Sanitation Code of the Philippines (1976) P.

D 856

Chapter 1

General Provisions

Section 1 (Title)

- The title of this Code is “Code on Sanitation of the Philippines”

Section 2 (Definition of Terms)

- Whenever any of the following words or terms are used herein or in any rule or regulation
issued under this Code, it shall have the meaning given in this section, as follows:

A. Code – Code on Sanitation of the Philippines

B. Department – The Department of Health
C. Secretary – The Secretary of Health
D. Regional Director – an official who heads a Regional Health Office
E. Local Health Authority – an official or employee responsible for the application
of a prescribed health measured in a local political subdivision.
F. Health Office Provincial, City or Municipal Health Officer
G. Engineer – A Sanitary Engineer
H. Section – any section of this code unless the term refers to other statutes which
are specifically mentioned

Section 3 (Functions of the Department of Health)

- The Department shall have the following powers and functions

A. Undertake the promotion and preservation of the health of the people and raise
the health standards of individuals and communities throughout the Philippines
B. Extend maximum health services to the people in rural areas and provide
medical care to those who cannot afford it because of poverty
C. Develop, administer and coordinate various health activities and services which
shall include public health, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative programs,
medical care, health and medical education services
D. Upgrade the standards of medical practice, the quality of health services and
programs to assure people better health services
E. Assist local health agencies in developing public health programs including
medical care, and promoting medical and public research
F. Issue permits to establish and operate government and private hospitals,
clinics, dispensaries, schools of nursing, mid-wifery, and other para-medical
courses, puericulture centers, clinical laboratories and blood banks
G. Prescribe standard rates of fees for health, medical, laboratory, and other public
services; and
H. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
 Section 4 (Authority of the Secretary)

In addition to the power and authority of the Secretary which are provided by law, he
is likewise empowered to promulgate rules and regulations for the proper implementation
and enforcement of this Code.

Section 5 (Authority of the Bureau Directors)

- The Bureau Directors shall be responsible for staff activities involving the development of
plans, programs, operating standards and management techniques in their respective field
of assignment

Section 6 (Authority of the Regional Directors)

- The Regional Directors shall administer health functions in their regions, implement
policies, standards, and programs involving health services; and enforce the provisions of
this Code and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this Code.

Section 7 (Authority of the Health Officers)

- The Health Officers shall administer health functions in areas under their jurisdiction and
enforce the provisions of this Code and the rules and regulations promulgated by the
Secretary under this Code.

Section 8 (Miscellaneous Provisions)

a. International treaties, agreements and conventions – The Republic of the Philippines

recognizes international treaties agreements and conventions on public health. Their
provisions may be considered parts of this Code provided they do not contravene the
Constitution, existing laws or any provisions of this Code.
b. Rights and proceedings – Any proceeding which has commenced or any right which has
accrued upon the effectivity of this Code shall not be affected by any of its provisions.
However, matters of procedure and rights arising after the date of effectiveness of this Code
shall conform to the provisions hereof.
c. Delegation of power and assignment of duty – whenever a power is granted, or a duty is
assigned to any public health officer in this Code, the power may be exercised by a deputy
or agent of the official pursuant to law, unless it is expressly provided otherwise in this
Code.
d. Language required – Any notice, report, statement or record required or authorized by this
Code, shall be written in English or Filipino.
e. Mailing of notices – Unless otherwise expressly provided, any notice required to be sent to
any person by any provision of this Code, shall be sent through the postal service. The
affidavit of the official or employee who mailed the notice is prima facia evidence that the
notice was sent as prescribed herein.
 f. Condemnation and seizure of property - When any property is officially condemned or
seized by government authorities in the interest of public health, the owner thereof shall not
be entitled to compensation.
g. Command responsibility - When a duty is expressly vested in a health officer as provided in
this Code, it shall be understood that it shall likewise be the concern of the superiors if the
health office under the principle of command responsibility.

CHAPTER 2

Water Supply

Section 9

Prescribed Standards and Procedures – Standards for drinking water and their
bacteriological and chemical examinations, together with the evaluation of results, shall conform
to the criteria set by the National Drinking Water Standards.

The treatment of water to render it safe for drinking, and the disinfection of contaminated
water sources together with their distribution systems shall be in accordance with procedures
prescribed by the Department.

Section 10 (Jurisdiction of the Department)

The approval of the Secretary or that of his duty authorized representative is required in the
following cases:

a) Sites of water sources before their construction.

b) Delivery of water to consumers from new or recently repaired water systems.
c) Operation of a water system after an order of closure was issued by the Department
d) Plans and specifications of water systems of subdivisions and projects prior to the
construction of housing units there at; and
e) Certification of potability of drinking government authorities in the interest water.

