NINETEENTH CONGRESS )
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES _ )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

1131

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Christian Tell A. Yap

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global health crisis which upended lives and disrupted
economic activities around the world. To address the spread of disease, the World Health Organization
(WHO) suggested implementing public health measures that include quarantine, which involves the
restriction of movement, or separation from the rest of populations, of healthy persons who may have
been exposed to the virus, with the objective of monitoring their symptoms and ensuring early
detection of cases. In fact, the Philippine government has implemented community quarantine

measures at the onset of the spread of the virus

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need for proper health infrastructure to manage and
prevent the spread of diseases. In fact, Republic Act No. 9271 or the “Quarantine Act of 2004” has
mandated the Department of Health (DOH) to establish additional quarantine stations, grounds and
anchorages to prevent the introduction of diseases of international concern into the country. Presently,

the Philippines has eighteen (18) provincial quarantine stations under the management of DOH.

This legislation seeks to establish quarantine facilities in all regions in the country in order to
prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as COVID-19, and to provide adequate healthcare

infrastructure throughout the country

In the interest of health, the approval of this measure is eamestly sought.

CHRIS LL A. YAP
Represensativgnd District of Tarlac


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
House Bill No2191

Introduced by Representative CHRISTIAN TELL A. YAP.

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF QUARANTINE FACILITIES IN EVERY
REGION IN THE COUNTRY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOROTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTIONI. Short Title.-This Act shall be known as the "Mandatory Quarantine Facilities
Act of 2020."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy.- Itis the declared policy of the State to improve the delivery
of health care services to the people. and to protect the people from public health threats during public
health emergencies through the efficient and effective response system for emerging and re-emerging
infectious diseases. diseases for elimination and eradication, epidemics, and health events including
chemical. radio-nuclear and environmental agents of public health concern.

ishment of Quarantine Facilities, There shall be established quarantine
region in the country. The quarantine facilities shall be fully equipped to include
the needs of individuals who are quarantined including. but not limited to, adequate food. clothing.
means of communication, and competent medical care.

Each location for every quarantine facility shall be identified by the Department of Health
(DOH) in close coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways and local
government units (LGUs) concerned: Provided. that the quaran facilities shall be easily accessible
toa DOH hospital and shall be strategically located to ensure the safety of the community

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). in coordination with LGUs.
shall be in charge of the construction of quarantine facilities, formulation of building specifications
based on standards. issuances and other guidelines.

SEC. 4. Operations and Management of the Quarantine Facilities. - The DOH shall be
primarily responsible for the operation. supervision, and management of the quarantine facilities
established under this Act. The DOH shall issue guidelines on the procedure and proper use of
quarantine facilities within thirty (30) days from the effectivity this Act.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to establish and operate quarantine facilities
shall be included In the annual General Appropriations Act.


SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations, - Within sixty (60) days from the approval
of this Act. the DOH, DPWH. DILG. and DENR. in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall
issue the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provision of this Act that is declared
unconstitutional shall not have the effect of nullifying other portions or provisions hereof as long as
such remaining portions can still subsist and be yiven effect in their entirety.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause.- All laws, ordinances. rules. regulations. other issuances or parts
thereof. which are inconsistent with this Act. are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

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

Approved,