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_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

S. No. 1354
II. No <>~52
~rpuhlic nf tlp· 1~1j!lippims

QlnnBr~ss of fir~ J4iHp-pin~s

iHrtro J~bnib

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-fourth

day of July, two thousand seventeen .

•
[ REPuBuc AcT No. 11 0 3 G I
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL l\llENTAL HEALTH
POLICY FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENHANCING THE
DELIVERY OF INTEGRATED l\IIENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES. PRUJVI01'1NG AND PROTECTING THE
RIGHTS OF PERSONS 1J TILIZING PSYCHIATRIC.
NEUROLOGIC AND PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH
SERVICES. APPL-WPRlATING FUNDS THEREFOR.
ANDFOROTHERPURPOSES

!Je it ena.ct.ed by the .Senule unci I-lunse ul Represen/.atives of !.he

Philippines in Coil/51'f>Ss assembled:

CHAPTER T

I 11!:NJ~HAL PROVJSJO.\JS

SECTION L Shorl l'itle. - Tlm; Act shall be known as

the ''Menial Health Ar:t".
 SEI~. ~- lJeclarntion ul Pohcy. -The State affirms the
basic nght of all Filipmos to mental health as well as th e
fundam~nt,'l.l rights of ptuple who rt:qmre mental health
SE'l'vl.C£-S.
Tho:: State commits itself to pl'l;m otmg the well-being of
people hy ensuring that: mental health i.~ valued, promoted
and protected: mental h.:-alth conditium; are treated and
prevented: timely. afforda hle, high-quality. and culturally-
appropriate mental hE-alth care i::: made available to the pubhc:
mental health :-::ervices are free from CO\:'rCi(•n and accountable
to thE· service users: and per.sons affected by mental health
conditions are able to exerc-ise the full nmge of human rights,
and participate fully in soc.iety and at work. free from
stigmatization and disniminabon.
The St.ate shaH (·ompl~' c-'lrictly with its 1.1bhgations un rler
the UnitE'd Nations Dedar~:ltiun of Hum:-1 n Right..-;. thl·
Cnnvc·ntinn on the H.ights (>f PE·rsons with Disabilities, and ::tll
other r.,h:~vant. intf'rnatic•nal and regional human l'H!;hts
c:onvt-ntJr;m :'lnd cl•"daration.~. Tht- applic.'lbilit\ of Republic: Act
No. 7'277. a" amended. ' >t.hcrwise known as the "Magna Cart a
for Disabled Persons". to pcr.~ons with mentrd he a l th
conditions. >'tS <tefincd heron. is expressly recognized.
SE1 .,_ ( lb_i,.·.-·t.ir•es. - T1Y· ,·,hj.,.ctiYO:·s nf thi,.: Ad m·o:-
f(,]]cw;o:
(a) Strengtht.·n effective leadership and governan ce fo r
m e:-ntiil health by, am ong others, formulating, developing, ~nd
impkmenting n a tional policies , s trat<·gie.s, p r ograms . Fmd
regulations n·lating to mental health:
(b) Develop and establish a comprehensive, integrated,
•?ffc·ctivr--. an d efficie nt national mental health care; system
responsive to the psychiatric. neurolog-ic, and psychosocial
need.'3 of the Ftlipino p~:-cJple;
(c) Prot<-ct the riF"hts and f r eedf;!"D>' r,f pl:' rsons o;•.;ith
p sychia tnc. n N n:oiogic. and p:-;ychosoci:-tl l;ealth nec rls:
(cl) Strengthen mformation systems. evide nce and resem·ch
for mental health:
{e) Integrate m,>ntal health ,·;;u·e in the basic health
services: and
(f) I nte~Tate strategi e~ prom otmg m ~·ntr-tl h ealth in
education al instit.ut iont-:, the workplace, an d in com m mn ties.
SEC . .J. Defi nition;;_ ~ As used in thi,:; Act. tht' following
terms are defined as follows:
(a) A ddic tion refers to a prim :=~ry d ronic r el upsi n g
disease of hrain reward, motivation, memory. an d re>latecl
circuitry . Dysfunctions in the circ·uitry lead to charact.t>rishc
bic,]ogical. p.~ychologicaL so(·ial. :~nd spiritLLal manifestati<•n.s. It
is char<'l cteri zed by the inabili ty t.o con.si;.:tently .:~bs b1in
impFtirm E·nt. and be ha vioral controL craving. di m inish ed
recognition of significant vrohlems with OJ1P·s lwh :ctvw r and
intE-rj)<='i'SOn;=tl reJ:'tti onships ;~ nd a n:vsfu nd.ion :~l •: l11<>t.i onai
l'l·sponse:
(h) C'aru refers to the p•.·r.son. wh o m ay or m ay n ot h t
th E- patient's nex.l.-of-kin or l'<"Ia tive, wh c> m aintain s a clo:sC'
pt-rsuna1 r elationship and manife.<>ts ·~om·r:rn few the welfan · ,:>f
<-~" th e patient:
~ ~·) Con{id,;,nfialit:y refer s to enstu·ing t h<1t all re1ev~U1t
information related to persons witl1 psychiatric. nettrologic. and
psych osocia l health needs i:;; kept sa fe from access or use hy,
or di.sd osm e to, persons or entities who are not authorized to
access, u se, or possess such information:
! d) Dcinstitutiona lization refe r s to the p r oce s s of
t n msitioning service users. in cludin g persons with m enta]
ht·a l t h conditions and psy c-hnsocu=i.l d isabili ties. from
institutional and other segxegated settings, tu community-based
s:,.~tings that en ablt- social p a rt1•: ipat10n . rec- ove r y -bas•' d
apprrJ ache s to m en tal hE-al th. and indivi dua lize d care m
accorda n c:e w1t h t.b e servic-e user 's will a nd pr eferencf:' :