Section 11 (Types of Water Examinations Required)

The following examinations are required for drinking water:

a. Initial examination

- The physical, chemical and bacteriological examinations of water from newly constructed
systems or sources are required before they are operated and opened for public use. Examination
of water for possible radioactive contamination should also be done initially.
b. Periodic Examination

- Water from existing sources is subject to bacteriological examination as often as possible but the
interval shall not be longer than six months, while general systematic chemical examination shall
be conducted every 12 months or oftener. Examination of water sources shall be concluded yearly
for possible radioactive contamination.

Section 12 (Examining Laboratories and Submission of Water Samples)

The examination of drinking water shall be performed only in private, or government laboratories
duly accredited by the Department. It is the responsibility of operators of water systems to submit
to accredited laboratories water samples for examination in a manner and at such intervals
prescribed by the Department.

Section 13 (Other Protective Measures)

To protect drinking water from contamination, the following measures shall be observed:

a. Washing of clothes or bathing wi1hin a radius of 25 meters from any well or other source of
drinking water is

prohibited.

b. No artesians, deep or shallow well shall be constructed within 25 meters from any source of
pollution.

c. No radioactive sources or materials shall be stored within a radius of 25 meters from any well or
source of drinking water unless the radioactive source is adequately safely enclosed by proper
shielding.

d. No person charged with the management of a public water supply system shall permit any
physical connection between its distribution, system and that of any other water supply, unless the
latter is regularly examined as to its quality by those in charge of the public supply to which the
connection is made and found to be safe and potable.

e. The installation of a booster pump to boost water direct from the water distribution line of a water
supply system, where low-water pressure prevails is prohibited.
CHAPTER 6 - SCHOOL SANITATION AND HEALTH

SERVICES

SEC. 40. Definition of Terms - As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall mean:

A. School — An institution of learning which may be public, private or parochial.

B. Special School - A school which utilizes cadavers, plants, animals, bacterial and viral
cultures for studies and research.
C. Physical Environments - The school plants, grounds and facilities.
D. Emotional Environment - Factors which affect the emotional health of students and
members of the faculty.

SEC. 41. The Physical Environment

— In the design and construction of the school plant, the following factors shall be considered:

A. Site —Traffic hazards are to be avoided but not to the point of sacrificing accessibility to
public transportation. It shall be distant from sources of nuisances.
B. Grounds — The acreage shall be large enough to permit playgrounds, athletic fields and
school gardens.
C. Building - Preferably it shall be constructed of strong and curable materials and designed
along functional lines. For the prevention of fire hazards, the requirements of the local fire
department shall be observed. Sufficient ventilation shall be provided.Wall and ceiling
finishes should be chosen so as to give optimum lighting with minimum glare. Artificial
lighting with louvered fluorescent or incandescent fixtures shall be used to supply minimum
lighting of 25-foot candles in the darkest corner. For flooring, suitable materials shall be
used which will give maximum e durability without creating a slippery surface.
D. Sanitary Facilities — The school population shall be provided with potable water sewage
and waste disposal systems shall likewise conform to the requirements prescribed in this
Code.

SEC. 42.

The Emotional

Environment — For the promotion of emotional health of the school population the following
requirements shall be observed:

A. Suitable Location - The school site shall be located away from disturbances and places
which give undesirable influence.
 B. Recreational Facilities - The school must have safe and attractive playgrounds and
adequate facilities for suitable sports and games.
C. Rest Rooms — Facilities shall be provided where faculty members can rest and get short
respite from teaching chores.

SEC. 43. Health Services - trained personnel and adequate facilities should beavailable so that
students may be afforded the following health services:

A. Periodic physical and medical examination;

B. Periodic immunization;
C. Medical and dental treatment;
D. Treatment for common emergencies; and
E. Counseling and guidance.

SEC. 44. Requirements for Special

Schools -

A. Cadavers shall be stored in morgues and dissected in dissecting rooms, all of which shall
be constructed and maintained in accordance with standards prescribed by the
Department.
B. Poisonous or harmful plants and animals shall be kept in adequate and secured areas.
C. Viral and bacterial cultures shall be kept in laboratories under standard security laboratory
measures.
D. Schools utilizing radioactive materials or sources for study or research should closely
conform to the requirements and guidelines given by the Radiation Health Office and the
Philippine Atomic Energy Commission concerning radiation protection.

Chapter 9
REST AREAS, BUS TERMINALS, BUS STOPS AND SERVICE STATIONS

Section 54

Rest areas, bus terminals, bus stops and service station areas with one or more permanent sheds,
buildings and service facilities for motor vehicles shall be provided with sanitary facilities for the
convenience and personal necessities of the traveling public.

