There are "issues" in the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11036, or the Philippine Mental Health Act, as admitted by the Senators on Tuesday.
Senator Bong Go pointed out the distressing situation at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) in Mandaluyong City, while Senator Raffy Tulfo conducted an ocular inspection at the NCMH in April, following the tip they received on the worsening condition of the hospital.
Tulfo said in a news release that a female ward smelled of feces and urine, which was exacerbated by the stench of waste placed outside.
The forensic ward, which holds patients with ongoing charges, is overcrowded, has poor ventilation, and has just two ceiling fans.
On June 20, 2018, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11036, a bill mostly written by Senator Risa Hontiveros.
The law sets the National Mental Health Policy, which aims to improve Filipinos' mental health and emphasizes everyone's entitlement to mental health care.
Its specific goal is to provide mental health services to the community and to integrate mental health and wellness activities at the grassroots level.
RA 11036 also aims to improve school and workplace facilities and encourage mental health education.
Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the Committee on Basic Education, has stated that he will shortly submit legislation that will go deeper into basic education institutions' mental health and wellness initiatives.

The representative added that his bill will supplement RA 11036 by identifying the entity that will conduct mental health and wellness initiatives in schools.

you might like

Senators train sights on improving Mental Health Act flaws