The powerful Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, led by its Chairperson Rep. Karlo Nograles (Davao) recommended key amendments to the proposed National Integrated Cancer Control Act.

The said amendments pertained to the budgetary provisions of the bill, which is under the jurisdiction of the committee.

Key points include: 

- Establishment of Cancer Assistance Fund, to be managed by the Department of Health, who will report regularly to the Office of the President and Congress pertaining to its disbursement.

- The Department of Health may solicit and receive donations which shall form part of the Cancer Assistance Fund. Such donations shall be exempted from income or donors tax and all other taxes, fees and charges imposed by the government.

- The General Appropriations will specifically include fund for cancer programs

The above amendments were adopted by the committee and the bill proponents led by Rep. Helen Tan, Chairperson, Health Committee accepted these new provisions.

The bill has been endorsed to the Ways and Means Committee before being taken up in the plenary deliberations.