An Act Strengthening the Philippine Comprehensive Policy on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Prevention, Treatment, Care, and Support, and, Reconstituting the Philippine National Aids Council (PNAC), Repealing for the Purpose Republic Act No. 8504, Otherwise Known as The "Philippine Aids Prevention and Control Act of 1998", and Appropriating Funds Therefor

Seventeenth Congress
Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-third day of July, two thousand eighteen.

REPUBLIC ACT No. 11166

An Act Strengthening the Philippine Comprehensive Policy on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Prevention, Treatment, Care, and Support, and, Reconstituting the Philippine National Aids Council (PNAC), Repealing for the Purpose Republic Act No. 8504, Otherwise Known as The "Philippine Aids Prevention and Control Act of 1998", and Appropriating Funds Therefor

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act".

Section 2. Declaration of Policies. - The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are public health concerns that have wide-ranging social, political, and economic repercussions. Responding to the country's HIV and AIDS situation is therefore imbued with public interest and shall be anchored on the principles of human rights upholding human dignity.

Policies and practices that discriminate on the basis of perceived or actual HIV status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, economic status, disability, and ethnicity hamper the enjoyment of basic human rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution and are deemed inimical to national interest.

The State shall respect, protect, and promote human rights as the cornerstones of an effective response to the country's HIV and AIDS situation. Hence, HIV and AIDS education and information dissemination should form part the right to health.

The meaningful inclusion and participation of persons directly and indirectly affected by the HIV and AIDS situation, especially persons living with HIV, are crucial in eliminating the virus. Thus unless otherwise provided in this Act, the confidentiality and non-compulsory nature of HIV testing and HIV-related testing shall always be guaranteed and protected by the State.

Towards this end, the State shall ensure the delivery of non-discriminatory HIV and AIDS services by government and private HIV and AIDS service providers, and develop redress mechanisms for persons living with HIV to ensure that their civil, political, economic, and social rights are protected.

Accordingly, the State shall:

Section 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defines as follows:

ARTICLE I
THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL AIDS COUNCIL

Section 4. Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC). - the PNAC, established under Section 43 of Republic Act No. 8504, otherwise known as the "Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998", shall be reconstituted and streamlined to ensure the implementation of the country's response to the HIV and AIDS situation.

The PNAC shall be an agency attached to the DOH with a separate budget under the General Appropriations Act (GAA). It shall have its own secretariat and staffing pattern that shall be headed by an executive director.

Section 5. Functions. - The PNAC shall perform the following functions;

In addition to the powers and functions enumerated under the preceding paragraph, the members of the PNAC shall also develop and implement individual action plans, which shall be anchored to and integrated in the AMTP. Such action plans shall be based on the duties, powers, and functions of the individual agencies as identified in Articles II to VII of this Act.

Section 6. Memberships and Composition. - Selection of the members of PNAC shall be based on the following criteria:

The following agencies and CSOs shall be represented in the PNAC:

Except for members from government agencies, the members of the PNAC shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines. The heads of government agencies may be represented by an official whose rank shall not lower than an Assistant Secretary or its equivalent.

The members of the PNAC shall be appointed not later than thirty (30) days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

The PNAC shall meet at least once every quarter. The presence of the Chairperson or the Vice Chairperson of the PNAC, and at least ten (10) other PNAC members and/or permanent representatives shall constitute a quorum to do business, and a majority vote of those present shall be sufficient to pass resolutions or render decisions.

The Secretary of Health shall be the permanent Chairperson of the PNAC. However, the Vice Chairperson shall be elected from the government agency members, and shall serve for a term of three (3) years. Members representing CSOs shall serve for a term of three (3) years renewable upon recommendation of the Council for a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms.

Section 7. Secretariat. - The PNAC shall be supported by a secretariat consisting of personnel with the necessary technical expertise and capacity that shall be conferred permanent appointments, subject to Civil Service rules and regulations. The Secretariat shall be headed by an Executive Director who shall be under the direct supervision of the Chairperson of the PNAC.

