Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINFTEENTH  CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSE BILL No.9595
RECEIVED
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Intreduced by Honorable EULOGIO ``LEO" R. RODRIGUEZ
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Numerous attempts have been made by past representatives of the Lone District of
Catanduanes to convert the  Eastern  Bicol  Medical  Center (EBMC)  in the  Municipality
of  Virac  into  a  tertiary  level  hospital  and  bring  it  back  to  the  sole  and  exclusive
jurisdiction of the Department of Health.  Not being successful, this measure is a  re-
filed  bill  and  seeks  again  the  indulgence  of  the  House  of  Representatives  to  re-
evaluate and consider the approval of this measure.
The gargantuan  task of conversion  coupled  with  the  limitations  provided  for  under
the Local Government Code in so far as devolution  is concerned should  not and can
never   serve   as   a   deterrence   to   our   desire   to   bring   life   to   our   dying   and
hemorrhaging   health   system.   While   RA   7160   otherwise   known   as   the   Local
Government Code  of  1991  has the  best intention  of democratizing  public functions
and  make  more  efficient delivery of  basic  services,  unfortunately the  health  sector
becomes an  unwilling  victim  to this difficult and  antiquated  law.  At present,  EBMC's
authorized bed capacity has been  reduced due to non-compliance with the licensing
standard  requirements  set  by  the  Department  of  Health  -   Health   Facilities  and
Regulatory Bureau.
The  1987  Constitution  guarantees  that  ``the  state  shall  adopt  an  integrated  and
comprehensive  approach   to  health   development  which   shall  endeavor  to   make
essential goods,  health and other services available to all  people at affordable cost''.
With  the  increasing  demand  for  adequate  health  services,  this  provision  of  the
constitution sadly remains to be an elusive dream to the people of Catanduanes.
If passed, this bill will  increase economic activity and save government resources as
the provincial government can allocate its funds intended for EBMC to other equally
important projects that have been dislodged by the huge amount of budget given for
its operation.
Hence, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSE BILL No.9595
Introduced by Honorable EULOGIO "LEO" R. RODRIGUEZ
AN ACT UPGRADING THE EASTERN BICOL MEDICAL CENTER (EBMC) IN
VIRAC, CATANDUANES TO A TERTIARY LEVEL HOSPITAL AITACHED TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Philippines  in
Congress assembled :
Section 1. The Eastern  Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) in Virac, Catanduanes is hereby
upgraded into a tertiary level hospital.
Section 2. The upgrading shall provide the provincial hospital in Virac, Catanduanes
with  the  capability  of a  tertiary  level  hospital  without  increasing  the  hospital's  bed
capacity-
Section 3. Upon its upgrading, the Eastern Bicol Medical Center shall be under the
direct control, supervision and management of the Department of Health.
Section 4. The  Secretary of Heath  shall  issue such  rules and  regulations  as  may
be necessary to carry out the purpose of the Act.
Section 5. The amount necessary for the initial implementation of the Act shall be
charged  against the current year's appropriations for the Organization Adjustment
Fund. Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for the continued operation of the
hospital shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Section 6.  This act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved,