THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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,J 
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First Regiilar Session 
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S E N A T E  
Introduced by Senator S. R. Osmeia 111 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Unpaid hospital bills is a common problem, especially among low income 
families. It is unfortunate that some hospitals and medical clinics often find it 
expedient to address this problem by preventing the release of fully recovered 
patients unless they fully or partially pay their hospital bills. While the collection 
of hospital bills is a legitimate concern, this response simply compounds the 
problem because the patient’s extended stay causes his hospital bills to grow 
even higher. 
On the side of the patient, this is tantamount to a violation of the 
constitutional proscription against imprisonment for non-payment of debt. 
This bill seeks to strike a compromise acceptable to both the 
hospitals/medical clinics on one hand and to financially distressed patients on 
the other hand, without unnecessarily jeopardizing the rights of either party. 
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In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
LL. 
SERGIO OSMENA Ill 
Senator 


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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLI 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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‘ 4  
a 
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S E N A T E  
s. No* 
Introduced by Senator Osmefia I l l  
AN ACT 
PROHIBITING THE DETENTION OF PATIENTS IN HOSPITALS AND 
OR MEDICAL EXPENSES 
MEDICAL CLINICS ON GROUNDS OF NON-PAYMENT OF HOSPITAL BILLS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. 
It shall be unlawful for any hospital or medical clinic in the 
country to detain or otherwise cause directly or indirectly the detention of patients 
who have fully recovered or have been adequately attended to for non-payment, 
in part or in full, of hospital bills or medical expenses. 
SECTION 2. Patients who have fully recovered and who already wish to 
leave the hospital or medical clinic but are financially incapable to settle in part or 
in full their hospitalization expenses, including professional fees and medicines, 
shall be allowed to leave the hospital or medical clinic, subject to the execution of 
promissory note to the extent of the unpaid obligation. The promissory note shall 
be co-signed by another individual acceptable to the hospital or medical clinic 
who shall be jointly and solidarily liable with the patient for the unpaid obligation. 
SECTION 3. Any person found guilty of violating Section 1 hereof shall be 
punished 
with arrest0 mayor 
and fined 
in the amount not exceeding Six 
Thousand Pesos (P6,OOO.OO) at the discretion of the Court. 
In case of an 
incorporated hospital or medical clinic, its Medical Director or in his absence, its 
President shall be held liable for the violation of this Act. 


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SECTION 4. 
All laws, executive orders, resolutions, ordinances, and 
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any rules and regulation which may be inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
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are hereby deemed repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
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SECTION 5. 
This Act shall take effect after fifteen .(15) days. of its 
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publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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