TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBUC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
270
S. No.
25 JUL-8 P5-.44
Introduced by Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Access to preventive healthcare remains a challenge for many Rlipinos, 
particularly those in low-income and rural communities. According to the Philippine 
Statistics Authority (PSA), out-of-pocket spending by Rlipino families accounted for 
44.7 percent of the country's total health expenditure in 2021.This reliance on personal 
funds often discourages people from seeking medical help until symptoms worsen, by 
which time treatment becomes more expensive and less effective. Adding to this 
concern, the Department of Health (DOH) reported in 2013 that 6 out of 10 Filipinos 
die without ever seeing a doctor, underscoring a long-standing gap in early 
intervention and regular health monitoring.
These figures reveal the urgent need for a stronger, more accessible preventive 
healthcare system. Delayed diagnoses not only result in poorer health outcomes, but 
also increase the strain on our already overburdened public hospitals and healthcare 
workers. The costs, both human and economic, are significant and preventable.
This proposed measure aims to institutionalize one free medical check-up per 
year for all Filipinos, to be administered through the Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation (PhilHealth). The check-up will include a general physical examination and 
basic laboratory and diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, urine and stool exams, 
imaging procedures like chest x-rays, ECGs, and age-appropriate cancer screening


tests. These services may be expanded to include other relevant tests based on 
national health needs and the availability of funds.
The free medical check-up shall be implemented within or alongside existing 
programs, including the Konsultasyong SulitatTama (Konsulta) package of PhilHealth, 
thus avoiding duplication of efforts and facilitating harmonized implementation.
The measure shall be funded by PhilHealth's existing revenue sources, which 
include member contributions and government subsidies, consistent with the 
provisions of the Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223).
By focusing on prevention rather than cure, this legislation aims to foster a 
culture of health consciousness among Filipinos. It empowers individuals to take 
charge of their well-being, helps detect illnesses before they become severe, and 
ultimately contributes to a healthier, more resilient population.
This is a simple yet impactful step toward making healthcare more equitable, 
accessible, and people-centered.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 270
25 JUL -8 ?5 :44
mm'iir.,.
Introduced by Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Libreng Check-Up Act."
2 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes its duty to protect and
3 
promote the right to health of the people. Pursuant to its duty, the State shall provide
4 
the services needed to ensure the health and wellness of every Filipino. Aside from
5 
enhancing programs that focus on curative medicine, there should be emphasis on
6 
improving the country’s health care system in terms of preventive interventions and
7 
strengthening the health-seeking behavior of citizens. In line with this, Filipinos shall
8 
be entitled to an annual medical check-up, through the programs of the Philippine
9 
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), that is free of charge in any government
10 
hospital and institution.
11 
Sec. 3. Population Coverage. - Every Filipino citizen shall be covered by the
12 
free annual medical check-up under this Act, pursuant to Section 5 of Republic Act
13 
No. 11223, otherwise known as the "Universal Health Care Act."
14 
Sec. 4. Medical Check-Up Coverage. - PhilHealth, in consultation with the
15 
Department of Health (DOH), shall establish a program to provide Filipinos with a free


1 
annual medical check-up, which shall include, but not be limited to a general physical
2 
examination and the following basic laboratory and diagnostic tests:
3 
a) Blood tests (such as complete blood count, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile)
4 
b) Urine and stool examinations
5 
c) Chest x-ray and other imaging procedures
6 
d) Electrocardiogram (ECG)
7 
e) Cancer screening tests based on age and risk factors (such as Pap smear, PSA
8 
test)
9 
f) Other screening or diagnostic procedures as may be necessary based on the
10 
patient's medical evaluation.
11 
Provided, That prior to the availment of any laboratory and/or diagnostic
12 
examinations, the patient must first be screened by a PhilHealth-accredited primary
13 
care provider, as stated under Section 6(d) of R.A. No. 11223, to evaluate and
14 
determine the appropriate examinations to be administered:
15 
Provided, further. That such examinations shall be conducted through PhilHealth-
16 
accredited health care institutions (HCIs):
17 
Provided, furthermore. That the coverage of laboratory and/or diagnostic
18 
examinations may be expanded, subject to the availability of PhilHealth funds and
19 
based on the current and emerging health needs of Filipinos:
20 
Provided, finaiiy. That this program may be implemented and harmonized with existing
21 
and future programs of PhilHealth, including but not limited to the Konsultasyong Sulit
22 
at Tama (Konsulta) package, without prejudice to the development or expansion of
23 
other programs aligned with this Act.
24 
Sec. 5. Scheduie of Free Medicai Check-Up. -The duration of availing the free
25 
medical check-up shall be for the whole calendar year. PhilHealth shall establish a
26 
system to secure that every Filipino will be accommodated and get the services that
27 
they are entitled to.


1 
Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - PhilHealth shall be primarily
2 
responsible for the implementation of this Act. Within thirty (30) days from the
3 
effectivity of this Act, PhilHealth, in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH),
4 
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.
5 
Sec. 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be
6 
charged against the total revenue of PhilHealth, composed of premium contributions
7 
from direct contributors and premium subsidies of the government for the indirect
8 
contributors, of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.
9 
Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
10 
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to
11 
be in full force and effect.
12 
Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, orders, other issuances,
13 
rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
14 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
15 
Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
16 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,