(<") Disrrim ination refers tn any distinction. e'Lclusion or
r.:-stri!:tion which has the purpose or effect of nullifying the
recognition. enjl>~'m~:-nt nr exereise. on an equal basis with
others. of an human rights and fundamental freedoms in t h t>
political economic, social, culturaL civil or any other field. It
inc·ludes all forms of discrimination. including denial of
rt:asonable accommodation. Speci:=tl measures solely to protect
the tights or secw·e the advancement of persons wit h
decision-making impairment capacity shall not bE· det>merl to
be disn·iminatory:
tt) Drug Rehabilitati.on refers to the processes of medicAl
or p~ychotherapeut.ic treatment f•>r dt·pendency on psychoactive
su1Jstances such as alcohol. prescription drugs. and other
dangerou.'3 drugs pursuant to Repuhlic Act No. 9H:i!), otherwise
known a:" th<:- ··('<Jmprehensive Dang,~rous Drugs Act of :W02".
R,,.Jtabilit;.1hon proce:-;::: may alsu ht: apphcabli:' to diagnosed
lx·havi.(lr~d :'J.ddic\.ions Sll•_:b ;-ts ~pm1bling, internE:L <~nd st-xual
addicwm.-<. The gr=.n<-,ral mtent. i>" to cnahle:- the patient t•1
cunfrnnt his ,_,r her !'l.rldiction/s :tnd ce.'1se .~uh::-:t.ance ~~hu:-;•· tc:,
av•>id the psychulogil•al legal. hna nci::tl. s•Jcial. and physii:aJ
crmsequenl'es. Treatment indudes medication for co-morbid
ps~•dm1tric <>l' other nw,_lical dis.n·cl.,.rs. couns<:ling by r:xpt·rt!='
and >:~hc1.ring ,_,f E'Xperience wit]) otht:·r :1ddictecl individuaL'>:
!gl lmJ,,tinncnl •:>r Teo1pororv Los.<; ,4 Dec isinn-:Uof.:in.~
C'rf•ct··ily rc·fers t, • a nwdi,:ally-d..:·tenninC:·d inability •.:n !he ,.. 8r1
of ;J :c;r;-rvice U:"er or 2my other pc·r.-;on aff(:•cted by a men tal
health conditJOn. t(, provide mformtd consent. A S(;rvice user
has impairment or temporary loss of decision-making ~:apacity
when the St'rviL:e user as assessed by a mental health
professional i" unable to do t.he following:
( l) Understand informRtion concermng the nature of a
mt-ntal health cCJndition:
!2) Unrk·rst;-lnd the consequences of r>ne's decisioas <~nd
actions on onc·s life 1 'r health. or the life or health of others:
5
(3) Understan d information about the nature of the
treatment proposed, including methodology. dirt-ct effects. and
pos:::ible side effects: and
(4) Effectively communicate consent to trl:'atment or
hospitalization, or information regarding one's own condition:
(h) Informed Consent refers to consent voluntar ily given
by a servict- user to a plan for trc:oatment, after a full
disclosure communicated in plain language by the attending
mental health service provider. of the nature. con,sequence:::.
benefits. and risks of the pn>posE·d t.rea tment. as well as
available altRrnatives:
(i) Legal Represenla.tiue rpfers to :~ p0rf'-On dusign;:~ted by
th0 ser-..rice u"""r- nppointed by a co-mt of ,_·ompek·nt jmisdicti•m.
or :'l.uthor ized by this Act or any other •3.pplic:Rble law. to Plci'
on the servic:e usE'r·s belv1lf. The leg<ll !Vpre::;entative may alsu
b!O' a per:::on <1ppointed in writi n g by the servi.::e nser to act
•m his or her hehalf through ::~n 8dv;.;nce dir..:·etive :
lj) 1\Jenta/ l-Iealth rt'fers to ;'I st.att- of well-heing in which
the indivi dua 1 realizt's one's own abilities and pu!Kntials. cl)pe.«
adequately w1t.h the normal stresses of life. displays resilience
in the fa~:e of ext reme life evpnt.s. wc.r ks prrJcluct.IvPly :=mcl
fruitfully. a.nd i~ ablt> to make ~l P''~itiw ,-·ontribut.ior, to t.he
•:omm unity:
(k) Men to.! Health Condition refe r s to a neurologic or
psychiatric condition characterized by t he existence of a
recognizable, clinically-significant disturbance in an individual's
cognition, emotional regulation, or bebaviot· that r eflects a
genetic or acqui red dysfu nction in the neurobiologieal.
psychosocial, or developmental processes underlying mental
functioning. The determination of n emologic and psychiatric
conditions shal1 he based on scientifically-accepted medical
nomenclature and best a vailable scientific and medical
ev-i.dence;
 (1) Mental Health Facil1~ty refers to any establishment.
or any unit of an establishment, which has, as its primary
function, the prov]sion of me-ntal health serYi..:es:
(m) l11en/:al H.:allh Professional refers to a medical
doctor. psychologist, nurse. social worker or any other
appl·opriat.ely-trained and qualified person with specific skills
relevant to the provision of mental health :oE:rvices:
(n) Afenlol Heoli/1 Sert'ice Prou1:der refers to an entity
nr individual prvviding mental health services as defined in
this Ac:t. whether public ur private, including, but not limited
to. mental health professionals and worker~;, social workers and
counselnrs. pec~r coun."elors, informal eommunity cart:giw:r~.
mental health advocates and their organi:~.atlons. personal
ombudsmen. and pert'ons or t?ntit.ies offering nonmedicftl
:1lterm•hw- therapir~s:
(uJ A:!ental Ilc:-olil! Scn•i.ce.> refer i.o psychosoual.
psychiat.rie or neurc.lngic ~1.ct.ivities and programs along the
v..lwle range uf Uw mental health support servi<'E'>' inr:-1-ucting
promoti.on. prevl'ntion. treatment, and aftercare. which ar<?
providPd hy meni:'ll health facilitieR and menl.n] hP:·llth
prof0ssir)nals:
l.pl Jfentnl Hc,·Ifi!J Worl?er refer~ tn a t.1·amE·d ]K·r;::on.
"''duntc·•=·i· nr ::•dvocato:- c·ngi'iged in mtnt:)l 1walth prnmnhon.
providing :'!ttpport strvi·~es under the supl>rvision of a lll<~ntHl
health professional:
(q) Psychiatric or Neurologic Em.er·gency refers to a
condition presenting a serious and immediate threat to the
health and well·being of a service user or any other person
affer.:ted by a mental health condition. or to the health and
well-being of others. requiring immediate medical intervention:
(r) Psycho...;ocial Pmblem refers to a condition that.
indicates the existence nf dysfunctions in a person's behavior.
thoughts and fee lings brought about by sudden, extreme .
prolonged or cumulative stressors in the phy.sical or social
E-nvironment:
(S) RecoPery-Based .·'l.pproctrh ref0rs to an approach to
mtervent wn and treatment centered on the st.rengths of ;1
;;E>rvice user and involving the active participation. as equal
partners in care. of persons with lived experiem·es in mental
health. This requires integTating a sr;rvice user's understanding
of his or her condition into any plan for treat m u 1t ~md
r~cover:v:
(t\ Sen=ice User refers to a per.son with lived experience
of any mental health condition inch1ding persons who require.
or are undergoing psychiatric. neurologic or psychosoci<'ll care:
(u) Support refers to the spectrum of informal and formal
arrangements or services of varying types and intensitie:::.
provided by the Stat.t-. private entities. or communities. aimed
~'It assisting 3 set·vi<'e user in t.he exercis<: of his or h t·r legal
'~'1pacity or rights. incluning: cnrn munity servicet': personal
:lssist ants and om budsmen: p<JWE,rs of attorney and nt.lwr leg~il
and p0rsonal p lanning tools: peer .~upport: suppol't fln·
self-advocacy: nonformal communit~v caregiver networks:
dialogtte syst<:m::<: alternat<: cunnuunication methods. such as
nonverbaL sign. augmentative and manual commu nication:
and th(· use of assiRtive deviceR and technology: nnd
(V ) Supported D,·ci.sion !Jfuhi.ng refer,: V• l he aet of
:J22i:::t.ing a servicl' uo<er w hn .i» n•Jt affected b~ an impairnknt
r_;r ln,;s ,_,f decision-makin~ .;aJ:> acity. in ~~xpn·ssing a mental
h•:alth-related prefert·nL'l::, int(:'ntion or dE:cision. ft. indudes all
the necessary support. safeguards and measures to ensure
protection from undue influence . coercion or abuse.
CHAPTER II
RIGHTS OF SERVICE USERS AND OTHER STA..KEHOLDERS
SEC. 5. Rights o( Seruice U.sPrs. -- Servic0 users shall
enjoy. on an t'quai and nondiscrinunatory basis. all rights
guaranteed by the Constitution as well as those recognized
under the United Nations Universal Declaration of H uman
Rights and the Convention r•n the Rights •)f Persons with

