ie
I: RECEIVED ©

Republic of the Philippines CATE: ow OV 30
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TM es
Quezon City NG 23:14 9m
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS a & J
Second Regular Session SinpexsY
House aru. no, 8104

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Almost nine months since our lock-downs began and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,
‘our country is still experiencing a steady increase of COVID-19 infections, with a total of
424,297 cases at present. As we continue to navigate our way to beating this pandemic, we
proactively try to propose measures and policies which could help our nation combat COVID-
19. Presently, foreign pharmaceutical companies are presently racing to develop a vaccine
for COVID-19, with six COVID-19 vaccine candidates having entered phase-3 trials. The
Department of Health has since reported that Philippines’ purchase and distribution of Covid-
19 vaccines can only be made starting the second quarter of 2021.

Considering the current progress in the vaccine race and the DOH's timeline regards the
purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, this Representation believes that it is only
appropriate that the Department of Health, in coordination with local government units and
other the Department of Interior and Local Government, plan for the safe, efficient and timely
distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine by creating a program that would ensure the
maximization of the impact of the vaccines on minimizing the transmission of the disease.

The early preparation of a comprehensive vaccination plan will allow for the speedy
distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines; and will consequently hasten the resumption of normal
activities which would greatly help our economy's recovery. We must make the vaccine
accessible to our countrymen if we are to put an end to this pandemic.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought.

REP. RAS. ab | fda
J 2nd pistrict, Parafiaque City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 8104

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FREE COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "The COVID-19 Vaccination Act".

Sec. 2. Coverage. - Every Filipino residing within Philippine ventory who requests to be
vaccinated shall be entitled to a free COVID-19 vaccine.

Sec. 3. COVID-19 Vaccination Program, - The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging
Infectious Diseases shall create a program for the safe, efficient and timely distribution of
COVID-19 vaccines to every Filipino. The program shall include a comprehensive plan which
identifies the logistical needs for the transport, storage, and distribution of vaccines, and the
strategic, scientific and ethical prioritization of the distribution of vaccines towards maximizing
the impact of the vaccines on minimizing the transmission of the disease.

Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - To ensure the safe delivery of COVID-19
Vaccines, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases is directed to collaborate

with the local government units. The Department of Health shall thereby formulate and

promulgate the pertinent rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act within forty-five

(45) days from the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be
charged against current appropriations of the Department of Health. Thereafter, such sums
necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act. Private sector funding for the COVID-19 Vaccination Program shall be
permitted. Private companies may avail of any tax incentives/credits present under current tax
laws for their financing of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

Sec. 6. Separability Clause. ~ If, for any reason, any part, section or provision of this Act is
held invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to
be in force and effect.


Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and
regulations, and other issuances, or part or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 8. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect immediately after its publication in the
Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved,