Law Summary

Preamble

• Legal Context: The decree was issued in response to the need for effective malaria eradication measures vital to health and economic conditions prior to Proclamation No. 1081.
• Proponent: Ferdinand E. Marcos, as President of the Philippines, enacts this decree to facilitate malaria eradication efforts.

Section 1: Authorization of Anti-Malaria Workers

• Provision: This section empowers anti-malaria workers from the Malaria Eradication Service of the Department of Health to perform necessary operations to combat malaria.
• Key Definitions:
  • Anti-malaria Workers: Personnel authorized to conduct activities essential for malaria eradication.
• Requirements:
  • Authorized to enter private properties for:
    • Spraying houses.
    • Canvassing for malaria cases.
    • Taking blood films.
    • Providing treatment.
  • Collect data and conduct research for malaria incidence records.

• Anti-malaria workers can enter premises without being liable for trespass.
• Data collection and research are integral to the program’s success.

Section 2: Reporting Obligations

• Provision: Mandates health facilities to report malaria cases.
• Requirements:
  • Government and private hospitals and clinics must inform the Malaria Eradication Service of any malaria incidences they encounter.

• Mandatory reporting is crucial for effective surveillance and control.

Section 3: Insecticide Residue Management

• Provision: Addresses the management of insecticide residue from anti-malaria spraying.
• Requirements:
  • Insecticide residue must remain on treated surfaces until the end of the spraying campaign.

• Ensuring insecticide residue is preserved is vital for the program's success.

Section 4: Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Provision: Establishes penalties for individuals obstructing anti-malaria workers.
• Penalties:
  • Refusal or obstruction can result in:
    • A fine between three hundred to five hundred pesos.
    • Imprisonment for one to three months.
    • Possible combination of both penalties at the court's discretion.

• Non-compliance may lead to significant legal repercussions.

Section 5: Rule-Making Authority

• Provision: Empowers the Director of the Malaria Eradication Service to establish rules for implementation.
• Requirements:
  • Rules must be approved by the Secretary of the Department of Health.

• Establishes a framework for further regulatory guidance.

Section 6: Repeal of Inconsistent Laws

• Provision: Repeals any conflicting acts, parts of acts, or executive orders.

• Ensures coherence in legal application regarding malaria eradication efforts.

Section 7: Effectivity

• Provision: The decree takes effect immediately upon promulgation.

• Establishes that the provisions are enforceable from the date of issuance.

Key Takeaways

• Presidential Decree No. 70 solidifies the framework for malaria eradication in the Philippines through empowering health workers, mandating reporting, and establishing penalties for non-compliance.
• It emphasizes the need for cooperation among individuals and health agencies to achieve effective malaria control.
• The decree reinforces the authority of the Department of Health in maintaining public health standards with specific focus on malaria eradication efforts.