Disabilities and all other relE·vant international and regional
human right,;: conventions and declarations. induding th8 right
tu:
(a) Freedom from '"ocial. economic a nd political
discrimination and stiglllatizaiion. wheLher committed by
public or private actors:
tb ) Exercise a ll their inherE:nt civil. political, e(.:onomic,
"'ocial. religions. ed u cational. and cultural rights respecting
individual qualities. abilities. and diversity of background.
without discrimination on the basis of physical disability. age.
gender. sexual orientation. race. color. language. religion or
natirJn::l.lity, l't:hnic. or social origin:
{c) Access to E-vidE:nce-bMed treatment uf the same
standard and quality, r<:gardle:-;::; of age. sex. sucioc·c<Jn(;l1\ic
.~t::!t.tlS. r:'tC•?. et.lmicit~' or sex ual <'>ri. . . nLat.ion:
td) Access to affordable essential health a nd S(J(:i2J serviCE'»
f,,,. the purpl>::\E- nf ~whieving the:- highest a tt;·tinabl<:' :;:t.andm·d
nf m"'nt.al h~.:•alth:
(e) Accr·ss t•J tw~ntol he:.Uth ,;;ervice~ at :1Jl J._..YfO'ls of the·
natie>nal health care system:
t.o •'umpr<:-hensiV•' :'l.nd co•·rdinaV:d t.n"Htlll(•nt
t fl AccE:·,-s
inte~rat.ing lwhst.ic prcvent.iun. prunwti.on. rehabihtati"n, .-~Hno
and :-::upport. aimed at addrr:-ssing mental health care needs
through a nnlltidis(.:iplinary, user-driven treatment and
recovery plan:
(g) Access to psychosocial care and c:hnical treatment in
the least restrictive environment and manner:
(h) Humane treatment free from solitary con finem e nt.
torture. and other forms of cruel. inhumane. harmful or
degrading treatment and invasive procedures not backed by
scientific evidence:
9
(.i > Access to aftercare and rehabilitation when po.,s1hle
in the community for the purpose of social remtegration and
inclusion:
(j} Access to adequate information regarding availahle
multidisciplinary mental health services:
(k) Participate in mental health advocacy. policy planning.
legislation. service provision, monitoring. research a n d
evaluation:
(1) Confident iality of a ll information. commtmications. <md
records, in whatever form or medium stored. regarding the
service user. any aspect of the ser vice user's mental health.
or any treatment or care received by the s~rvice user. which
information. cnmnnn1.'ir-atie>ns. >~nd record~ 1:1ha1l not be d.isclo:;,,d
to third parties without the written consent of the servi...~ tv~er
concerned ,-,r the ><ervice u.ser·s leg~1l repr<:-s•:ntative. ex.:t?pt. m
the following r-ircumshmC<.'S:
( lJ Disch-,;:;ure is reqtm·ed by law vr pmsul:lnt w an ordt·r
issued by a c()urt of competent jurisdictinn:
(:2) ThE" servicE" LlSt'l' h<IS <:<XprE:Ss\:'d t:(>n.,ent. t.o the
disclosure:
n) .\ life-threat.cn..in?: dlkl'sdlL'V 2 ·:i::;t;; a nd ·"uch disdOStU'E'
i:-:. nece.ssary 1.(, pre-vent harm iJr injm·.v to the t::erviet' user or
to oth er pt'r son s:
(4) The service user is a minor and the attending mental
health p rofession al reasonably believes that the setvice user
is a victim of child abuse: or
(5) Disclosure is required in <;Onne<:tion with an
administr::~tive.civil. or criminal case against a mental health
professional or worker for negligence or a breach of
professional ethics. to t.he extent necessary to completely
adjudicate. settle, or resolve any issue or controversy involved
there in;
} (I
(m) Give informed consent before rec\:'iving treatment or
care. including the right to withdraw such consent. Such
consent shall be recorded in the service user·s clinical record:
(nJ Participate in the development and formulation of the
psychosocial care or clinical treatment plan Lo be implemented;
(o) Designate or appoint a person of legal age to act as
his or ht'r legal representative in accordance with this Act.
excE-pt in cases of impairment. or temponny loss of
decii'ion-making capacity:
(p)Send or receive uncensored priv8tc communication
whirh may incJude communication by letter, lelephone ur
electromc means. and receive visitors at reasonable time~,
ind uding the service user's legal representative and
reprr~sentatives from the Cc,mmission on Human Rights (CHRJ:
\q) Legal services. through competc·nt counsel uf the
service user's choice. In case the service user cannot afford
the sen·i·~es of a counse!. the Puhlie Artornt-y';;.: Office· or :~
legal aid institution of thf: service user or representaliw 's
•:hoi•'e. shall assist the service usE-r:
lrl Access to their clinical records unless. in the opinion
C>i' the 8ttending men tal he-alth profession;~]. rev·ealing such
infc,rmat.inn W•)uld c·ause harm t.u the s.:·rviec· ust-r's heHith t)r
put the safety of others at risk. Wht-n any ::<uch .Jinical
records are withheld, tbe service user or his or her legal
representative may contest such decision with the internal
review board created pursua nt to this Act authorized to
investigate and resolve disputes. or with the CHR;
(s) Information, within twenty-four (24) hours of
admissjon to a mental health facility, of the rights enumerated
in this section in a form and language understood by the
service user; and
(t) By oneself or through a legal repre::;entative. to file
with t he appropria t e agency. complaints of improprieties.
II
abuses in mental h ealth eare. violation>' of rights of persons
with mental health needs, and seek to initiate appropTiate
investigation and action against those who authorized illegal
or unlawful involuntary treatment or confinement, and other
\'iolations.
SEC. 6. Rights of Fam ily Jlfembers. Carers ond Leg·az
Representatives . - Family members, carers an d duly
designated or appointed legal repre:"entat.ive of the service user
shall have the right to:
(a) ReceivE- appropriate psychosocial support fr om the
relevant government a gencies:
(b) With the consent uf the concerned service llS<·r.
participate in the f.wmuktion. development. and implementation
of the serv.ice user· s individu <tlized treatment. plan:
lc.:J Apply I(>T relE-:Be and transfer of the serVI<:e u::-:e1.· to
an appropriate mental health facility: <<nd
(d) Pru·ticipate in mEmtal health advocacy. policy planning,
l.:gislation. ::oervice provi.sin n. monitor ing. research and
evaluation.
SEC. ? . Righ i.:; <Jj Meiftt!l Heullh Proj(>ssionols. - !Vlentai
health prc&·ssion:ds :"b;~ll h<:1V•~ tlw righ t to:
(a) A safe a nd supportive work environment :
tb) Participa te in a continuous professional development
program;
(c) Participat e in the planning. development. and
management of mental health services:
(d) Contribute to the devdopment and regular review of
.~tandards for eva luating mental health services provided to
service users:

