.iel1atr , 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
{j~lflfli of ttu~ ~prr"t:ar~ 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
/iUG 29 P5 :12 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 1445 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Smltiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 2, Section 15, states that: 
Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the 
people and instill health consciousness among them. 
While the Constitution mandates health care for every Filipino, a significant number of 
the population is unable to afford basic health care services. For the poorer population, it is least 
in their priorities. They prefer not to go to hospitals or clinics for treatment because of the high 
costs of medical service and medicines. 
According to the Department of Health, medicine prices in the Philippines are grossly 
high compared to other countries. Aside from the high prices, the poorer rural communities also 
lack pharmacies. There are village drugstores, Botika ng Bayan or Botika ng Barangay, which 
sell medicines at lower prices, but some of the poorest and far-flung provinces do not have them. 
Barangay health centers also provide free medicines and supplements, but supplies tend to be 
sporadic. This bill seeks to ensure that free essential medicines are accessible to the poor. 
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.-Stl'lllir 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
(~Hl:t of Ii!i ;i ,t\·9'huV 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
13 
AUGZ9 P5:12 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 1445 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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~Acr 
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PROVIDING THE POOR WITH ACCESS TO FREE ESSENTIAL MEDICINES 
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THROUGH BARANGA Y HEALTH CENTERS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Free Essential Medicines for 
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Barangays Act." 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
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protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among 
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them. Towards this end, the State shall implement a program of distribution of free essential 
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medicines to indigents nationwide. 
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SECTION 3. Definition of Essential Medicines. - As used m this Act, "essential 
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medicines" means basic medicines for primary health care. 
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SECTION 4. Establishment of Free Essential Medicines Program. - There is hereby 
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established a program to be known as the "Free Essential Medicines Program," referred to in this 
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Act as the "Program." 
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Free essential medicines shall be made available to indigents by barangay health centers, 
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in adequate amounts and in appropriate dosage forms. Essential medicines shall be selected with 
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regard to efficacy, safety, and comparative (lost"effegtiveness. 
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SECTION 5. Qualified Beneficiaries. - The Program shall be restricted to indigent 
residents of the barangay, in accordance with rules and regulations to be promulgated by the 
Secretary of Health. 
SECTION 6. Priority Health Problems. - Priority health problems for the Program shall 
include, but shall not be limited, to the following: 
(A) 
Coughs and colds, including nasal congestion and sore throat; 
(B) 
(C) 
(D) 
(E) 
Minor cuts, bruises, and bums; 
Aches and pains; 
Diarrhea; and 
Intestinal worm infections in children. 
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SECTION 7. Implementing Agencies . . - The provisions of this Act and the implementing 
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rules and regulations shall be enforced by the Department of Health, in coordination with the 
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Department of Social Welfare and Development. 
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SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days ii'om th() 
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effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Health shall promulgate the necessary rules and 
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regulations for its effective implementation. 
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SECTION 9. Appropriations. - The necessary amount for the initial implementation of 
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this Act shall be charged to the appropriations of the Department of Health under the current 
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General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for its continued 
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implementation shall be included in the mmual General Appropriations Act as a separate and 
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distinct item. 
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SECTION 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part thereof is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the law of the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
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valid and subsisting. 
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SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
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ordet, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
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with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 12. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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