The Secretariat shall perform the following functions:

Section 8. AIDS Medium Term Plan (AMTP). The PNAC shall formulate and periodically update the six (6)-year AMTP, a national multi-sectoral strategic plan to prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS in the country. The AMTP shall include the following.

Section 9. The Role of DOH. - The National HIV and AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP) of the DOH, which shall be composed of qualified medical specialist and support personnel with permanent appointments, and with adequate yearly budget, shall coordinate with the PNAC for the implementation of the health sector's HIV and AIDS and STI response as identified in the AMTP.

The Epidemiology Bureau shall maintain a comprehensive HIV and AIDS monitoring and evaluation program that shall serve the following purposes:

Section 10. Protection of Human Rights. - The country's response to the IV and AIDS situation shall be anchored on the principle of human rights and human dignity. Public health concerns shall be aligned with internationally-recognized human rights instruments and standards.

Towards this end, the members of the PNAC, in cooperation with CSOs, and in collaboration with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), shall ensure the delivery of non-discriminatory HIV and AIDS services by government and private HIV and AIDS service provider. Further, the DOJ and CHR, in coordination with the PNAC, shall take the lead in developing redress mechanisms for PLHIV and key affected populations to ensure that their civil, political, economic, and social rights are protected. The PNAC shall cooperate with local government units (LGUs) to strengthen existing mediation and reconciliation mechanisms at the local level.

ARTICLE II
INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

Section 11. Prevention Program. - There shall be an HIV and AIDS prevention program that will educate the public on HIV and AIDS and other STIs with the goal of reducing risky behavior, lowering vulnerabilities, and promoting the human rights of PLHIV.

The PNAC shall promote and adopt a range of measures and interventions, in partnership with CSOs that aim to prevent, halt, or control the spread of HIV in the general population, especially among the key populations and vulnerable communities. These measures shall likewise promote the rights, welfare, and participation of PLHIV and the affected children, young people, families, and partners of PLHIV.

The HIV and AIDS education and prevention programs shall be age-appropriate and based on up0to-date evidence and scientific strategies, and shall actively promote:

Section 12. Education in Learning Institutions. - Using standardized information and data from the PNAC, the DepEd, CHED, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), shall integrate basic and age-appropriate instruction on the causes, modes of transmission, and ways of preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS and other STIs in their respective curricula taught in public and private learning institutions, including alternative and indigenous learning systems. The learning modules shall include human rights-based principles and information on treatment, care, and support to promote stigma reduction.

The learning modules that shall be developed to implement this provision shall be done in coordination with the PNAC and stake holders in the education sector. Referral mechanisms, including but not limited to, the DSWD Referral System, shall be included in the modules for key populations and vulnerable communities.

The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA shall ensure the development and provision of psychosocial support and counseling in learning institutions, for the development of positive health, and promotion of values and behavior pertaining to reproductive health, in coordination with the DOH. For this purpose, funds shall be allocated for the training and certification of teachers and school counselors.

Section 13. Education for Parents and Guardians. - The DepEd in coordination with parent-teacher organizations in schools and communities shall conduct awareness-building seminars in order to provide parents and guardians with a gender-responsive and age-sensitive HIV and AIDS education.

Section 14. Education as Right to Health and Information. - HIV and AIDS education and information dissemination shall form part of the constitutional right to health.

Section 15. HIV and AIDS Information as a Health Service. - HIV and AIDS education and information dissemination shall form part of the delivery of health services by health practitioners, workers, and personnel. The knowledge and capabilities of all public health workers shall be enhances to include skills for proper information dissemination and education on HIV and AIDS. It shall likewise be considered a civic duty of health care providers in the private sector to make available to the public such information necessary to prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS, and to correct common misconceptions about this disease. The training of health workers shall include discussions on HIV-related ethical issues such as confidentiality, informed consent, and the duty to provide treatment.

Section 16. Education in the Workplace. - All public and private employers and employees, including members of the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), shall be regularly provided with standardized basic information and instruction of HIV and AIDS, including topics on confidentiality in the workplace and reduction or elimination of stigma and discrimination.

