Mandate.
SEC. 39. Mandate. - The Philippine Council for Mental Health, herein referred to as the Council, is hereby established as a policy-making, planning, coordinating and advisory body, attached to the DOH to oversee the implementation of this Act, particularly the protection of the rights and freedom of persons with psychiatric, neurologic, and psychosocial needs and the delivery of a rational, unified and integrated mental health services responsive to the needs of the Filipino people.
Duties and Functions.
SEC. 40. Duties and Functions. - The Council shall exercise the following duties:
(a) Develop and periodically update, in coordination with the DOH. a national multi-sectoral strategic plan for mental health that further operationalizes the objectives of this Act which shall include the following:
(1) The country's targets and strategies in protecting the rights of Filipinos with mental health needs and in promoting mental health and the well-being- of Filipinos, as provided in this Act;
(2) The government's plan in establishing a rational unified and integrated service delivery network for mental health services including the development of health human resources and information 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) Monitor the implementation of the rules and regulations of this Act and the strategic plan for mental health: undertake mid-term assessments and evaluations of the impact of the interventions in achieving the objectives of this Act;
(c) Ensure the implementation of the policies provided in this Act. and issue or cause issuance of orders, or make recommendations to the implementing agencies as the Council considers appropriate:
(d) Coordinate the activities and strengthen working relationships among national government agencies, LGUs, and nongovernment agencies involved in mental health promotion;
(e) Coordinate with foreign and international organizations regarding data collection, research and treatment modalities for persons with psychiatric, neurologic and substance use- disorders and other addictions:
(f) Coordinate joint planning and budgeting of relevant agencies to ensure funds for programs and projects indicated in the strategic medium-term plan are included in the agency's annual budget;
(g) Call upon other government agencies and stakeholders to provide data and information in formulating policies and programs, and to assist the Council in the performance of its functions: and
(h) Perform other duties and functions necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act;.
Composition.
SEC. 41. Composition. - The Council shall be composed of the. following;
(a) Secretary of DOH as Chairperson;
(b) Secretary of DepED;
(c) Secretary of DOLE;
(d) Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG);
(e) Chairperson of CHR:
(f) Chairperson of CHED:
(g) One (1) representative from the academe/research:
(h) One (1; representative from medical or health professional organizations: and
(i) One (1) representative from nongovernment organizations (NGOs) involved in mental health issues.
The members of the Council from the government may designate their permanent authorized representatives.
Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, the members of the Council from the academe/research, private sector and NGOs shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list of three (3) nominees submitted by the organizations, as endorsed by the Council.
Members representing the academe/research, private sector and NGOs of the Council shall serve for a term of three (3) years. In case a vacancy occurs in the Council, any person chosen to fill the position vacated by a member of the Council shall only serve the unexpired term of said member.
Creation of the DOB Mental Health Division.
SEC. 42. Creation of the DOB Mental Health Division. - There shall be created, in the DDK, a Mental Health Division, under the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, staffed by qualified mental health specialists and support staff' with permanent appointments and supported with an adequate yearly budget.. It shall implement the National Mental Health Program and, in addition, shall also serve as the secretariat of the Council.
Source: Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines. Philippine laws are public documents (works of the government).
