Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No._1227

Introduced by REP. JEFFERSON F. KHONGHUN

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article XIII, Section 11 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the State to adopt
an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development, ensuring access
to essential goods, health, and other social services at an affordable cost. It
‘emphasizes prioritizing the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, persons with
disabilities, women, and children, along with efforts to provide free medical care

In accordance with this constitutional directive and aligned with Republic Act No.
11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, this bill proposes the establishment of the
Subic General Hospital, a Level II! General Hospital under the full administrative and
technical supervision of the Department of Health (DOH). This initiative seeks to
reinforce the State's commitment to delivering equitable, accessible, and quality
healthcare services by addressing longstanding gaps in Zambales’ health system.

Subic—with a population of 111,912 as of the 2020 census and the most populous
municipality in Zambales—remains without a government hospital. The burden of
infectious and non-communicable diseases continues to rise across the province,
underscoring the need for modern medical infrastructure and specialized services. The
proposed hospital in Barangay Asinan Proper will serve as a strategic facility capable
of delivering advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical care to Subic residents
and beyond

Equally important, the hospital will significantly benefit Olongapo City—a highly
urbanized neighboring locality with over 260,000 residents—whose only public
healthcare institution, the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital, is increasingly
overburdened. According to PhilHealth data, the Olongapo Local Health Insurance
Office caters to a catchment population of approximately 566,756 across the city and
five adjacent municipalities, reflecting the pressure on existing medical facilities

The impact of this measure, however, extends beyond Subic and Olongapo. It
promises to strengthen the broader health network of Zambales province by
enhancing referral systems, distributing healthcare load more equitably, and improving
access to tertiary services for underserved municipalities such as San Antonio,


Castillejos, and San Marcelino. In effect, the Subic General Hospital will function as a
key node in realizing provincial health resilience.

Furthermore, the facility is poised to contribute to socio-economic growth by
generating employment for healthcare professionals and ancillary personnel, while
stimulating local economic activity tied to health-related services and industries. It will
serve not only as a center of healing but also as a driver of inclusive development for
the province.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1227

Introduced by REP. JEFFERSON F. KHONGHUN

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SUBIC, PROVINCE OF ZAMBALES,
A GENERAL HOSPITAL TO BE KNOWN AS THE SUBIC GENERAL HOSPITAL
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. There shall be established in the Municipality of Subic, Province of
Zambales, a level 3 grade hospital to be known as Subic General Hospital, which shall
be under the direct control and supervision of the Department of Health (DOH).

Sec. 2. Any future increase in bed capacity, healthcare facilities, service capability,
and human resource complement shall be based on the hospital development plan
which shall be prepared by the DOH

Sec. 3. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be charged
against the appropriations authorized for the purpose under the First Year General
Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the operation and
maintenance of the hospital shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act.

Sec. 4. If any provision or part of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remaining
parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 5. All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules and regulations inconsistent with
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,