Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1719

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: HON. RUTH MARIANO-HERNANDEZ

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill ig a re-filed version of House Bill 9072 that was primarily authored by Reps.
Angelina Tan and Michael Defensor in the 18% Congress. The said measure was approved
by the House June 1, 2021 and transmitted to the Senate on June 2, 2021. The election
season overtook the nation’s attention and the Senate was not able to approve said
measure.

This measure needs to be enacted to further the mandate to make health services
accessible to all Filipinos, as stated in Article XIII, Section 11 of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution:

“The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health
development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social
services available to all the people at affordable cost, There shall be priority for the
needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. The State
shall endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers.”

Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Law recognizes the importance of primary
healthcare in promoting the health and wellness of the Filipino people. Primary health care
also includes preventive care, wherein medical check-ups are optimally included.



‘The Department of Health has time and again said that among the leading causes of death
are heart diseases, diseases of the vascular system, pneumonia, various types of cancers,
tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, nephritis and other diseases of respiratory system. These
diseases are easily detected via physical examinations and diagnostic tests.

To promote the right to health, this bill hereby aims to ensure that each Filipino shall have
a free annual medical check-up with their membership in the Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation (PhilHealth).

assage of this bill is hereby earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1719

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: HON. RUTH MARIANO-HERNANDEZ

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Free Annual Medical Check-Up
Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Principle. - It is the policy of the State to support and promote the
right to health by enhancing programs which focus on preventive and curative medicine
that advance the health and well-being of Filipinos and prevent disease, disability, and
death. Pursuant thereto, Filipinos shall be entitled to an annual medical check-up that is
free of chatge in any government hospital and institution.

SEC. 3. Coverage. - All Filipino Citizens, by virtue of their membership in the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) mandated under Republic Act No. 11223, or the
“Universal Health Care Law’, shall be entitled to the applicable benefits under the
Philippine Health Insurance Program.

Members shall be entitled to a free annual medical check-up that shall include blood sugar
and cholesterol tests. Laboratory and diagnostic tests shall be expanded, subject to the

availability of PhilHealth funds

SEC. 4. Schedule of Free Medical Check-Up. - To promote health, identify risks, and ensure
early diagnosis, PhilHealth shall establish a system that allows access to a free annual
medical check-up and ensure that Filipinos shall be accorded the quality health care
services that they deserve.



SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be charged

against thi

PhilHealth funds.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Health shall, in

coordinatit

mn with PhilHealth, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the

proper implementation of this Act not later than ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force

and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules and regulations,

inconsiste!

it with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or ina newspaper of general circulation,

Approved,