1e) Parti..:ipate in the de\'dopment of mental health policy
and service delivery guidelines:
if) Except in emergency situations. manage and control
<'Ill aspects of his or her practice. including whethe1· or not
to acc·ept or decline a sprvic·e user for treatment: and
(g) Advocate for the rights of a service user. in cases
where the service user's w1shes are at odds w1t.h those of his
or hc·r f:=tmily or legal representative.
CHAPTEH lil
TREATMENT AND CCl1\SI•:l\'T
SEC. S. lnfonnt?d ConsPnt /.o Trea/me'nt. - Service users
mllst provide infol'med consent in writing prior to the
imnlementation hv mental he:o~lt.h pr•,fessionals. wod;0rs. <<nd
otl;er service pro~idE>rs of any plan or prc>gram of tlwrapy or
treatment, including physical or ·~hemical re.~t.raint. All
perc:ons. including service- users. pe rsun.s with disabilities. :'l.nd
minors, shall be presumed t.o possess legal capacity for the
purpose:< of thie. Act or any other applicable la w. irrespective
of the nature or effects of their mental health condition or
disability. Children shall have the· right to express their view:'>
on all matters affecting them:selves and have such vie\\IS given
due consider:1tinn in accordance with their m;e and matur ity.
SEl:. 9. Acli :a nee Directi ue. - A service w;er may set out
his or her preference in relation to treatment through a signed.
dated. and notarized advance directive executed for the purpose.
An advance directive may be revoked by a new advance
clirectiv0 or by a notarized revocation.
SEC. 10. Legal R epre.sentatiue. - A service w;er may
designate a person of legal a ge to act as his or her legal
representative through a not;:~.rized document executed fOT that
purpose.
(a ) Functions. A sen.ice user's legal representatjve shall:
13
\ l) Provide the service user with sup port and help:
represent his or her interests: and receive medical information
about the service user in accordance with this Act:
12 } Act as substitute decision maker when the s ervice
user has been assessed by a mental health professional to h:we
temporary impairment of decision-making capacity:
\3 ) Assist the service user t·is-0.-ui.s the exercise of any
right provided under this Ac:t: and
(-!) Be consulted with respect to any treatment or therapy
n'cc·ived by the s ervice user . The appointment of a legal
rt:pr(·:,;entative may be revoked by the appointment of a 1ww
legal n:presentat.ive or hy a notarized revocation.
(b) Uecli11in.g· ern ~lppoinf111cnl. A per,.;on thus a!Jpoint.o.:- d
111 a:.- rl.ecline t.o <Wt as n service user's leg· a! represen tati \ 'e .
However. a person who decli nes to continue heing a service
user'e legal repn'sentatwe must take l't':lSonable st.ep.s to
intorm the so:-rvi•-~t' user. ao; wf'l1 as the service user':-; attenclmg
m ental hP.alth profes sional or worker. of such ducision.
<:l Fuilun· t.o App oinl. If the 2-erviee u ser fails to appoint
a legal r epre.sent a tive. the following persons shall act as the
.3c-r•ice us\"r':=: legal repn.,s·~ntabvt·. in the order provided belO\\·:
l J) The .-;p.-,u,.:;e, 1f any, unless permanently ,.;epctratt:"d fn•m
the servir.e user by a decree issued by a court of competent
jurisdiction. or unless such spouse has abandoned or been
abandoned by the service user for any period whid1 has not
yet c0me to an end:
(2) Non-minor children:
(:J) E ither parent. by mutual consent, if the service user
is a rumor:
( ! ) Chief. administrator. or medieal cliJ'ec:tor of a mental
h;:-alth car e facility : or
1-1
(:)) A person appoint(O-d bv Lhe court.
SEC. ) 1. Supported. Decision Afal?ing. - A service user
may designate up to three (3) persons or "sltpporters''. including
the service user';; legal representative. for the purposes of
supported decision making. These supporters shall llave the
authority to: access the sen·ice user's medical information:
consult with the servi.ce user uis-a-vis any proposed treatment
or therapy; and he> present dmlllg: a service user's appointments
and consultations with mental health professionals. worlwrs,
and other service proY1ders during the> course of treatment or
therap:v.
SEC. 12. fntemol Rel'iew Boar d. - Public and private
health facilities are mandated to create their respective
internal review boards to expeditiously review all cases.
disputes. and <::ontroversies mvohing the treatment. restraint
or con{] nement of service users with m their faciliti es.
(f:!) The Board ~hall he C:(Jmpo!4ed of the following:
tl) A re prC::sentative from the Department of Health
I.DOH):
( l) A representahVP- from the CHR:
1 :.:)) A person nom in3tt:d b~' an orga m zation representing
,;ervi<:e usto·rs and ih(·ir famihes duly accredited by th e
Philip).!ine Coum:il for :\1ental Health: and
{-l) Other designa ted members deemed necessary, to be
determined under the implementing rules a nd regulations
(IRR).
(b) Each internal review board shall h ave the following
powers and functions :
(1) Conduct. regular review. monitoring, and audit of all
cases involving the treatme nt. confinement or restraint of
service user s within its juris diction:
jj
(~) Insped mental health fac;ilities t o ensuTe that serv1ce
users therein are not being subjected to cruel, inhumane, or
degrading conditions or treatment:
( :3 ) l1totu p roprio. or upon the receipt vf a written
complaint or pet ition filed by a service user or a service user's
immediate family or legal representative. investigate cases.
dieputes. and controversies involving tlle involuntary treatment.
confinement or restraint of a serv1ce user: a nd
(4 ) TakE' all necessar y a ction t.o r ectify or re medy
violations of a service user 's rights u1:s-cr.-vi s tre atment.
confineme nt 0r r estr aint, including recommending that an
administrative . civiL or cri minal case be filed by the
appropr iate government agent:y.
SEC. ]:3 . E:rn'p lion::: /.o ln /onn <!d C'nnsent. - During
p syc-hia t r ie or n e urologic r:•me rge nciE's, or when t h (·r e is
impainnent or tem porary loss of decision-making ca1)acity •:.n
the part of a service user. treatment. rest raint or co1Ui.nement.
whethe r pbysica i or dwm ical. may b e :ldmJnis t.e re d ur
impleme nted pu rsuan t t o t h e followi ng s a feguar ds and
condition.~:
(_a) In L"Om p lia nce wi th the service user" a d vanL~e
dire cti vPs. i.f ava ila ble. unless doing so w ould p ose a n
immedi8k ri.4 ;: .-,f .s erious 1)ar m to the palit>nt. or :11wt.h er
pcorson:
(b) Only to t he extent that such tre at ment or restraint
is nece>;sary. an d only wh ile :'1 psychia tr ic or n eur ologic
emergency, m impairment or temporary loss of capacity, exist s
or persists;
(c) Upon the order of th e service user's attending mental
health pr ofessionaL which or der mus t. be reviewed by tile
internal review board of the m ental he alth facility where the
patient is being treated within fifteen (15) days from t he date
such order wa s issued. and every fifteen \1.5) days t hereafter
while the treatment or r estr aint cont inues : a nd

16
!dl That such involuntary t.reatmt-nt (•r n:c>straint shall
be in strict accordance with guidelines approved by the
appropriate aut.horitie!':'. which must contain clem· criteria
regulating the application a nd termination of such medical
intervention. and fully doctlmented and s ubject to regular
external indepe-ndent monitoring. review. and at1dit by thE-
internal review boards established by this Act.
CHAPTER IV
ME~TAL HEALTH SERviCES
SEC. 1.4. Qna./.i.t.y of Menf(ll Health Sen:i.ces. - Mc~ntal
health services provided pursuant to this Act shaH be:
(al Based on medical a nd ::.cientific research findings;
(b) Responsive to the •:hnic:ll. gender. cultural and E'tl1lllc
and •:.th.:-r special nc·ecl.:: of the individuals \:>ei.11g se.-rvl'd:
(d) Age Rppropriate: ;;mel
(ei Provided by mental health professionals and workers
in a mannE-r that ensnn·s ac(·r•untabilit:v.
SEC. 15. _1\fento~/ Hr,'ailh .Sen-iL·r:.> at Uw I 'ommunily
Leut>l. - Hesponsive primary mental health services shall be
developed and integrated as part of the basic health services
at the appropriate level of care. particuhuly at the city.
rotmicipal. and barangay level. The standards of mental health
services shall be determine:.·d by the DOH in consultation with
stakeholders based on current evidences.
Every local government unit (LGLT> and academic
institution shall create their own program in accordance with
the general guidelines set by the Philippine Council for Mental
Health. created under t.hi.s Act. in coordination with other
st.akeholde:-rs. LGCs and academic institutions shall coordinate
I .,
with all concerned government agencies and the pri\'ak sector
for the implementation of the program.
SEC. 16. Com.munit.y-ba.sed Menta./ Healt.h Core
Focilities. - The national government. through the DOH shall
fund the establishment. and assist in the operation of
commtmity-based mental health care facilities in the provinces.
cities and cluster of municipalities in the entire cotmtry based
on the needs of the population, to provide appropriate mental
hE·alth ca1·e services. and enhance the rights-based approach
to mental health care.
Each community-based mt·nt~ll health care facility shall,
in ad clition t.o adt:q uu te ro•:,m. offict- or dinic. have a
•:omplement of mental l1ealth professionals. allied proft:>ssionab.
.support staff. trained barangay health workers <BHWs).
volunt.(•~;or family membt'rs of pati<':nts or servicE- u:::l'rs, ba:-;il.'
c--q Ltipment and supplit>s. ancl <!dequat.e stock of medicinv~
appropriate at that lev0l.
SEC. 11. R.:J'nrtnriul R!!quir<>lllt!nls. - u·n_!s thr(•ugh
thE-ir hE·alt.h offices shall make a quarterly report. to the
Philippine c_:,.Juncil for Mental Hf•alth through the DOH. The
rc·port shaU includt:. among othe-rs. tht> following dat<'l: nurulx·r
c,f patients/service users attendNl t.o and/or served, the
r(·speetive kinds of mental illne;qs nr disability. •lura.1'inn :me\
rr:-su.lt of the treatment. and pati~·nt.s/sr:·rvi<::<:- user.s· age. gend~·r.
... duc-atiuna1 attainment ~nd empl.;ymfllt without disclusiug the
.tdentities of such patients/service u;.:ers for confidentiality.
SEC. 18. Psychiatric. Psychosocial, and Nenrologic
.Seruices in Regi.ona/.. Provinci(ll, and Tertiary Hospita/.s. - All
regional, provinciaL and tertiary hospitals. induding priv::~te
ho.spitals rendering service to paying patients. shall provide the
following psychiatric. psychosocial. and neurologic sE-rvices:
(a) Short-term. in-patient hospital care in a small
psychiatl·ic or neurologic ward for service users exhibiting
::..cute psychiatric or 11eurologic symptom::-:
iS
!hl P:wbal h\)Spital care for th•:.se exhibiting P'='Yt.:hiatric
symptoms or experiencing difficulties Pi~-a-uis their pert<onal
::lnd f:'l.mily circumstance:":
te) Out.-pati(~nt servicf'S in dose c0Uabc•ration with exi,::ting
mental health programs at. primary health c.are centers in thr~
same area:
(d) Hume care services for service users with special
needs as R result of, among others. long-term hospitalization.
noncornpli.:=mce with 1)1' inadequaey of treatment. and absence
uf irnm ediate family:
(e) CnordinA.t.ion with drug reh~:~.hilitation <.:enters ui.>-c'l-ui.s
the crtre. treatment. and 1·ehahilit.ation nf persons suffering
from addiction and other substance-induced mental health
('111lditions: ;:::.nd
d) A l'ei"en<il system inw,]vi_ng c,th.er puhlic <1nd private
health and social welfare .-=;t?rvice providE-rs. for the purpose of
·:·xpanding: ;-;.ccr:-ss t.o prr;p·ams aimed at pn·\·enr.ing ment:li
illness and managing the condition of persons at. risk of
,{ev"'loping ment.aL neurologic. <lnd psychosocial problems.
SEC. 19. Duti.es und Rt>sponsibilities u/ Mentnl Heoith
Fucilities. - Ment.al healtl1 facilities shall:
!a) Establish pollc18s. guid~:-Jin("S and protocol>' for
minimizing th(· usE- L•f re.:;tridiv•; cart- and iJJVoluntary
treatment:
(b) Inform service users of their rights under this Act
and all other pertinent law.s and regulations;
tel Provide every service user. whether admitted for
voluntary treatment. with complete information regarding the
plan .->f tr~:atmt-nt to be implemented;
(d) Ensure that informed cc•nsent is obtained from service
user:; pri0r to the implementation r;f any medical procedurr~
! Li
or plan uf treatment or care. except during psych1atric or
neuro l ogic emergencies or when the service u ser bas
impairment or temporary luss of decision-making capac1t.y :
le) Maintain a register containing information on all
m.;•dical treatments and procedures administ~•red t o service
users: and
d) Ensure that legal representatiYes are desi gnated or
appointed only after the requirements of this Act and the
procedures established for the purpo~e have been observed.
which procedures should respect the autonomy and preferences
of the patient as far as po:::sibl•:•.
SEC. 20. Drug Screening Scn,ices. - Punmant t.o it.s dut~'
to provide mental health services and consistent with the
policy •.>f t.reat.ing drug dependency as a mental health is,ou.:.
ea·:h local health c :ue facility m tt:'!!. be ca p <Jhle nf conducting
drug screening.
SE\ '. :!.1. .Sni<·;~dc Pn' ~>•'ll tion. - \il<:,nt.al. healt h ;:.:-n·ich"
shall a lso include mechanism~ for suieide interve ntion.
prr,vention. and respon,;e strategie-s. with particular attent.iun
to the c0ncerns of the youth. Twenty-±rmr seven (24/l l hotli1ws.
to provide <1s8i.sta n ct" to individuals wit h menta l health
conclitions. especi<1lly individuals at risk of committing suicide.
c:b:"~Jl b~· Sf't. up. :mel ... xisting hntlmt";:: »h Rll he- sr.rc:-ngt.h.::n•:cL
SEC. 22. Public .1wareness. -The DOH and the LGlls
shall initiate and sustain a heightened n ationwide m ultimedia
campaign to rRise the level of public awareness on the
protection and promotion of mental health and rights
including, but not limited to, mental health and n utrition.
stress handling, guidance and counselling. and other elements
of mental health.

_,(.)
CHAPTER V
EDl'C'ATIU~. PHOMOTION f•F !\1ENT..~L HK~LTH
IN EDUCATJONAL }NSTITllTlOl'<S AND
IN THE WORKPLA('E
SEC. 23. In tegratirJtl ol M ental Ht'alth intu tlu·
Educotionol .Svstem. ·- 'l'hr State ;;:hall <:n.::mc- the integr~tion
t>f mE>ntal he;lt.h into the educational system, as follow!'::
[a) Age-appropriate content pertaining to m <;> ntal lwalth
sh;:~ll he integrat.E'd into the l~ttrricultm1 at all educaliunal h:·vels:
and
tbJ PRychi.<~tJ'Y and nt>moloKV sh:'lll be re-quired subje-ct.-::
in :·1ll medical and allied hE>alth coursef::. incluclmg
p0,:.-L-granufltk coul'Sl<:-' in hv~1lth .
SEC. ~.c!.. ,\lento l I-I~·· II th Prom()/ir•lt itl Educalioii.•_l!
l n sf itu/i.uns. - Ed ucAtionnl in:>.tit\ltion.'l. :-<ncb <'IS sch(>Ols.
collc-ge:o. uni>'ersitie~. and kchnital ,.,..:;hool~ ..::hall dt-,·<:lop
pollci<:s nnd progTams for students. ~ducators. And llther
c-mpluyee-~ d~::;i~TH?d ti•: rai.SP ;1W~rC'nesi' on mental hc-alth i::;suE-s.
idc-nt.1fy :1 nd pnwide .suppr.• rt and seJ·vie:E-s for mdi•·idu::~l~ at.
risk, :md facilitate <:teres:::. mdll(ling r(:'ferral lllE>l'h<'lni.;;ms of
mclividualR with mental h<:alt.b ._.,,ndit.ion., ''-' t.re~t.ment :-1.nd
psyl'hos·~··i.al su pport.
All public and r,rivau~ edtH.::-ttlOuaJ institutions sh all be
requi.red to have a complement of mental health prnfes;:ionals.
SEC. ~5. Mental Health Promoti.on mul Poli6es in the
Worl?place.- Employers shall develop appropriat.e policies and
programs on mental health i.n the workplace des1gned to: r aise
awareness on mental health issues. correct the stigmA and
discrimination associated with mental health conditions,
ident1fy and prov ide :::upp•nt for inrlividuals at t·isk. ;J.nd
facihtate access of individuals with mental h ealth conditions
to t.ro:-atmt nt. and psychosocial support.
~· I
CHAPTER Vl
CAPACITY BUILDINU. RESE:\RCH AND DE\l':LOP.ME~T
SEC. :26. Capo(:ily Building. Renri~n.f•)fioll. ond T raining.
- In close cc>Ordination with mental health facilities. a~demic
institutions. and other stakeholders. mental health
professionals. worke1·s. and other servict- providers ;;;hall
undergo capacity huilding. r<.>orient.ati()n. and training t.o
dt:·velop their ability to deliver evidence-based. gender-f::<>nsitive.
cult.trrally-appropriate and hum<'ln rights-oriented ment.<~l health
.;;ervicE-s. with emphasis on the community and publil' healt.h
:~spects of ml"'ntal health.
SEC. 27. Capocily Building o/ 13nrangay Health Worl~er.$
(BHH's). - 'fbe DOH :::h::~ll
be respons1bl•? for di::;seminatin~
information and providing t r aining programs \.u LGI.it>. The
L<H'~. with tE·ehnio::al assistanl'e from lhe DOH. :;hall hE'
re·~pOl1$tb1E- for t:he: training ,,f BHWs ~'Inc\ othl"r bm·an~ay
vnlunteero on the prom01inn of m 0nt1l hE-alth. The DOH shall
p<'ovidP as:: i,.:t::tn~·~ t.u LGC,; w1th l.ll..:-dical supplit-~ and
equipmE-nt. ne:>eded by BHWs to t:arry .,ut their functioni-;
,,ff<:·ctiw· ly
SEC. 2:-3. Re:;;car('h ond Dn•dupm>·Hl. - R<:-Bee:u·,·h and
rl~:·vl•lopmo::nt .;hall he unclt>rt.:lkt'll. in ··nllab··.,·Mio_>n wirh
,'\•:a dem.i .. in,.:t.itutifln;,. psychi:Hrir-. nl?u rr·,]ngic. :~nd l'd~'\h:· d
a::::;ociations. :H1d n"ngov("rnme·nt. •)l'g~•nlzat.ions, to pr(•dncl? thE'
information. data, and evidence necessary to formulate and
develop a cultmally-reJevant nl'\tionalmental health program
incorporating indigenous concepts ~•nd practice::: related to
m~:ntal health.
High Pthical ,.;t.andards in mental health r esearch shall
be promoted Lo ensure that: re:-searl'h is cor1ducted on ly with
the free and informed cons~nt nf the persons involve-d;
re-:::earchera do not rece-we any privileg~s . comp<::nsat.ion •ir
re muneration in <?xchange for enco·t traging or rP~ruiting
participant~: putent.ially harmful •)r dangerous l'f>:':E'arch is not
undE·rt.aken: and all rese:cm:h is approved by 811 independent
c,•thiu:: committee. in accordance with applic<~ ble l<lw.
Rese:'irch and development shall aLso be unde1·taken
nis-b-1:is nonmc·chc~~L trarlitional m· alte1·nativc- practice>'.
SEC. :29. The Nat.ionol Center for Mentul Heult.h
(NCMH). - The NCMH. formerly the National Mental
HospitaL being the premiere training and research tenter
under the DOH, '!hnll expand its ··apal'ity for research and
developmE-nt of intervention"' on ment~l and neurological
services in t.he eount.ry.
CHAPTER VlT
DlJTIES AND RESPONSIBILI'T'TES OF
GOVEHNiVJE??T' ,\GEl':C'iF.S
:-)EC'. :~0. J)li/ic·:;; mul Respon.c;,:hili.tie.':i o/ !he D.:par!Jnenl
u{ {-{('rt/t:h (1)01-J). - To achiev<=> the policy ;~nd •>bjectives nf thi:-::
A.:t. Lht VOH .-·ball:
fa) Formulate. rlevelup, ;:md implemr.,.nt. a national m.:-nt.::d
health pr.-.gram. In coordina t.ion with relevant government
~'lgencies, ..-reau: a framework for Mental HE·alth Awf:ll·<:·ne.s,-;
Program tn promote •:·-ffective strategies reg::u:ding mental ht::·alth
c:.<tre. it.s c:omp<Jnents. and .service,.:, ~•.~ wdl as t.<, Jmprov•:-
aW<'ln"nes.s on .-:tigm;;ltlzed m,:•diral cc•nclit.ion"':
(b) Ensure that a safe, therapeutic, and hygienic
euviJ·onment with sufficiE,nt privacy exist::; in all mental h ealth
facilities and, for this purpose. shall he responsible for the
regulation, licensing. monitoring, and assessment of all mental
health farilitie.s:
(c) Integrate mental health into the routine health
information system and identify, collate. routinely report and
use core mental health data disaggregated hy sex and age.
and health outcomes, including data on completed and
at.t~mptecl suicides. in order to improve mental health ser-vi.ee
deliw•ry. promotion and prevention strategies:
(d) ImpruYe researc h capacity and academic
collaborat ion on na tiunal )Jriorities for research in mental
health. particularly operational research with direet relevance
to serviee development. implementation, and the exercise of
human r ights by persons with mental health condit ion:::.
including the establishment uf ceuters of excellence:
(e ) Ensure t hat all public and private mental health
inst.1tutions uphold the right of patients to be protected again~t.
torture or cruel. inhumane. a n d degrading treatmen t:
(f) Coordinate with the Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation t.o ensure that insurance packages equivalent to
those covering physical disorders t)f comparable impact t.o thl:'
patient. :18 measurt-d by Disability-Adjusted Life Year ur other
methodologies. are availabl~' to patirnts affected by mental
health cundition8:
(gJ Pn•hibit forced or i.nacll:'qualdy remtuWl'a.tecl ];~hnr
within mental health facilit ies. unless ><uch labor is ju~tifi·:·d
af: part ••f an accepted then1peutic tn·arml· nt program :
(}1) Provide support servicE's for familicf; and co-vvorkt·r.~
of service users. ment8l h<?alt.h profo:·ssionals. wnrkPrs. :.mfl
other service providers:
lil Uev•'·liJp altkrm•1.ives tt". in st.itut.iun~'llization, part.Jcu.larly
community. re•;ov•?ry-hrt><ed approaches to tn:at.mt>nt aimed :'l t
receiving patients discharged from hospitals. meeting the needs
expressed by persons with mental health conditions. and
respecting their autonomy, decisions. dignity, and privacy:
(j) Ensure that all health f::tcilities shall establish thE·ir
respective internal review boards. In consultat.wn with
stakeholders, the DOH shall promul gate the rules and
regulations necessary for the efficient disposition of all
proeeedings, matters. and eases referred t.o, or reviewed by.
the internal review bom·d:
(k) Establish a balanced svstem of connnunitv-ba8ed and
hospital-based mental he<~lth se~Yices at all h~vels ~>f th,:, public