The PNAC shall develop the standardized and key messages on the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS based on current and updated information on the disease.

The DOLE for the private sector, the SCS for the public sector, and the AFP and PNP for the uniformed service shall implement this provision: Provided, That the standardized basic information and instruction shall be conducted by DOLE for the private sector at no cost to the employers and employees.

Section 17. Education for Filipinos Going Abroad. - The State shall ensure that all overseas Filipino workers and diplomatic, military, trade, and labor officials and personnel to be assigned overseas shall attend a seminar on the causes, manner of prevention, and impact of HIV and AIDS, before being granted a certification for overseas assignment: Provided, That Filipino workers or to the officials concerned.

The DOLE the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), and other relevant government agencies in collaboration with the DOH, shall ensure the implementation of this section.

Section 18. Information for Tourists and Transients. - Educational materials on the causes, modes of transmission, prevention, and consequences of HIV infection and list of HIV counseling testing facilities shall be adequately provided at all international and local ports of entry and exit. The PIA, together with other relevant government agencies, in coordination with the PNAC and stakeholders in the tourism industry, shall lead the implementation of this section.

Section 19. Education in Communities. - The DILG, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), the League of Provinces, the League of Cities, and the League of Municipalities, through the local HIV and AIDS Councils (LAC) or the local health boards and, in coordination with the PNAC, shall implement a locally-based, multi-sectoral community response to HIV and AIDS through various channels on evidence-based, gender-responsive, age-appropriate, and human rights-oriented prevention tools to stop the spread of HIV. Gender and Development (GAD) funds and other sources may be utilized for these purposes.

Indigenous peoples communities and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) shall also be given due focus in the implementation of this section.

The DILG, in coordination with the DSWD and the NYC, shall also conduct age-appropriate HIV and AIDS education for out-of-school youth.

Section 20. Education for Key Populations and Vulnerable Communities. - To ensure that HIV services reach key populations at higher risk, the PNAC, in collaboration with the LGUs and CSOs engaged in HIV and AIDS education programs, such as peed education, support groups, outreach activities, and community-based research that target these populations and other vulnerable communities. The DOH shall, in coordination with appropriate agencies and the PNAC craft the guidelines, and standardized information messages for peer education, support group, and outreach activities.

Section 21. Information on Prophylactics. - Appropriate information shall be attached to, or provided with every prophylactic offered for sale or given as donation. Such information shall be legibly printed in English and Filipino, and contain literature on the proper use of the prophylactic device or agent, and its efficacy against HIV and STI.

Section 22. Misinformation on HIV and AIDS. - Misinformation on HIV and AIDS, which includes false and misleading advertising and claims in any form of media. Including traditional media, internet and social platform, and mobile applications, of the promotional marketing of drugs, devices, agents or procedures without prior approval from the DOH through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and without the requisute medical and scientific basis, including markings and indications in drugs and devices or agents, claiming to be a cure or a fail-safe prophylactic for HIV infection shall be prohibited.

ARTICLE III
PEVENTIVE MEASURES, SAFE PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES

Section 23. HIV Prevention Measure. - The PNAC, in coordination with the DOH, LGUs, and other relevant government agencies, private sector, CSOs, faith-based organizations, and PLHIVs, shall implement preventive measures, including but not limited, to the following:

The enforcement of this section shall not lead to, or result in the discrimination or violation of the rights of PLHIV and the service provider implementing the program, including peer educators and community-based testing providers.

Section 24. Comprehensive Health Intervention for Key Populations. - The DILG and DOH, in partnership with the key populations, shall establish a human rights and evidence-based HIV prevention polcyand program for people whi have higher risk of HIV infection and other key populations.

The presence of used or unused prophylactic shall not be used ad basis to conduct raids or similar police operations in sites and venues of HIV prevention interventios. The DILG and DOH, in coordination with LGUs, shall etsablih a national policy to guarantee the implementation of this provision.

Section 25. Preventing Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission. The DOH shall establish a program to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission that shall be integrated in its maternal and child health services.

