Republic Act No. 9271

Title. This Act shall be known as the "Quarantine Act of 2004."

The Bureau of Quarantine under the Department of Health (DOH), with the category of a first-class line bureau, shall have a nationwide scope of function and international commitment in accord with the International Health Regulations (IHR) of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The examination at ports of entry and exit in the Philippines of incoming and outgoing vessels and aircraft, the necessary surveillance over their sanitary conditions, as well as over their cargoes, passengers, crews, and all personal effects, and the issuance of quarantine certificates, bills of health, or other equivalent documents shall be vested in and be conducted by the Bureau. This Bureau shall have authority over incoming and outgoing vessels both domestic and foreign, including those of the army and navy, their wharfage and anchorage, and over aircraft and airports, insofar as it is necessary for the proper enforcement of the provisions of this Act.

Authority to Promulgate and Enforce Rules and Regulations and Provide Penalties for Their Violations. (a) The Director of the Bureau with the approval of the Secretary of Health, is authorized to promulgate and enforce rules and regulations as in his judgment are necessary to prevent the introduction, transmission or spread of "public health emergencies of international concern" from foreign countries into the Philippines or from one (1) domestic seaport/airport to another. For purposes of implementing these regulations, the Director of the Bureau may provide intervention strategies such as health education and advisories, inspections, fumigation, disinfection, pest extermination, vaccination for international travel, medical examination of aliens/foreigners for immigration purposes and destruction of animals or articles found to be infected or contaminated as to be sources of infection to human beings in coordination with other concerned quarantine agencies such as veterinary quarantine, plant quarantine, etc. and other measures as in his judgment may be necessary.

Whenever the Director of the Bureau determines that there is an existence of any public health emergency of international concern in a foreign country and that there is imminent danger of the introduction of hazardous cargoes or materials into the Philippines, he, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and other concerned agencies, may recommend to the President, through the Secretary of Health, the prohibition of its entry for public health interest.

The Director of the Bureau shall control, direct and manage all quarantine stations, grounds and anchorages, and designate their boundaries. With the approval of Secretary of Health, he shall establish such additional quarantine station, grounds and anchorages if, in his judgment, these are necessary to prevent the introduction of diseases of international concern into the country. The Director, in the same manner may also order the closure of non-functional quarantine stations, grounds and anchorages.

The Bureau of Quarantine shall be authorized to use at least fifty percent (50%) of the income generated subject to accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

The DOH shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act within sixty (60) days after the enactment of this Act.

In the event any provision of this Act or the application of such provision to any person or circumstances is declared invalid, the remainder of this Act or the application of said provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such declaration.

Repealing Clause. Republic Act No. 123 of 1947, as amended, and all acts and regulations regarding foreign and local quarantine not consistent with this Act are hereby repealed.

Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.