-' ...
I
health c:H(: system hom th12 barangay. municipal. ·~ity.
provincial. regional to t he' national level: and
rll Ensure that all health workers shall undergo human
rights tr<lining.~ in coordination with appropridt.e <'lgen(.;ies or
urgani7.a ti(Jn.s.
SEC. :n. Duties and Respunsibiliti.es of the c.,mmissiOII
nn Il!nnnn Rigll.l.s (CHR). - Thr CHR sha1l:
Ia) E;;tabli::;;h mechanisms to investigate. addn·ss. and ad
upon complaints of impropriety and abuse in the treatment
a nd cart? receJved hy service user .-;, particularly wht?n such
tre::ttme nt or c<.ne i:'! administered or implemc·n t ed
invrJluntaril~':
!b) lnspect nwnt~d hL-alth f;o,(:ilities tn c"nsure r.bat s" rvic::c·
w;u·,- t.lwrc"in :;rr:· n11t. hcing subjed.<:d t<J cnwl. inhnm:~n~·. m·
ckgrnrlin~ r.:onrbtion:;; c,r treatment:
!<:") I~west.i~c:te ;'(ti Ci't;;<E:<; wvolving Im·(,}unr.ar:'' lre,'ll.nK:nt
<:confinement. •W care of service users, for \'.he purp0.se of
~nsuring strict complian•·e with domestic: and international
standHrds respediner the legality. qw1lity. and ~1pprnpriatene:,:;s
r,f such treatment. (·onfinemE>nt. or care-: and
(ctJ .\ppr:.int a fnc;-11 eommis,:ion•~r f(•T ment~d h<-<tlth l-<:cskr~d
with protectmg anr:l prvmoting the rights of s~?rvicr-- user,- anrl
(Jther persun.S utilizing menta} JwaJth SE'l'Vices; (Jl' o:Onfinerl. in
mentnl health fa<.:ilities. as well as the rights nf nwntaJ health
professionals and workers. The focal commissioner shall, upon
a finding that a mental health facility. m~ntal healtb
profE-ssional, or mental health worker has violated any of the-
rights provided for in this Act. take all nece:.;sary actinns t0
rectify or remedy such violation. including recommending that
an administrative. civil. u1· criminal case be filed by the
apprcJpriate government ageney.
SEC. :32. In uestigative Role of th e Comrni.ssion on
Human Rights (CHR). - The investigative role of the CHR
as provided in the pertinent provisions of this Act shall he:
limited to all violations of human right;:; irwoiving civil and
political r ights consistent with the powers and functions of the
CHR under Se<:ti on 18 of Article XIII of the Constitution.
SEc. :3:3. Complaint ond Int·•'stigation . -The DOH. C'HR
and Department of Jw;tice (DO,)) shall rec<.>i.ve all compL1ints
of improprieties and abuse::: in mental health care a nd shall
initiate <lppropriate investigation and action .
Furt her. the CHR shal l inspect all plac<:s whc,re
ps~·chiat.ric .oervice users are held for involuntary trt-at mE'nt
or otherwise, to ensure full compliance with dome.slic and
international standards go,·erning the legal basis for treatment
and detention, quality of medical care and living s tandards.
The CHR may. motu propri(). fi le a complaint again:o;t erring
mental he alth care institutions shou ld they fi n d any
nuncom plianl·(·. h::t sed c, n its im·t· :::t.i g~1 ti ons.
SEc'_ 8-!. Duties tn,d Nr.-.~[JOit.>ibilit ies •4 lh,· Depcrrlm,·nt
(>( Educati-on (DepED). C(jmmi.osion on l·hglu,·r Edncaliun
!C'HED;, ond t.he T,.,chni-<'([1 Ed11r111ion and Sln'/ls DelAopm ,·ni
A.ut.hor-itv (TESDA ). -· The Dc,pED. CHED Hnd TESDA sb:dl:
Ia) fntk'grate age-nppropriatc r:nnV·nt pl:'rtaining t.< > mental
he 81th into the curriculum :'tt '' 11 edueatio nal h:vels both m
public and private institut.i• ,n3:
lh) Dewlnp guideline>' :md >'Lmdards •m ~w<>- apprupri:dt:­
anrl. evidenced-based mental health prugnuns both in public
and private mstitutions:
(cl Pursue "trategies that promote t he realizat10n of
mE-ntal health and well-being in educational institutions; and
(d) Ensure that mental health promotions in public m1d
priva te educati on al institutions shall be adequat.e l:v
complemented with qtwlified mental bealth professionals.
SEC..'3fl. Duties and Responsibilities of thr: DeJ•crrtm i'nt
of Labor a.ncl Em ploYment (DOLE) ond the CiuO/ Sen'icf'
Commi.ssion rCSCJ. - The DOLE anr\ the CSC .s h all:
:!I)
ta) Develop guiddint-s and standard" on appn,priatE- and
eVldenct-d-based mental health programs for the workplace 8S
clE·sCl·ib~o·d in thiB Act: and
(1)) Develop policies thc~t promote mental hE·alth in t.h~·
w•wkpbce and address stigma and discrimination suffen·d by
lJ"'ople with mental hE>alth cCJnditirms.
SE('. :3G. Dnfl:rs ond Rcsponsibiliti.c:; of the Deportmen t
uf .Social 'rVelfure and Deuelopmenl (D.SH'D). - The DSWD
c;}Mll:
(a) Refer service users to mental health facilities.
rn·ofes:,;Jonals. work e1·s. ::J nd otiH•r sen·ice provid0 r:o for
~ppropl·iat.e c<we:
Ch) P1·ovidt~ f>l' facihtat.~~ ~-\f:<::es,- r.c, puhlic or group h•Htsi.ng:
f::tcilitie,-, counsdhng. therapy. and livclihoorl training ::md other
:waibhl<? ::::kills dev':'l<>pment programs: ;:lnd
(•~l ln >;uordination with the LGl.:s a nd tlw Dt)H.
ft>rmul:'!te. develop. and implement commumty n:silienn':> and
p.svchosocial well-bein!;(' training, inducling psychosocial support.
.':\ervicc·ti during and after nat.ural dis<t,;:ters and othe1·
•;<1larui1 it'S.
SET. :)i . Dufi,·.-; cwd R e.sr•, •lt .<:i/Jilitie..;; ,J tlH· L.x ul
(;,-,(:ernmt"ni Unit..s rl.UlisJ. - Tbt- LCa.:.~ ,:hall:
(a} Review. formulate. and dt:velop the regulations and
guidelines necessary to implement an effl'ctive mental Jwaltb
care and wellness policy within the territorial jurisdidi.on of
each LGF including the passage of a local ordinance on the
subject of mental health. consistent with exist.ing rPlPvant
national policies and guidelines:
(hl Integrate mental health care ::>t'rvicE:s in thE' basic
health t:are services. and ensure that mental lkalth services
are prov1ded in primary health care facilities and hospitals,
within their respective territorial jurisdictions:
tc) Establish training programs necessary to enhance the
capacity of mental health servic(· proYiders at the LGU level.
in coordination with appr(Jpriate national government agencies
and other stakeholders:
(d) Promote deinstitut.ionalization and otht:·r recovery-based
approache.s to the delivery of mental ht-alth care services:
(e} Establish. reorient. and modernize mental health care
facilities necessary to adequately provide mental health
servict-s. within t heir respective territ urial jurisdictiOns:
(f) Where in dependent Jiving arrange ments are not
a vail a ble . providt· or f"cihta t (· ;JCccss to publi.; h ousing
facilities. voc::ttiona1 training and skills rl.evelopment programs.
and disability or pension benefits;
R.d er ser vi ce ust•r:: to m e n ta l h~· :·dth Ltc.i.litii;'S,
(g l
prufP::<:'rion;·d~.
workers. and r>ther S<'· rv ice provHlers for
apprnpriatP care: "nd
(h) Est::tblish 8 mulb-sectoral stab:holder network for the
identiflcatinn. m>'~n<'lgemE·nt. and prevention of mentul h enltl1
conditions.
~EC. :38. Upgrading of Loco/ Tio8pit.a/.s und l-lenlih C11rc
Facilitif!.s . -· Each LUl'_ upon its •-ktermin;ttlc>11 ,f tl.J,,. twcessitv
based on well-supported rl.at.a provided by it:::. 1'-''-:nl heal th offin~.
.shall establi.sh or upgrade hospit::1ls and facilities with adequate
and qualif1ed personnel. equipment and supplies to be able to
provide mental health services and to address psychiatric
emergencies: Prot'r:ded. Th~t people in geogr aphically isolated
and/or h ighly populated and depressed areas shall h:we the
.same level of access and shall not be neglected by providing
other means such as home visits or mobile health care cliniC$.
as needed: Prou£ded. further, That the national govcJ.·nment
shall provide additional funding and other necessary assistance
for the effediYe implementation of this provision.

