Amending Sec. No 16 of Republic Act No. 11036 (Mental Health Act)

Senate Dilce of the Seceracy TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG 11 P3:08 SENATE S.B. No. 1171 RECEIVED BY: Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11036 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "MENTAL HEALTH ACT", AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 2 of Republic Act No. 11036, or the "Mental Health Act", affirms the

basic right of all Filipinos to mental health and the fundamental rights of those who require mental health services. It further states that, "The State commits itself to promoting the well-being of people by ensuring that mental health is valued, promoted and protected; mental health conditions are treated and prevented; and timely, affordable, high quality, and culturally-appropriate mental health case is made available to the public." In a fast-changing world, plagued with sickness, pandemics, stress and inevitable economic fluctuations, many Filipinos struggle simply to survive. In 2024, mental disorders were estimated to affect 11.3% to 11.6% of the Philippine population, or roughly 12.5 million Filipinos, with depression and anxiety as the most prevalent conditions. Mental health is just as important as physical health. The right to access mental health services for any mental, neurological, or substance-abuse health condition, requires a multifaceted approach that is grounded on science, cultural sensitivity, and an ethic of care. As we aspire for a better Philippines, it is imperative for the government to prioritize the provision of free mental health care services, particularly for minors, victims of domestic violence or trafficking, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Meeting the fundamental needs of food, clothing, and shelter must go hand in hand with fostering a mentally healthy and resilient citizenry. This bill seeks to bring free mental health care services, treatment, and support closer to the people, break mental health stigmas and stereotypes, and ensure

adequate and sufficient equipment, supplies and medicines, by establishing and empowering a responsive community-based mental health facility in every province, city, and cluster of municipalities in the entire country. For the foregoing reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Free h. Marca IMEE R. MARCOS

Senate Pffter of the Esperetarg TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG 11 P3:08 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. - 1171 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11036 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "MENTAL HEALTH ACT", AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 16 of Republic Act No. 11036, otherwise known as the

"Mental Health Act", shall be amended to read as follows: "Section 16. Community-based Mental Health Care Facilities. national government, through the DOH, IN COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (DILG), shall fund the establishment and assist in the operation of community-based mental health care facilities in the provinces, cities and cluster of municipalities in the entire country based on the needs of the population, to provide appropriate mental health care services, and enhance the rights- based approach to mental health care. PROVIDED THAT, WHERE THE RESIDENT OF THE PROVINCE, CITY, OR MUNICIPALITY IS HOMELESS, A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR TRAFFICKING, OR A MINOR, HE OR SHE SHALL BE GIVEN PRIORITY IN THE AVAILMENT OF SERVICES. PROVIDED FURTHER THAT, THE PARENT OR DULY-DESIGNATED OR APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MINOR SHALL BE PRESENT OR MUST HAVE GIVEN CONSENT DURING THE AVAILMENT OF SERVICES. THE AVAILMENT OF SUCH SERVICES, TREATMENT, AND SUPPORT SHALL BE FREE OF CHARGE TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE FACILITY WHERE IT IS LOCATED. Each community-based mental health care facility shall, in addition to adequate room, office or clinic, have a complement of

mental health professionals, allied professionals, support staff, trained barangay health workers (BHWs) volunteer, family members of patients or service users, basic equipment and supplies and adequate stock of medicines appropriate at that level."

SEC. 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations

or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is

declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days

following the completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,