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PD 856 - Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (1975)

Philippine lawLegal status not independently verified

In brief

AI summary. Verify against the source below.

The Code on Sanitation of the Philippines establishes comprehensive standards for public health, covering water supply, food safety, waste management, and the disposal of the dead. It empowers the Department of Health to regulate establishments and enforce sanitary practices to protect the health of the public.

Who it affects: This Code applies to all individuals, public and private entities, and government agencies operating establishments or performing activities that impact public health in the Philippines.

Key provisions

  • Sanitary Permits. Operators of food establishments, public laundries, industrial plants, and other public facilities must secure a sanitary permit from the local health office before operating. [Sec. 14, 37, 45, 51, 55, 56, 58, 60, 64, 93]
  • Water Safety. Drinking water must meet National Drinking Water Standards, and water sources must be protected from pollution, including a 25-meter buffer zone from potential contaminants. [Sec. 9, 13]
  • Food Handler Requirements. Employees in food establishments must obtain a health certificate from the local health authority, which requires physical and medical examinations. [Sec. 15, 19]
  • Vermin Control. Owners and operators must maintain a vermin abatement program; failure to do so allows the local health agency to perform the work at the owner's expense. [Sec. 20, 70]
  • Food Storage Temperatures. Perishable foods must be stored at 45°F (7°C) or below, while hot food must be kept at 140°F (60°C) or higher. [Sec. 16]
  • Industrial Hygiene. Employers must provide protective equipment, monitor noise levels, and ensure workers are not exposed to hazardous atmospheric contaminants. [Sec. 47, 48, 49]
  • Disposal of the Dead. Burial grounds must be at least 25 meters from dwellings and 50 meters from water sources, and burials require a death certificate. [Sec. 90, 91]
  • Penalties. Violations of the Code or its regulations are punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to 1,000 pesos, or both. [Sec. 103]

Common questions

Can I be compensated if the government seizes my property for health reasons?
No, owners are not entitled to compensation when property is condemned or seized by government authorities in the interest of public health. [Sec. 8(f)]
Are sari-sari stores allowed to be built anywhere?
No, they cannot be established within 25 meters of any source of contamination. [Sec. 32(a)]
What happens if a food establishment fails a health inspection?
The health officer will issue a notice for correction. If the issue is not fixed by the deadline, the sanitary permit may be revoked or suspended. [Sec. 31]
Can I wash my clothes near a well?
No, washing clothes or bathing within a 25-meter radius of any well or drinking water source is prohibited. [Sec. 13(a)]
Who is responsible for the cost of burying a person with no family?
If the deceased has no kin or the kin cannot afford the costs, the city or municipal government must bear the burial expenses. [Sec. 91(d)]
Can I donate my organs for medical research?
Yes, you may authorize the donation of your organs in writing, signed in the presence of two witnesses, which is binding on your family and executors. [Sec. 96]

Legal information, not legal advice

Tatsulok checks that this text faithfully reproduces its published source, but Tatsulok is not an official publisher and does not independently verify whether the text is currently in force, amended, or repealed. Always confirm against an official source, such as the Official Gazette or the issuing government authority, before relying on it. This is legal information for study, not legal advice. For your situation, consult a lawyer or Philippine legal aid.