Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (re ject: AUG 0 8
Quezon City Le:
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL No.3397

Introduced by HONORABLE STRIKE B. REVILLA

EXPLANATORY NOTE
‘The 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XV, Section 4, provides:

“The family has the duty to care for its elderly members but the State may also
do so through just programs of social security.”

Filipinos have always been known to care for their elderly as customs and traditions
would show. Given a choice, they would want their elderly to remain with them. But over the
years, this has not been an easy task for each household. Given the changing socio-economic
environment of the country as well as the special needs and requirements of our elderlies, the
State has to step in to ensure that these realities are addressed,

This bill aims to establish and institutionalize an Elderly Care and Nursing Complex in
every province, city and municipality of the country.

A facility like this in every municipality, city and province of the nation will lift the
weight off the shoulders of poor families who cannot afford to provide and care for their
beloved elderly but still desire to see their loved ones living a dignified quality of life in a State
provided healthy environment. We owe it to our elderly, that in the twilight of their years, they
have @ government that will never renege in its mandate to serve and protect its citizenry, to
include those who were once productive members of the society.

‘Social justice dictates that we pass this bill into law.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.__3397

Introduced by HONORABLE STRIKE B. REVILLA

AN ACT
TO ESTABLISH AN ELDERLY CARE AND NURSING COMPLEX IN EVERY
PROVINCE AND CITY AND APPROPRIATING 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 “Elderly Care and Nursing
Complex Act of 2019”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~Itis hereby declared by the policy of the State to provide
an Elderly Care and Nursing Complex in every province and city in the country by providing
quality and affordable care and nursing facilities to elderly Filipinos.

‘Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, the following terms are hereby
defined:

a) Elderly — is a person who is sixty (60) years old and above.

b) Elderly Care —is the fulfillment of the special needs and requirements of the elderly.

©) Nursing Complex ~ refers to the place and the facilities that are designed to provide

skilled care to the elderly, twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

Sec. 4, Coverage. ~ This Act shall apply to all elderly persons who wish to avail of the
services that the elderly care and nursing complex shall provide, especially to elderly persons
whose families cannot provide or meet their special needs and requirements.

Sec. 5. Administration and Supervision. — The Provincial Governor shall designate the
area in the province where to establish the proposed elderly care and nursing complex. He shall
appoint the person or entity who will administer and supervise the elderly care and nursing
complex.

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Sec. 6. Role of Government Agencies and Instrumentalities. ~ Government Agencies
and instrumentality shall provide the necessary assistance and support to fulfill the needs of the
elderly residing in this care and nursing complex.

Sec. 7. Role of Family members. — Family members shall be provided with adequate
information on the system as well as for sharing experiences to enable them to care for their
elderly.

Sec. 8. Personnel Recruitment and Incentives. — All personnel involved in the Complex
shall have adequate and appropriate education and training to be determined by the Department
of Health (DOH), in consultation with the Department of Social Work and Development
(Dswp). :

Sec. 9. Appropriations. ~The amount needed to carry out the provisions of this Act is
Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00), which shall be taken from the current year's
appropriations of the General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary
for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 10. Separability Clause. ~ If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain
in force and effect.

Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,
letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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