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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

2977

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill represents a another giant step towards a truly universal
healthcare coverage for the working class. Should this measure be
enacted into law, Philhealth coverage would no longer be subject to
vicissitudes in political administration, financial capability of local
government units, and other factors. It would also unburden LGUs of.
having to part with very scarce resources in order to pay for Philhealth
premiums of citizens residing in their areas of responsibility

It has been truly said that more than education, health services is a
paramount need of our people. This cradle-to-the grave basic social
Service is desperately needed by our constituents. Senior citizens, the
disabled and the indigents, many of whom are no longer of school age,
are in continuous need of safety nets in the realm of vital health services
from the government.

In view of these pressing considerations, the early approval of this
bill is earnestly requested.

/

aes ae

Representative
Fourth District of Leyte



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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL. NO.__2977

Introduced by Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING MEMBERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS £0 THE
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (PHILHEALTH)
THROUGH THEIR INCLUSION IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL
APPROPRIATIONS ACT

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

SECTION 1. Members’ Premium Contributions to Philhealth. —
Premium contributions to the National Health Insurance Program
(Philhealth) of all members, including those in the formal and informal
sector (self-employed) and indigents, shall be fully subsidized by the

national government, |

SEC. 2. Employer's Counterpart Contributions to Philhealih. ~ in
the private sector, employers shall continue paying the same monthly
counterpart contributions to Philhealth as provided by law.

For the national government, it shall be mandatory for all
government offices, agencies and instrumentalities to include the
payment of their counterpart premium contributions in their respective

annual appropriations. For local government units (LGUs), however, the


amount corresponding to the total employer counterpart fremium
payments of all LGUs nationwide shall be included in the dppttifiations
for the Department of Health under the annual General Appropriations
Act.

SEC. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within Hi i (30)
HH) in
coordination with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation

days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Health ([

(Phithealth) shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for its

implementation |

SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. ~ The pertinent provisions rahe Act
No. 11223, otherwise known as the “Universal Health Care Act,” of.
Republic Act No. 7875, otherwise known as the National Health
Insurance Act of 1995, Republic Act 9241, R.A. No. 10606, otherwise
known as the National Health Insurance Act of 2013, and othe laws,
decrees, rules and regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions

of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly

SEC. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of

general circulation.

Approved,