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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

H.B.No. 3178 eng

Introduced by Representative Ralph G. Recto

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR AN ANNUAL MEDICAL EXAMINATION BENEFIT FOR
PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS AND ALLOCATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Teachers play a vital role in facilitating the learning and development of
students. As the main contributor in molding the minds of the youth, the educators
are expected to perform with utmost commitment, effectiveness and competency. It
is of absolute importance to recognize the necessity of keeping our teachers healthy
considering that their physical well-being has a significant impact on the efficiency and
effectiveness in the delivery of educational services.

Seyeral programs in promoting the well-being of teachers have been initiated
in the past by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), in partnership with
the Department of Education (DepEd). However, the comprehensive medical
examination program for teachers which was initiated in 2014, in line with the
mandate under Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act (UHC) and
the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, has not been implemented despite the
issuance of the guidelines by the agencies concerned.

In 2019, a five hundred pesos (Php500.00) medical examination benefit was
provided for public school teachers under the General Appropriations Act. That was
the first time that such benefit, which is a compulsory provision in the Magna Carta
for Public School Teachers, was received by the teaching force. In 2022, a five


thousand pesos (Php5,000.00) Cash Allowance to Teachers was appropriated per
classroom teacher for the purchase of teaching supplies and materials, for internet
subscription and other communications expenses, and for an annual medical
examination (AME). Joint Circular No. 2, s. of 2021 issued by the Department of
Budget and Management in coordination with the DepEd, did not specify how much
was specifically allocated for the AME.

‘As a pro-active response to the needs of one of the most important sectors in
our society, and to implement the obligation of the government under the Magna
Carta for Public School Teachers, this bill seeks to provide for free annual medical
examination for teachers which shall be chargeable against the health insurance fund
of the PHIC. This benefit will strengthen the primary health care services in the country
by promoting the health of public school teachers, reducing unnecessary
hospitalization and protecting them from the high cost of hospital care.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the prioritization of nations towards the
attainment of better health services and promotion of the well-being of its citizens.
This measure will help ensure that the health of one of the most important and the
largest group numbering to a million in government service will be taken care of.

The immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

RALPH G_


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES. )
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H. B. No. 3 178

Introduced by Representative Ralph G. Recto

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR AN ANNUAL MEDICAL EXAMINATION BENEFIT FOR
PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS AND ALLOCATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section. 1. Short Title. —This Act shall be known as the “Public School Teachers’
Annual Medical Check-Up Act”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness
among them. Towards this end, the State shall adopt an integrated and
comprehensive health development program and provision of medical services to
promote the well-being of public school teachers nationwide.

Sec. 3. Annual Medical Check-Up Benefit. -The annual medical check-up benefit
shall be provided free-of-charge to all public school teachers and may be availed of
every year, subject to PhilHealth benefit guidelines. This benefit shall include a
comprehensive health profile upon enlistment, primary care consultations, and when
clinically necessary, selected diagnostic tests such as:

i. Complete blood count (CBC);
ii. Blood typing;
iii. Urinalysis;
iv. Stool Exam;
v. Chest X-ray;
vi. Sputum Microscopy;


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vii. Lipid Profile;

viii. Fasting Blood Sugar;

ix. Creatinine;
x.  Electrocardiogram (ECG); and
xi. Blood glucose monitoring

Sec. 4. Coverage. - The grant of the annual medical examination benefit
authorized in this Act shall cover all persons engaged in classroom teaching, in any
level of instruction, on full-time basis, including guidance counselors, school librarians,
industrial arts or vocational instructors, and all other persons performing supervisory
and/or administrative functions in all schools, colleges, and universities operated by
the government or its political subdivisions. Beneficiaries under this Act shall choose
the provider that is most accessible to them without restriction to jurisdictional area,
and may avail of the benefit after enlistment and scheduled appointment.

Sec. 5. Medical Check-Up Providers. - Both government and private health care
facilities can be accredited as medical check-up providers, subject to accreditation
standards by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC). All accredited
providers must ensure that the indicated benefits in the package are available to the
enlisted beneficiaries. Providers cannot discriminate against beneficiaries with high
health risks to enlist in their facility.

Sec. 6. Funding. - The amount necessary for the grant of the annual medical
check-up benefit authorized under this Act shall be charged against the health
insurance fund of the PHIC.

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the PHIC, in coordination with the Department of Education and
the Commission on Higher Education, shall issue the implementing rules and
regulations for this Act.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act not otherwise affected shall remain in full
force and effect.

Sec. 9 Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, resolutions, orders or ordinances
or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed, amended or modified

accordingly.


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Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,