Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to protect and promote the health of the people, pursuant to the

constitutional mandate as stated in Article II (2), Section 15 of the Constitution which reads:

"SEC. 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill

health consciousness among them. "

Past experience has shown that military operations, whether the encounter is between the
military and communist insurgents, or between government troops and military rebels, or during
saturation drives or "zonings” conducted by the police, has left great civilian casualties. It is,
thus, only proper that our government provides adequate help and support to the innocent
individuals unfortunately caught and injured in the crossfire or police dragnet. At present, there is

no law, which provides any form of aid or help to these innocent victims.

‘This measure was previously filed by Senator Manny Villar in the 15% Congress. The immediate

approval and passage of this bill is urgently sought now in the 16% Congress

Od
HARLIN CAST. ABAYON
Representative
First District of Northem Samar


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
788

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

ANACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE MEDICINE AND OTHER BASIC MEDICAL SUPPLIES
TO ANY PRIVATE PERSON OR INDIVIDUAL INJURED OR WOUNDED
DURING A MILITARY OR GOVERNMENT OPERATION

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

SECTION 1. Free Medicine and Medical Supplies. -Any private person or individual who shall
have been wounded, or, in any way injured during or on the occasion of a military operation or
activity or any government operation of a military operation or activity or any government
operation shall be entitled to free medicine and other medical supplies necessary for the injury or
wound at any government or government-owned or controlled hospital or clinic: Provided, the
total cost of such medicine or medical supplies shall not exceed One thousand pesos (P1 ,000,00)
for each individual.

SEC. 2. Definition. -The following terms shall mean:

a. Private person or individual - Any citizen of the Republic of the Philippines;

b. Wound -Any open flesh;

¢. Injury - Any other damage to the body whether intemal or extemal, including, but not
limited to, fractures, sprains, concussions, bruises and other bodily injuries;

d. Medicine - Any drug or medication as approved and licensed by the Bureau of Food
and Drugs for sale and distribution in the country;

e. Medical Supplies - Any supply, such as bandages, sutures and other similar items
deemed necessary for medical treatment;

£ Military or government operation or activity - Any activity or operation, of whatever
nature, or for whatever purpose, undertaken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, or
any other military or para- military service, such as "saturation drives,” and other
operations.


SEC. 3. Coordination - The Secretary of National Defense, the Secretary of Health, the Secretary
of Social: Welfare and Development, in consultation with the Administrators of the different
‘government hospitals and clinics shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to
implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 4, Sourcing, - The medicine and medical supplies granted by the Act shall be paid for out
of the savings of the different departments of the govemment mentioned in the preceding
Section.

SEC. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon its publication hereof.

Approved,