste minimization,
• Segregation,
• Recycling and composting ,
• Freshwater and marine conservation,
• Forest management and conservation, and
• Relevant livelihood opportunities and economic benefits

Proper implementation of the law will help save the earth by protecting the environment.

Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997 (RA 8423)

It was in 1997 that the Republic Act 8433 known as Traditional Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997
was approved legitimizing alternative medicine in the county. RA 8433 legitimized the practice of
acupuncture,chiropractic,nutritional therapy ,and reflexology. RA 8423 created the Philippine Institute of
Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC).

PITAHC is a DOH -attached government corporation that aims to provide and deliver to people,especially
the poor sector ,the traditional and alternative health Care (TAHC) products, services, and technologies
that have been proven safe , effective,and affordable.This will help so many people in the county avail of
services that will improve their health.

Objectives of PITAHC Law are the following:

1.To encourage scientific research and develop traditional and alternative health care systems that have
direct impact on public health care
 2.To promote and advocate the use of traditional,alternative,preventive , and curative health care
methods that have been proven safe , effective, cost- effective, and consistent with government
standards on medical practice

3.To develop and coordinate skills training courses for various forms of traditional and alternative health
care methods

4.To formulate standards,guidelines, and codes of ethical practice appropriate for the practice of
traditional and alternative health care as well as in the manufacture,quality control,and marketing of
different traditional and alternative health care materials, natural and organic products, for approval and
adoption by the appropriate government agencies

5.To formulate policies for the protection of indigenous and natural health resources and technology
from unwarranted exploitation , for approval and adoption by the appropriate government agencies

6.To formulate policies to strengthen the role of traditional and alternative health care delivery system

7.To promote traditional and alternative health care in international and national conventions,seminars
,and meetings

The law also protects the rights of indigenous tribes to own their knowledge of traditional medicine.If
such knowledge is used by any outsider, he or she must ask permission or must acknowledge its
source.The indigenous tribe can also demand a share of any financial return that may come from its
authorized commercial use.