Section 26. Standard Precaution on the Donation of Blood, Tissue, or Organ. - The DOH shall enforce the following guidelines on the donation of blood, tissue, or organ:

Section 27. Testing of Organ Donation. -Lawful consent to HIV testing of a donated human body, organ, tissue, or blood shall be considered as having been given when:

ARTICLE IV
SCREENING, TESTING AND COUNSELING

Section 29. HIV Testing. - As a policy, the State shall encourage voluntary HIV testing. Written consent from the person taking the test must be obtained before HIV testing.

HIV testing shall be made available under the following circumstances:

In every circumstance, proper counseling shall be conducted by a social worker, a health care provider, or other health care professional accredited by the DOH or the DSWD.

HIV testing guidelines issued by the DOH shall include guidance for testing minors and for the involvement of parents or guardians in HIV testing of minors.

The State shall continually review and revise, as appropriate, the HIV diagnostic algorithm based on current available laboratory technology and evidence.

Section 30. Compulsory HIV Testing. Compulsory HIV testing shall be allowed only in the following instances:

Section 31. Mechanisms and Standards on Routine Provider-Initiated and Client-Initiated HIV Counseling and Testing. - To implement this section, the DOH shall:

All HIV testing facilities shall provide free pre-test and post-test HIV counseling to individuals who wish to avail of HIV testing, which shall likewise be confidential. No HIV testing shall be conducted without informed consent. The State shall ensure that specific approaches to HIV counseling and testing are adopted based on the nature and extent of HIV and AIDS incidence in the country.

Pre-test counseling and post-test counseling shall be done by the HIV and AIDS counselor, licensed social worker, licensed health service provider for free.

Section 32. HIV Testing for Pregnant Women. - A health care provider who offers pre-natal medical care shall offer provider-initiated HIV testing for pregnant women. The DOH shall provide the necessary guidelines for healthcare providers in the conduct of the screening procedure.

ARTICLE V
HEALTH AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Section 33. Treatment of Persons Living with HIV and AIDS. - The DOH shall establish a program that will provide free and accessible ART and medication for opportunistic infections to all PLHIVs who are enrolled in the program. It shall likewise designate public and private hospitals to become treatment s hubs. A manual of procedures for management of PLHIVshall be developed by the DOH.

Section 34. Access to Medical Services by Indigents. - Indigent persons living with HIV shall not be deprived of access to medical services. The DOH and DSWD shall establish a program that will support better access to ART and medication for opportunistic infections to all indigent PLHIV, which includes financial support for necessary medical services related to the person's HIV condition.

Section 35. Economic Empowerment and Support. - PLHIV shall not be deprives of any employment, livelihood, micro-finance, self-help, and cooperative programs by reason of their HIV status. The DSWD, in coordination with the DILG, DOLE, and TESDA, shall develop enabling policies and guidelines to ensure economic empowerment and independence designed for PLHIV.

Section 36. Care and Support for Persons Living with HIV. - The DSWD, in coordination with the DOH, shall develop care and support programs for PLHIV, which shall include peer-led counseling and support, social protection, welfare assistance, and mechanisms for case management. These programs shall include care and support for the affected children, families, partners, and support groups of PLHIV.

Section 37. Care and Support for Overseas Workers Living with HIV. - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in coordination with the DOH, DSWD, DFA, CFO, and the Bureau of Quarantine and International Health Surveillance, shall develop a program to provide a stigma-free comprehensive reintegration, care, and support program, including economic, social, medical support for overseas workers, regardless of employment status and stage in the migration process.

Section 38. Care and Support for Affected Families, Intimate Partners, Significant Others and Children of People Living with HIV. - The DSWD, DOH, and LGUs, in consultation with CSOs and affected families of PLHIV shall develop care and support programs for affected families, intimate partners, significant others, and children of PLHIV, which shall include the following:

Section 39. Care and Support Program in Prisons and Others Closed-Setting Institutions. - All prisons, rehabilitation centers, and other closed-setting institutions shall have comprehensive STI, HIV and AIDS prevention and control program that includes HIV education and information, HIV counseling and testing, and access to HIV treatment and care services. The DOH, in coordination with DILG, DOJ, and DSWD, shall develop HIV and AIDS comprehensive programs and policies, which include the HIV counseling and testing procedures in prisons, rehabilitation centers, and other closed-setting institutions.

