REPRES,
iS ON

vy
Republic of the Philippines RECEIVED <

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DATE 0.3 JUL 775,
Quezon City, Metro Manila TIME _ 2

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 1266

Introduced by Honorable Roy M. Loyola

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines, deeply rooted in its matriarchal heritage, holds women in high
regard—we even call our country “Inang Bayan.” Women are the heart of our families
and communities, embodying strength, sacrifice, and compassion. As the ilaw ng
tahanan, they light the way for their loved ones and shape the future of our nation.
Honoring their role means protecting their health and well-being because healthy
women build strong families and a resilient society.

Yet, breast and ovarian cancers threaten the lives of many Filipino women.
According to 2020 GLOBOCAN data, breast cancer is the most common cancer among
women in the Philippines, with 27,163 new cases and 9,926 deaths each year. Ovarian
cancer, a silent but deadly disease, ranks among the top ten causes of cancer-related
deaths. Alarmingly, 65% of breast cancer cases are detected at an advanced stage,
lowering survival rates to only 44.4%. These numbers are not just statistics—they are
mothers, daughters, and sisters whose lives could be saved with early detection.

The financial burden of cancer weighs heavily on Filipino families. A study by
the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) found that the economic cost
of cancer reaches approximately PHP 35.3 billion annually, driving countless families
into poverty. For many women, the high cost of preventive screenings such as
mammograms and ovarian tests forces them to forgo critical care.

This proposed measure mandates PhilHealth to provide free annual
mammograms and ovarian cancer screenings for all women. Early detection saves lives.
By making these services part of PhilHealth's primary healthcare benefits, we ensure
that women receive life-saving screenings without the fear of financial hardship.

The benefits are undeniable. Early detection significantly increases survival
rates and reduces the overall cost of treatment, as early-stage cancers are more
manageable than advanced ones. Offering free screenings empowers women to
prioritize their health without the fear of economic strain. It is a vital step toward
building a healthcare system that truly serves the Filipino people.


Healthcare is not a privilege—it is a right. No woman should be forced to
choose between her health and her family's livelihood. By eliminating financial barriers,
we uphold the dignity of Filipino women and recognize their irreplaceable role in
society. Furthermore, investing in preventive care will reduce the economic impact of
cancer, easing the burden on families and the healthcare system alike.

This measure is more than policy—it is a promise. A promise to protect the
health of our mothers, sisters, and daughters. A promise to safeguard generations to
come. As a nation that holds women in high regard, let us act—not just in word, but in
deed—to build a healthier, stronger, and more compassionate Philippines.

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

RepreSentative
Fifth District, Cavite


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

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

1266

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable Roy M. Loyola

AN ACT
MANDATING THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION
(PHILHEALTH) TO PROVIDE ANNUAL FREE MAMMOGRAMS AND OVARIAN
CANCER SCREENING FOR WOMEN, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

Sec. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Women's Cancer
Prevention Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and
promote the right to health of women. Recognizing the importance of early detection
in the successful treatment of breast and ovarian cancers, the State shall ensure that
all women have access to necessary preventive healthcare services.

Sec. 3. Annual Free Mammogram. - The Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation (PhilHealth) shall continue to provide all female members and dependents
aged forty (40) and above with access to a free mammogram once every calendar
year. This service shall be included in PhilHealth's primary healthcare benefits.

Sec. 4. Annual Free Ovarian Cancer Screening. — PhilHealth shall provide
all female members and dependents aged forty (40) and above with access to free
ovarian cancer screening once every calendar year. This service shall include, but not
be limited to, transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood test, and shall be incorporated
into PhilHealth's primary healthcare benefits.

Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days
1


20
2

2
2B
24

25
6

27
28

from the effectivity of this Act, PhilHealth, in coordination with the Department of
Health (DOH), shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. Appropriations. — The funds necessary for the implementation of this
Act shall be included in the annual budget of PhilHealth.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue
to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations
or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,