FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 549 
) 
) 
) 
'ii:~' -\7 f 
u~F,~c " ... :~: -it.!,;. Sct.rtt2'tAitY 
n'C,~E"""'" BV' -r/';;: 
~tv...., 
~ 
~ __ I"'" 
. 
-
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article XIII, Section 11 of the Constitution provides the state policy of 
adopting 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. 
However, our lack of focus on the health sector is evident as the total 
health budget only accounted for 2.38 percent of the national budget in 2009. 
More than a decade has elapsed since the enactment of Republic Act No. 
7875, otherwise known as the "National Health Insurance Act of 1995," 
mandating that affordable health care coverage be made available to all citizens. 
The country is far from the target. The bill seeks to address this by ensuring that 
all benefits under Republic Act No. 7875 are made available to every Filipino 
citizen. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Senator 
, '. 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 549 
) 
) 
) 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
T9 ENSURE THAT EVERY FILIPINO IS GRANTED WITH BASIC 
. HEAL THCARE SERVICES, PROVIDING FOR THE PURPOSE A 
MANDATORY UNIVERSAL HEAL THCARE COVERAGE, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Mandatory 
Universal Healthcare Coverage of Every Filipino Act of 2010." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Pursuant to Section 15, Article II of the 
Constitution the State hereby declares the policy of protecting and promoting the 
right to health of the people and instilling health consciousness among them. 
Towards this end, 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 every Filipino at affordable cost. 
SEC. 3. Mandatory Universal Healthcare Coverage of Every Filipino. -
Every Filipino citizen shall be entitled to mandatory universal health care 
coverage by their immediate and automatic inclusion to Philippine Health 
Insurance coverage and membership as provided for under Republic Act No. 
7875, as amended, otherwise known as the "National Health Insurance Act of 
1995". Accordingly, all the benefits under RANo. 7875 as amended shall also 
be made applicable and available to every Filipino citizen. Provided, That 
contribution of indigent members shall be funded by the National Government 
through the General Appropriations Act, without prejudice to other sources of 
contribution. 
SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of 
Health, in coordination with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) 
shall, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, promUlgate the 
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the prOVisions 
of this Act. 
SEC.5. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be 
in full force and effect. 


SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, including R.A. No. 7875 as 
amended, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or other issuance inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC. 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,