• Rest areas, bus terminals, bus stops and service stations shall be established with ample
areas to prevent overcrowding of motor vehicles and travelers.
• They shall be provided with adequate ventilation and lighting and away from sources of
nuisance.
• Safe and adequate water supply shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter II of this Code.
• Excreta and sewage collection and disposal shall be provided in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter XVII of this Code.
 • Refuse collection and disposal shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XVIII
of this Code.
• COMFORT ROOMS - an adequate number of comfort rooms shall be provided, as well as
auxiliary facilities therein in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XVII of this Code.
• Waiting sheds for commuters shall be of adequate size to comfortably accommodate a
minimum of thirty (30) people. Floors shall be of smooth concrete finish and adequate
sitting facilities provided for.
• Sale of foodstuffs in those establishments shall be done in conformity with the provisions of
Chapter III of this Code.

Chapter 14
HOTELS, MOTELS AND APARETMENTS

Section 63

DEFINITION OF TERMS

As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall mean:

Hotel - A building where transient guests are received and are supplied with and charged for meals,
lodging and other services.

Motel - A roadside hotel for motorists, usually consisting of private cabins.

Apartment House - A building containing a number of separate residential suites.

Section 64

GENERAL PROVISIONS

• No establishment shall be operated and opened for public patronage without a sanitary
permit issued by the Secretary or his duly authorized representative
• Any extension or additional construction in an establishment shall require a sanitary permit
before it can be operated.
• All establishments shall provide their patrons with adequate water supply, toilets and
facilities in accordance with standards prescribed in this Code.
• Establishments and their premises shall be kept clean and sanitary at all times.
• Periodic insect and vermin control measures shall be undertaken to eradicate vectors of
diseases.
• Animals, fowls and pets shall be housed in appropriate kennels or cages separate from
living quarters.
• No person shall be employed in establishments without first procuring a health certificate
from the local health authority.
• Periodic insect and vermin control measures shall be undertaken to eradicate vectors of
diseases.
 • Animals, fowls and pets shall be housed in appropriate kennels or cages separate from
living quarters.
• No person shall be employed in establishments without first procuring a health certificate
from the local health authority.

SPECIAL PROVISIONS:

Hotels and Motels

• The storage, preparation and serving of food to customers shall be in accordance with the
standards prescribed in Chapter III of this Code.
• Customers shall be provided with clean linen such as bed sheets, pillowcases, towels and
napkins.
• When rooms or cabins are vacated, their toilets or baths shall be sanitized, and clean and
fresh linen shall be provided before the room or cabin is rented for occupancy.

Chapter 17

Sewage Collection and Disposal, Excreta Disposal and Drainage

Section 71 (Definition of Terms)

- As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall mean:

a. Public Sewerage System – A system serving twenty-five (25) persons or more.
b. Septic Tank – A water tight receptacle which receives the discharge of a plumbing
system or part thereof, and is designed to accomplish the partial removal and
digestion of the suspended solid matter in the sewage through a period of detention.
Its construction shall be in accordance with specifications prescribed in this
Chapter.
c. House Sewer – The pipe line conveying sewage from the house or building to the
septic tank or to any point of discharge.
d. Septic tank absorption bed or drain field – An underground system of pipes leading
from the outlet of the septic tank, consisting of open-joined or perforated pipes so
distributed that the effluent from a septic tank is oxidized and absorbed by the soil
e. Effective capacity of a septic tank – The actual liquid capacity of a septic tank as
contained below the liquid level line of the tank.
f. Effective depth of a septic tank – The actual liquid depth of a septic tank as measured
from the inside bottom of the septic tank to the liquid level line.
g. Freeboard or air space of a septic tank – The distance as measured from the liquid
level line to the inside top of the septic tank.
h. Distribution box – A small concrete receptacle between the septic tank and the drain
field from which lines of drain tile extends and which acts as surge tank to distribute
the flow of sewage equally to each line of drain tile.
i. Approved excreta disposal facilities shall mean any of the following:
1. Flush toilets properly connected to a community sewer;
2. Flush toilets connected to a septic tank constructed in accordance with this
Chapter;
3. Any approved type pit privy built in accordance with this Chapter; and
4. Any disposal device approved by the Secretary or his duly authorized
representative.
j. Privy – A structure which is not connected to a sewage system and is used for the
reception, disposition and storage of fees or other excreta from the human body.
k. Septic privy – where the fecal matter is placed in a septic tank containing water and
connected to a drain field but which is not served by a water supply under pressure.
l. Box and can privy – A privy where fecal matter is deposited in a can bucket which is
removed for emptying and cleaning.
m. Concrete vault privy - A pit privy with the pit lined with concrete in such manner as to
make it water tight.
n. Chemical privy – A privy where fecal matter is deposited into a tank containing a
caustic chemical solution to prevent septic action while organic matter is
decomposed.
 Section 72 (Scope of Supervision of the Department)

- The approval of the Secretary or his duly authorized representative is required in the following
matters:
a. Construction of any approved type of toilet for every house including community
toilet which may be allowed for a group of small houses of light materials or
temporary in nature;
b. Plans of individual sewage disposal system and the sub-surface absorption system,
or other treatment device;
c. Location of any toilet or sewage disposal system in relation to a source of water
supply;
d. Plans, design, data and specifications of a new or existing sewerage system or
sewage treatment plant;
e. The discharge of untreated effluent of d. septic tanks and/or sewage treatment
plants to bodies of water;
f. Manufacture of septic tanks; and
g. Method of disposal of sludge from septic tanks or other treatment plants.

Section 73 (Operation of Sewage Treatment works)

- Private or Public Sewerage System shall:

a. Provide laboratory facilities for control tests and other examinations needed;
b. Forward to the local health authority operating data, control tests and such other
records and information as may be required
c. Inform the local health authority in case of breakdown or improper functioning of
the sewage treatment works; and
d. Provide for the treatment of all sewage entering the treatment plant.

Section 74 (Requirements in the Operation of Sewerage Works and Sewage Treatment

Plants)

- The following are required for sewerage works and sewage treatment plants:
a. All houses covered by the system shall be connected to the sewer in areas where a
sewerage system is available
b. Outfalls discharging effluent from a treatment plant shall be carried to the channel
of the stream or to deep water where the outlet is discharged.
 c. Storm water shall be discharged to a storm sewer, sanitary sewage shall be
discharged to a sewerage system carrying sanitary sewage only; but this should not
prevent the installation of a combined system
d. Properly designed grease traps shall be provided for sewers from restaurants or
other establishments where the sewage carries a large amount of grease.

Section 75 (Septic Tanks)

- Where a public sewerage system is not available, sewer outfalls from residences, schools,
and other buildings shall be discharged into a septic tank to be constructed in accordance
with the following minimum requirements:
a. It shall be generally rectangular in shape. When a number of compartments are
used, the first compartment shall have the capacity from one-half to two-thirds of
the total volume of the tank.
b. lt shall be built of concrete, whether precast or poured in place. Brick, concrete
blocks or adobe may be used.
c. It shall not be constructed under any building and within 25 meters from any source
of water supply.

Section 76 (Disposal of Septic Tank Effluent)

- The effluent from septic tanks shall be discharged into a sub-surface soil, absorption field
where applicable or shall be treated with some type of a purification device. The treated
effluent may be discharged into a stream or body of water if it conforms to the quality
standards prescribed by the National Water and Air Pollution Control Commission.

Section 77 (Determination of Septic Tank Capacity)

- The septic tank capacity may be determined from the estimated unit flow contained in Table
I "Quantities of Sewage Flow," based on adequate detention time interval resulting in
efficient sedimentation. Daily flow from mattered results, may be used as estimated flow
when available. For edifices with occupants, the number of persons to be served shall be
computed on the number of rooms with each room considered as occupied by two persons
or on the basis of the actual number of persons served by the tank, whichever is greater.
 Section 78 (Sanitary Privies)

- The privy recommended for use is the sanitary privy. It shall conform with the following
minimum requirements:
a. It shall consist of an earthen pit, a floor covering the pit, and a water-scaled bowl. It
shall be so constructed in order that fecal matter and urine will be deposited into
the earthen pit which shall be completely fly-proof.
b. The pit shall be at least one meter square.
c. The floor should cover the pit tightly to prevent the entrance of flies. It shall be
constructed of concrete or other impervious material.
d. The water-sealed bowl shall be joined to the floor so as to form a water-tight and
insect proof joint.
e. A suitable building, shall be constructed to provide comfort and privacy for the
users of the privy.
f. Wooden floors and seat rises shall not be used.

Section 79 (Drainage)

a. Responsibility of cities and municipalities It shall be the responsibility of all cities and
municipalities to provide and maintain in a sanitary state and in good repair a
satisfactory system of drainage in all inhabited areas where waste water from buildings
and premises could empty without causing nuisance to the community and danger to
public health.
b. Connection to the municipal drainage system - Buildings or premises producing waste
water shall be connected to the municipal drainage system in all areas where it exists.

Section 80 (Special Precaution for radioactive excreta and urine of hospitalized patients)

a. Patients given high doses of radioactive isotope for therapy should be given toilet
facilities separate from those used by "non-radioactive" patients.
b. Radioactive patients should be instructed to use the same toilet bowl at all times and to
flush it at least three times after its use.