CHAPTER viTI
THE PHILIPPINE COUNClL FOH MENTAL HEALTH
SEC. 39. Mail dote. -· The Philippine Council for :Jc-ntal
Health, herei.n referred to as the Council, is hereby est:c1blishecl
as a policy-making, planning. coordinating and <'!dvisory body,
attached to the DOH to oversc·e the implementation of this
Act, pllrticularly the protection of the rights and freedom of
pers,,ns with psychiatric, neu1·ologic. and psychosocial need.o
rmd the delivery of a rationaL unified and integratE-d mental
health servic,·.s respon,;ive to the needs of the Filipino people.
SEC. -W. Dutie.s and Fw1ctinn:;;. - The Cnmwil shall
exerci,-o.e the following duties:
Ia) Dc·v·=-lop and ]1L-riodi,·~=dJy update. in c""'rclinati' •n with
tho LH)H. a ll<ltionai multi-ee•ctoral strategic plan fc,r mf'ntal
he~dth that further operation:-~lize.s tl1e objectiws of this Act
w h1ch ;;hall mdude- Lht- folk•\Ving:
( 1) The ..:ountry\,; targPtS and strategies in proteeting tlw
rights of Filipinos with mental health need~ and in prnmotin~
mental h,o.8.lth :'tnd t.he well-heing of Filipi.nr,s. ao: pruvided in
thi.s Act:
121 Th\:' go\·ernnkm·::: ]Jixn in .:-:::t:1blrshing a r:Hic•nal.
unified and int•:gral·,cd .servJ.cr; cleh\'C·ry network for mE,ntal
health servicr:'s induding the clevel0pment of health human
resources and informatwn system for mental health: and
(3)The budgetary requirements and a corollary
investment plan that shall identify the sources of funds for
its implementation:
(b) Y1on1tor the iruplem<:ntation of the rules and
regulations of this Act ::md the .strategic plan for mental
health, undertake mid-term assessments and evaluations of
the imrJact of the interventions in achi;:-ving the obJectives of
this Act:
_' l)
(c) En<'Ul'e the implementation of the policies pruYided m
this Act. and issue or cause 18suance of orders, or mak e
recommendations to the m1plementing agencies as the Council
con<'lders appropriate:
(d) Coordinate the activities and strengthen workin g
rel:'ltionships among national government age-ncies, LOtTs. and
nongovernment agencies involved in mental health promotion;
(e) Coordinate with foreign and mtematiunal org<Jnizatiuns
regarding data collection, resParch and treatment modalit1es
for persons w1th psychiatl'ic. nPurologic and sub.stance u::;e
disorders e1ncl other addictions;
(f) Coordinate joint planning and budgeting of relevant
agencies to ensure funds for programs and projects indicat<?d
in lh<:- ;;tratel:{ic me-dium-tenn plan :u·e indudl:'d in the :1gency'><
annual budget:
(g) Call upon other guvt.Jrnment agencit'<O and st.akehold('rs
to provid.:· J;1ta :'lnd inform:1tlon in fc,rmubhng policit:cs and
programs. and to assist th'' Coun,j] in the performance of its
functions: ;.1nrl.
(h) Perform other duti{''" and functions necessary to c;:wr y
0ut the pt<.rpo.ses uf this Act.
SEC. -11. C'omp"sition. · The c;,,,mcil .sb:-\1] lJE- L·nm posed
of I he following:
(a) Secretary of DOH as Chairperson:
(b) SeerE-tary of DepED;
(c) Secretary rJf DOLE:
(d) Secretary of the Dc·partment of the interior and Loca l
Government. (DlLGl:
(e) Chairperson of CHR:
3U
(f) (:hairpcr.3on uf CHED:
<g) Onc, ll) repl·tsent.at.i\·E· from rhe a.:ademdre:'\earch:
(h) Om· (l \ i'I:'Pl'P~entat.ive from medical or health
pnJfessirl)la],wganizations: and
(il One· fll representativE- from nr;ngovernmen1·.
organizatwns fNGOs) involwd in mc·ntal health issue;:;.
The members uf the Council from the government may
designatt· their perm anent authorized representnt.ives.
Wi1.hin thirty (:30) cL-\y.-> from th12 effectivity of thi.~ Ad.
the mem hers of the Colmcil from the A.cad<"me/res~Hrch. private
sector and NGOs shall h\" appointed hy the· President t•f the
Philippin<·s from n list of thn''l:' (3) nominees suhmitted h.v d-,.~.
on;rmizatirms, as endors·~d by tb e CounciL
Members representing the at.:ademe/resenrcb, private
:~c·,_.t.,.,r Bnd '\!GOs r,f the (',,tm,jJ ·"ha!J s••rv,::. f,,r ;:1 i••rm ,,f thre(·
(:.:i) year:-:. ln ea::;t- a vacancy oe\'urs in the c:ouncJl. any person
dlO.~•:-n to fill the position vacated by a member of th0 (\JUncil
shall onl~- servt· t.hf:' unt-xpin·d t.enn ,,f snid mnnber.
SE~~·· JZ. Creution o/ the /..JOH 1\Ientn/ Heolih Diri.~ion.
·The n· shall he <'l'eat.ed in the DOH . :.-t Mental l·h ·alth
fJiYision. nndtT the fJise:'tSe Pre\·,~nri• •11 an.-l (\)ntrul Bureau.
staffed bv qualified menLd hea1th specialists and .-mpporl stall
with permanent appointments and supported with an adequate
y<":-ll'ly budget. It shall implement the National Mental Health
Program and, in addition. shall also serve as the secretariat
of the Council.
C 1-IAPTER IX
:viEKTAL HE.-\LTH FOR DRl11i DEPE:0!'DEJ\!TS
SEC . .:.!:3. \/o{unlcn:y ~~ubrni.s.si0n ,.,f o [)ru.,g UerJenden t. t.r;
Co11(inr?111ent., Treo.tmen/. and R eho bilitation. - Per son." \vho
avail •)f the w:,luntary .Qubmi .~sion provision Hnd persons
3i
chargE·d pursuant t.o Rt·pubhc Ad 0:u. 9lti5. otherwise known
as tht' "Comprebensiv<' Dangerous Drugs Act. of 2002 ... shall
Lmdergo an examination for mental health condition s and. if
found to h<WC· mental health conditions. shall bt- covered by
tht- provi.si~ms of t h is Act.
CHAPTER X
MTSCELL<\NEOL'S PROV:ISlONS
SEC. -!4. Penalty Clanse. -Any person who commits any
of thr:- following acts shall. upon conviction by final Judgment.
be punishE>d by imprisonment of not less than six (G) month~.
but not. mor~ t.han t wo \:!) years. or 3 fine uf not lesB than
Ten th ousand pesuB (Pl0,000.00). but not mort th a n Twu
hundrc·d thousa nd pe::.os (P200.000.00). or both. a t tht'
discreticm 1)f the •:• >un.:
\<-t) Fe~ilure t\' .~E-t:urE' infl •l'nkd cunsent .:,f ih.:- S(·n·ic·e u~~·r.
unlesP it falb under t.lK· •':Xcept.ions provided under SL•etion J ::;
,,[' thi::: Act:
(b) Vioh.tion of tl1c· ('onfi nentiality •) f inform:<tion. :t~'
clefineLl under Section Ht.:J r;f th is /\.<::t:
(c) D;s('rimin<>tion ag-ai.IJ:=:l a pt"l'~fJJ1 with a menl.:ll be:-d t h
,~nndi tion . 118 defined under ::;E-t::tit>n Ht·) of this Act.: a nd
(d ) Aclminist.:·nng inhum ane, cruel, di:.gJ.'alhng or harmful
treatment not. based nn med ical or scientific evidence as
i nc!ic<Jtr~d in Section 5(h) of th1s Act.
If the violation is committed ))y a juridic(ll per1;on, the
penalty p rovided for in this Act shall bt- im pr;sed upon th e
directors. 0fficers. employees or other officinls or persons
therein responsible, for the offense .
H the violat ion i:;: committed by a n alien, the aliEm
•)ffEmdc-r shi\ll he ilnme,Ji;.;Lely (leported after serviL~e of ~entem·e
without need of furth er prOC(·eding;-;.
 33

