Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

641

H. B. No.

Introduced by HONORABLE JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to protect and promote the health of the people, pursuant to the
constitutional mandate as stated in Article II (2), Section 15 of the Constitution which reads:

"SEC. 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
health consciousness among them.”

Past experience has shown that military operations, whether the encounter is between
the military and communist insurgents, or between government troops and military rebels, or
during saturation drives or "zonings” conducted by the police, has left great civilian casualties. It
is, thus, only proper that our government provides adequate help and support to the innocent
individuals unfortunately caught and injured in the cross-fire or police drag-net.

At present, there is no law, which provides any form of aid or help to these innocent
victims. Hence, the immediate approval and passage of this bill is urgently sought.

Lone District, Province of Aurora


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)
First Regular Session )

H.B.No, 641

Introduced by Honorable JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE MEDICINE AND OTHER BASIC MEDICAL SUPPLIES
TO ANY PRIVATE PERSON OR INDIVIDUAL INJURED OR WOUNDED
DURING A MILITARY OR GOVERNMENT OPERATION

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Free Medicine and Medical Supplies. Any private person or individual
who shall have been wounded, or, in any way injured during or on the occasion of a military
operation or activity or any government operation of a military operation or activity or any
government operation shall be entitled to free medicine and other medical supplies necessary
for the injury or wound at any government or government-owned or controlled hospital or clinic:
Provided, the total cost of such medicine or medical supplies shall not exceed Five Thousand
Pesos (P5,000.00) for each individual.

SEC. 2. Definition. The following terms shall mean:

a) Private person or individual - Any citizen of the Republic of the Philippines;

b)

Wound - Any open flesh;

°)

Injury - Any other damage to the body whether internal or external, including, but not
limited to, fractures, sprains, concussions, bruises and other bodily injuries;

d)

Medicine - Any drug or medication as approved and licensed by the Bureau of Food
and Drugs for sale and distribution in the country;

e

Medical Supplies - Any supply, such as bandages, satures and other similar items
deemed necessary for medical treatment;

f) Military or government operation or activity - Any activity or operation, of whatever
nature, or for whatever purpose, undertaken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines,
or any other military or para-military service, such as “Saturation drives," and other
operations.


SEC. 3. Coordination. The Secretary of National Defense, the Secretary of Health, the
Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, in consultation with the Administrators of the
different government hospitals and ciinics shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations
to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 4. Sourcing. The medicine and medical supplies granted by the Act shall be paid
for out of the savings of the different departments of the government mentioned in the preceding
Section.

SEC. 5. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect immediately upon its publication hereof.

Approved,