Public Health Laws in the Philippines: Key Legislation and Policies

Public Health Law

A form of public health policy that integrates concepts from law, medicine, health care, and public health.

Republic Acts

Laws passed by the congress of the Philippines.

Decrees

Orders of the President in his capacity to act as legislator.

RA 1082

Rural Health Act an act strengthening health and dental services in the rural areas, and providing funds therefore.

RA 8749

Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, a comprehensive air quality management policy and program which aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos.

RA 7305

Magna Carta of Public Health Workers, provisions on the benefits, rights and responsibilities of PHW.

RA 2644

Philippine Midwifery Act, registered nurses may practice midwifery through passing the midwifery exam and completed 20 actual deliveries.

RA 7875

National Health Insurance Act of 1995, an act instituting a national health insurance program for all Filipinos and establishing the PHIC for the purpose.

RA 6425

Dangerous Drug Act of 1972, provision of S2-code for selected doctors who can prescribe narcotic drugs.

RA 7719

National Blood Services Act of 1994, promotes voluntary blood donation to provide sufficient supply of safe blood and to regulate blood banks.

RA 10932

Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, an act prohibiting the demand of deposits or advance payments for the confinement or treatment of patients in hospitals and medical clinics in certain cases.

RA 10121

Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, act provides for the development of policies and plans and the implementation of actions and measures pertaining to all aspects of disaster risk reduction and management.

RA 9994

Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, recognizes the rights of senior citizens and provides a comprehensive health care and rehabilitation system for disabled senior citizens.

RA 10354

The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, recognizes and guarantees the human rights of all persons including their right to equality and nondiscrimination.

RA 11332

Mandatory reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, the DOH shall issue the official list of institutionalized public health information system.

RA 7600

Rooming-in and breastfeeding Act of 1992.

RA 10152

Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act of 2011, the mandatory basic immunization for all infants and children.

RA 10666

Children's Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015, the State shall pursue a more proactive and preventive approach to secure the safety of passengers, especially children.

RA 9211

Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, the use, sale and advertisements of tobacco products shall be regulated.

RA 11036

Mental Health Act, the state affirms the basic right of all Filipinos to mental health.

RA 8423

Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997, calls for effective utilization of medicinal plants as an alternative for high cost medications.

PD 825

Garbage Disposal Act providing penalty for improper disposal of garbage and other forms of uncleanliness.

EO 51

Milk Code adopting a national code of marketing of breastmilk substitutes, breastmilk supplements and related products.

EO 209

The Family Code of the Philippines covering marriage, legal separation, rights and obligations between husband and wife.

EO 203

List of regular holidays and special days, adopting a compensation and position classification system.

RA 6675

Generic Drug Act of 1988 - to promote, require, and ensure the production of an adequate supply, distribution, use and acceptance of drugs and medicines identified by their generic name.

RA 9165

Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 - to provide effective mechanisms or measures to reintegrate into society individuals who have fallen victims to drug abuse or dangerous drug dependence through sustainable programs of treatment and rehabilitation.