These penalties shall be without prejudice to the SEC. 49. Etfect i t'it.y . - This Act s hall take effect fifteen
administrative or civil liability of the offender. or the facility (15) days after its publication in the Officia l Ga zette or in at
where such violation occurred. least tw o (2) newspa ers of general circulation.

SEC. -!5. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the

initial implementation of this Act shaD be charged against the
2018 appropriations of the DOH for the following: maintP.nance
and other operating expenses of the national mental health J\ ~-\)~~--/\~
program, capital outlays for the development of psychiatric EZ iOtclJNb "KOKO'' PIMENlEL 1IJ
facilities among selected DOH hospitals. and formulation of th: Preside /II of I hi! Senule
strategic plan for mental health.

For the Rucceeding years, the amount allocated for mental

health in the DOH budget and in the budget of other agencies This Act which is a consolidation of Se nate Bill No. 135--1
with specific mandates provided in this Act shall be based on and House BiJJ No. 6-!52 was fmalJy passed by the Senate and
the strategic plan formulated by the Council. in coordination the House of Rep.~ves on Febr uary 12. 2018.
with other st<'lkeholderR. The amount shall he included in the
National Exp<:·nditme Program (NEP'l as basis for the Gener<tl
Appropriation" BiU (GAB). c~ / ~
L UTGAR[)4l B. B ARBO
SEC. -!6. Implementing Rrdes and Regulat.i.on.s (JRR). - Se..,·ef<tr · Uyn1.1ral Sec'rr!lwy uj'the Small!
The Secretary of Health, in coordination with the CHR, f--!tmse t~( Represc'lllatil•cs
DSWD , DILG. DepED. CHED. TESDA, DOLE. CSC a nd
together with associations or organizations representing service
users and mental professionals. workers, and other service
providers. sha ll is sue the lRR n ecessary for the effective
impleme ntation of this Act within one hundred twenty (120l
days from th e effectivity thereof

SEC. -!7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this

Act is declared unconstitutional or i nvalid by a court of
President of the Philippines
competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions not affectP.d
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
0
SEC. 48. Rep eahng Cla.r~se. - All laws, decrees. executive
o r de rs, de partme nt or memorandum orders a nd other
administrative is suances or parts thereof whi ch are
inconsis tent with the provisions of this Act are here by REP UBLIC OF THE PHILIPPI NES
PRRD 20l6 - 006324
modified. superseded or repealed accordingly.