Ri Dy

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

RECEIVED

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._514

Introduced by Representative Jaime R. Fresnedi

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This proposed measure seeks to provide for free, other necessary vaccinations for the
maintenance of the quality of life of senior citizens. The bill proposes to amend Section 4 of
Republic Act No. 7432, as amended, to broaden the scope of health benefits available to the
Filipino elderly by ensuring that vaccines against common and preventable diseases are made
accessible, without cost.

In our country, free vaccinations are available for influenza and pneumococcal diseases,
particularly for indigent senior citizens. While this is a crucial step toward preventive care, it
also leaves a significant policy gap in the protection against other infectious diseases like
tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The above remain prevalent and life-threatening, most
especially for individuals with weakened immune systems and other underlying health
conditions that are common in aging populations.

The passage of this bill is envisioned to reduce the healthcare burden on senior citizens
and their families. It is hoped to lessen the frequency of consultations, admissions and treatment
costs, which can be particularly taxing for senior citizens living on pensions. Moreover. this
measure is a testament to the State’s commitment to uphold the dignity and welfare of its senior
citizens by ensuring that they are afforded comprehensive protection against infectious
diseases

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

JAIM SNEDI
sentative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City

x
Q

37 JUN 20s


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 514

Introduced by Rep. Jaime R. Fresnedi

AN ACT
GRANTING ADDITIONAL FREE VACCINATIONS TO SENIOR CITIZENS,
AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE SECTION 4 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS
AMENDED, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Sec. 1. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7432, as amended, is hereby further amended to
read as follows:

“Sec. 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens. — The senior citizens shall be entitled
to the following:

(a) xxx
(b) xxx
()xxx
(©) xxx
(a) xxx
(Q the DOH shall administer free vaccination against the influenza virus,
TETANUS, DIPTHERIA, PERTUSSIS, [and] pneumococcal disease AND
OTHER SIMILAR APPROVED VACCINATIONS WHICH THE DOH
MAY DEEM NECESSARY FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE

QUALITY OF LIFE for ALL [indigent] senior citizen [patients],”

Sec. 2. Appropriations. ~ The amount needed for the implementation of this Act shall
be charged against the appropriations of Department of Health (DOH) in the current and

1


subsequent General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, the amount needed for the continued
implementation of this Act shall be included in the budget of the concerned departments in the
annual General Appropriations.

Sec. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within six (6) months from the approval
of this Act, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the DOH, in
coordination with other implementing agencies, shall formulate rules and guidelines as may be
necessary for the proper implementation and enforcement of this Act

Sec. 4, Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules and regulations
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified or amended
accordingly.

Sec. 5. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,