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RECEIVED

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) ; 3 JUL ws
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No._2473

Introduced by Hon. Antonio B. Legarda, Jr.

AN ACT
PROVIDING MONTHLY MAINTENANCE MEDICATION SUPPORT FOR
SENIOR CITIZENS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Philippines is experiencing a rapid rise in its aging population. As more
Filipinos enter their senior years, chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and
heart disease become increasingly prevalent, requiring lifelong access to maintenance
medications. For many elderly citizens, these medications are not optional—they are

critical to survival and quality of life.

Yet for countless seniors ing on fixed or limited incomes, the cost of
maintenance drugs remains a significant burden. Despite the discounts provided
under Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, out-of-pocket
expenses for prescriptions continue to strain household budgets—often leading
seniors to skip doses or forgo treatment entirely.

The 1987 Constitution, in Article XII, Section 11, clearly mandates the State to
adopt a comprehensive approach to health and social services, giving priority to the
underprivileged, sick, elderly, and disabled. This obligation is not only moral—it is
constitutional.

This proposed measure, titled the “Monthly Maintenance Medication Support
Act for Senior Citizens,” seeks to provide a direct monthly subsidy of P1,000 to

qualified senior citizens for the exclusive purchase of prescribed maintenance


medicines. The goal is to ease financial pressure on the elderly, enabling them to
consistently manage their health conditions and avoid costly hospitalizations.

The bill sets clear parameters for eligibility, registration, and fund use, ensuring
that the subsidy directly benefits its intended recipients. The Department of Health
(DOH), in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) and other relevant agencies, shall be tasked with the implementation,
monitoring, and oversight of the program.

This measure is a concrete step toward institutionalizing preventive and
inclusive healthcare for the elderly, in keeping with both constitutional intent and
long-term public health goals. It affirms the State’s responsibility to promote the
dignity, well-being, and continued social participation of our senior citizens.

In line with the policy espoused by its original proponent, Senator Loren
Legarda, this bill is being introduced as a counterpart measure. In view of the

foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

wold: . ceghaon JR.

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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No. 2473

Introduced by Hon. Antonio B. Legarda, Jr.

AN ACT
PROVIDING MONTHLY MAINTENANCE MEDICATION SUPPORT FOR
SENIOR CITIZENS

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 “Monthly Maintenance
Medication Support Act for Senior Citizens.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — In consonance with Article XIII, Sec. 11 of the
Constitution which provides that the State shall adopt an integrated and
comprehensive approach to health and other social services available to all people at
affordable cost, giving priority to the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women
and children, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and promote the
health and well-being of elderly citizens for their continued meaningful contribution
and participation in society. This Act seeks to provide monthly financial assistance to
senior citizens, enabling them to access and afford necessary maintenance
medications, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health outcomes.

Sec. 3, Monthly Maintenance Medication Support. - The government shall provide
monthly financial support amounting to Php 1,000.00 to all senior citizens, hereinafter
referred to as "beneficiaries," who are qualified and registered as such under Republic
Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010."

Sec. 4. Eligibility and Registration. - To qualify for the Monthly Maintenance

Medication Support, a senior citizen must meet the following criteria:

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(a) Bea Filipino citizen and a registered senior citizen as defined in Republic
‘Act No. 9994;

(b) Submit an application to the Department of Health (DOH) or its
designated agency, accompanied by a valid prescription for
maintenance medications issued by a licensed medical practitioner
within the last six (6) months from the date of application; and

(©) Once approved, beneficiaries shall be issued a Monthly Maintenance
Medication Support Card.

Sec. 5, Use of the Monthly Support. - The Monthly Maintenance Medication
Support shall be used exclusively to purchase prescribed maintenance medications,
including but not limited to medicines for chronic illnesses, vitamins, and
supplements, from all public or private pharmaceutical establishments upon
presentment of a prescription validly issued within the last six (6) months from the
date of purchase. The Monthly Maintenance Medication Support shall not be
transferrable to any person other than the person to which the same is provided as
named in the Monthly Maintenance Medication Support Card. Any unused portion
of the support shall not be convertible to cash.

Sec. 6. Implementation and Coordination. - The Department of Health (DOH) shall
be responsible for the implementation of this Act and shall coordinate with other
relevant agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD), to ensure the efficient distribution of the Monthly Maintenance Medication
Support.

Sec. 7. Monitoring and Reporting. - The DOH shall establish a monitoring system
to track the utilization of the Monthly Maintenance Medication Support and shall
submit an annual report to Congress detailing the program's effectiveness and impact
on senior citizens’ health and well-being.

Sec. 8. Penalties. - Any person who commits fraud, misrepresentation, or any
form of abuse in the application or use of the Monthly Maintenance Medication
Support shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH, in coordination with the
DSWD and other relevant agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations to effectively implement this Act within ninety (90) days from its

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effectivity.

Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - If any part, section, or provision of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and
effect.

Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or
parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,