PLHIV in prisons, rehabilitation centers, and other closed settings institutions shall be provided HIV treatment, which includes anti-retroviral drugs, care, and support in accordance with the national guidelines. Efforts should be undertaken to ensure the continuity of care at all stages, from admission or imprisonment to release. The provision on informed consent and confidentiality shall also apply in closed-setting institutions.

Section 40. Non-discriminatory HIV and AIDS Services. - The members of the PNAC, in cooperation with the CSOs, and in collaboration with DOJ and CHR, shall ensure the delivery of non-discriminatory HIV and AIDS services by government and private HIV and AIDS service providers.

Section 41. Protection of HIV Educators, Licensed Social Workers, Health Workers, and Other HIV and AIDS Service Providers from Harrassment. - Any person involved in the provision of HIV and AIDS services, including peer educators, shall be protected from suit, arrest or prosecution, and from civil, criminal or administrative liability, on the basis of their delivery of such services in HIV prevention. This protection does not cover acts which are committed in violated of this Act.

Section 42. Health Insurance and Similar Health Services. - The PhilHealth shall:

The PhilHealth shall enforce confidentiality in the provision of these packages to PLHIV. No PLHIV shall be denied or deprived of private health insurance under a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and private life insurance coverage under a life insurance company on the basis of the person's HIV status. Furthermore, no person shall be denied of his insurance claims if he dies of HIV or AIDS under a valid and subsisting life insurance policy.

The insurance Commission (IC) shall implement this provision and shall develop the necessary policies to ensure compliance.

Section 43. HIV and AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation. - The DOH shall maintain a comprehensive HIV and AIDS monitoring and evaluation program that shall serve the following purposes:

ARTICLE VI
CONFIDENTIALITY

Section 44. Confidentiality. - The confidentiality and privacy of any individual who has been tested for HIV, has been exposed to HIV, has HIV infection or HIV- and AIDS-related illnesses, or was treated for HIV-related illnesses shall be guaranteed. The following acts violate confidentiality and privacy:

Section 45. Exceptions. - Confidential HIV and AIDS information may be released by HIV testing facilities without consent in the following instances:

Section 46. Disclosure of HIV-Related Test Results. - The result of any test related to HIV shall be disclosed by the trained service provider who conducts pre-test and post-test counseling only to the individual who submitted to the test. If the patient is below fifteen (15) years old, an orphan, or is mentally incapacitated, the result may de disclose to either of the patient's parents, legal guardian, or a duly assigned licensed social worker or health worker, whichever is applicable" Provided, That when a person below fifteen(15) years of age and not suffering from any mental incapacity, has given voluntary and informed consent to the procedure in accordance with Section 29(b) of this Act, the result of the test shall be disclose to child: Provided, further, That the child should be given age-appropriate counseling and access to necessary health care and sufficient support services.

It may also de disclose to a person authorized to receive such results in conjunction with the DOH Monitoring Body as provided in Section 43 of this Act.

Section 47. Disclosure to Persons with Potential Exposure to HIV. - Any person who, after having been tested, is found to be infected with HIV is strongly encouraged to disclose this health condition to the spouse, sexual partners, and/or any person prior to engaging in penetrative sex or any potential exposure to HIV. A person living with HIV may seek help from qualified professionals including medical professionals health workers, peer educators, or social workers to support him in disclosing this health condition to one's partner or spouse. Confidentiality shall likewise be observed. Further the DOH, through the PNAC, shall establish an enabling environment to encourage newly tested HIV positive individuals to disclose their status to partners.

