Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Eighteenth Congress 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___ 
Introduced by HON. MUJIV S. HATAMAN of the Lone District of Basilan 
and HON. AMIHILDA J. SANGCOPAN of Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party-List 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Constitution, Article II, Section 15 provides that “The State 
shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health 
consciousness among them." Article XIII, Section 11 of the Constitution 
further states that “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.” 
The State recognizes and guarantees the human rights of all persons 
including their right to health which includes access to adequate health care 
facilities and services, as well as appropriate State measures in relation to the 
socio-economic determinants of health. 
The COVID-19 pandemic currently presents an unprecedented 
challenge to the country’s public healthcare system. The disruption is 
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devastating especially in Mindanao as hospitals remain at risk of being 
overwhelmed, following a sharp surge in hospitalizations and new cases this 
June as reported by the Department of Health (DOH) and OCTA Research 
Group.1  
The DOH sets the target of one hospital bed for every 800 citizens 
(1:800).2 In a Senate hearing last April 29, 2021, DOH Undersecretary Lilibeth 
David however revealed that “the Philippines only has 1.2 beds for every 1,000 
people, a ratio that is comparable to the world's poorest countries.”3 
In Basilan, there are currently six (6) hospitals – four (4) in Isabela City 
and two (2) in Lamitan City – but all remain as Level 1 hospitals and with 
limited capability to treat critically-ill patients. These hospitals refer those 
critically ill to fully equipped hospitals such as the Zamboanga City Medical 
Center (ZCMC), which is only accessible via sea transfer.  
The Provincial Government of Basilan reports of increasing COVID-19 
cases in the province. As of October 12, 2021, the virus has so far claimed 56 
lives, and infected a total of 1,799 people with 104 active cases. 
Ensuring access to quality and affordable health services especially in 
these challenging times is the cornerstone of a vibrant and engaged citizenry. 
The bill therefore seeks the expansion of Basilan General Hospital into a 
tertiary level hospital to be known as the Basilan Medical Center (BMC). The 
BMC is envisioned as a premier hospital with modern facilities and state-of-
1 CNN Philippines. (13 June 2021). DOH, OCTA monitor Visayas, Mindanao over increase in COVID-19 
cases. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/6/13/doh-octa-visayan-mindanao-copvid-19-
cases.html 
2 Department of Health. (2017). Philippine Health Facility Development Plan 2017-2022. Retrieved from 
https://doh.gov.ph/node/11308 
3 CNN Philippines. (29 April 2021). No nearby health facility for half of Filipinos – DOH. Retrieved from 
https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/4/29/primary-health-care-facility-access-philippines.html 


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the-science medical equipment and technology providing comprehensive, 
quality, and affordable service through its highly skilled and competent 
healthcare professionals and staff.  
With this measure, we endeavor to bring quality healthcare services 
closer not just to the Basileños but also to the whole of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-
Tawi (BASULTA) region as part of further strengthening our frontlines against 
the COVID-19 pandemic. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is 
earnestly sought. 
HON. MUJIV S. HATAMAN 
HON. AMIHILDA J. SANGCOPAN 
Lone District of Basilan  
Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party-List 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Eighteenth Congress 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___ 
Introduced by HON. MUJIV S. HATAMAN of the Lone District of Basilan 
and HON. AMIHILDA J. SANGCOPAN of Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party-List 
AN ACT 
CONVERTING THE BASILAN GENERAL HOSPITAL INTO A TERTIARY LEVEL 
HOSPITAL KNOWN AS THE BASILAN MEDICAL CENTER, UNDER THE DIRECT 
SUPERVISION AND CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH), 
INCREASING ITS BED CAPACITY, MODERNIZING ITS SERVICES AND FACILITIES, 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “Basilan Medical Center 
Act.” 
SEC.  2.  The Basilan General Hospital located in Isabela City, Province of 
Basilan is hereby converted and expanded into a tertiary level hospital to be known 
as Basilan Medical Center (BMC), under the direct supervision and control of the 
Department of Health (DOH).  
The authorized bed capacity of BMC is hereby increased to five hundred 
(500) beds. The increase in bed capacity shall be implemented for a period of two
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(2) years from the approval of this Act. Any future increase in bed capacity shall 
be consistent with the hospital development plan and its status as tertiary hospital, 
which shall be prepared by the Medical Center Chief of BMC and submitted to the 
Department of Health (DOH). 
SEC.  3.  The existing professional health care services and facilities shall 
also be upgraded and increased correspondingly to conform with the increase in 
its authorized bed capacity as provided for in Section 2 hereof, consistent with 
the requirements of modern medical services and state-of-the-science equipment 
and technology, as reflected in the hospital development plan and its status as 
tertiary hospital.  
SEC. 4. The existing workforce of the BMC, including doctors, nurses, and 
support personnel, shall also be increased correspondingly, consistent with the 
hospital development plan and its status as tertiary hospital.  
The DOH, in coordination with the Department of Budget and 
Management (DBM) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and in 
consultation with the Medical Center Chief of BMC, shall determine the 
additional plantilla positions to be created and filled up.  
 
SEC. 5. The Secretary of the DOH shall immediately include in the 
Department’s programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 


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SEC. 6. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the 
remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full 
force and effect. 
SEC.  7.  All laws, orders, issuances, rules and regulations inconsistent with 
the provisions of this Act are repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,