Section 48. Duty of Employers, Heads of Government Offices, Heads of Public and Private Schools or Training Institutions, and Local Chief Executives. - It shall be the duty of private schools and training institutions, and local chief executives over all private establishments within their territorial jurisdiction, to prevent or deter acts of discrimination against PLHIV, and to provide procedures for the resolution, settlement, or prosecution of acts of discrimination against PLHIV, and to provide procedures for the resolution, settlement, or prosecution of acts of discrimination. Towards this end, the private employer, head of office, or local chief executive shall:

The committee shall conduct meetings to increase the members' knowledge and understanding of HIV and AIDS, and to prevent incidents of discrimination. It shall also conduct the administrative investigation of alleged cases of discrimination.

ARTICLE VII
DISCRIMINATORY ACTS AND PRACTICES AND CORRESPONDING PENALTIES

Section 49. Discriminatory Acts and Practices. - The following discriminatory acts and practices shall be prohibited:

Section 50. Penalties. -

If the offender is a corporation, association, partnership or any other juridical persons, the penalty of imprisonment shall be imposed upon the responsible officers and employees, as the case may be, who participated in, or allowed by their gross negligence, the commission on the crime, and a fine shall be imposed jointly and severally on the juridical person and the responsible officers and/or employees. Furthermore, the court may suspend or revoke its license or business permit.

If the offender is an alien, he/she shall, in addition to the penalties prescribed herein, be deported without further proceedings after serving penalties herein prescribed.

If the offender is a public official or employee, he/she shall, in addition to the penalties herein, suffer perpetual or temporary absolute disqualification from office, as the case may be.

Section 51. Penalties Collected. - The penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be put into a special fund to be administered by the PNAC, and shall be use for initial interventions required to address gaps in the national response on the part of government agencies and its partners from civil society and international organizations in accordance with Section 5(l) of this Act.

ARTICLE VIII
FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 52. Appropriations. The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the appropriations for the DOH. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

The DBM, in coordination with the Department of Finance (DOF) and the DOH, and other relevant government agencies, shall consider the incidence of HIV and AIDS, in determining the annual appropriations for the implementation of thus Act in accordance with the AMTP. A separate budget item in the annual appropriations of the LGUs shall be allocated for their action plans specified in this Act.

The funding requirement needed to provide for the health insurance package and other services for the PLHIV as stated in Section 42 hereof shall be charged against the PhilHealth's corporate funds.

The funding needed to upgrade or construct government administered HIV testing and treatment centers shall be funded from the revenues of the sin tax under Republic Act No. 8424, othewise known as the "National Internal Revenue Code", as amended by Republic Act No. 10351 and shall be prioritized under the Health Facilities Enhancement Programs of the DOH.

The funds to be appropriated for the operations of the PNAC shall be a distinct and separate budget item from the regular appropriationsfor the DOH, and shall be administered by the Secretary of Health. In no circumstances shall the appropriations, savings, and other resources of the PNAC be realigned to the programs and projects of the DOH or any other government agency, unless such program ir projects is related to the implementation of the provisions under this Act.

Section 53. Transitory Provision. - The personnel designated by the DOH as Secretariat of the PNAC under Section 7 of this Act shall be absorbed as permanent personnel to fil the positions of the Secretariat as provided in this Act.

Section 54. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The PNAC within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this provisions of this Act.

Section 55. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 8504, otherwise known as the "Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998", is hereby repealed.

All decrees, executive orders, proclamations, and administrative regulations or parts thereof, particularly in Act No. 3815, otherwise know as the "Revised Penal Code", as amended, Republic Act No. 8353, otherwise known as the "Anti-Rape Law of 1997", Executive Order No. 209, otherwise known as the "Family Code of the Philippines", Republic Act No. 7719, otherwise known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994", and Republic Act No. 7170, otherwise known as the "Organ Donation Act of 1991", inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Section 56. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act declared unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 57. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
Speaker of the House of Representatives

VICENTE C. SOTTO III
President of the Senate

This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1390 and House Bill No. 6617 and the was passed by Senate and the House of Representatives on October 10, 2018.

DANTE ROBERTO P. MALING
Acting Secretary General
House of Representatives

MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA
Secretary of the Senate

Approved: December 20, 2018

(Sgd.) RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
President of the Philippines