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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 888

Introduced by Representative FERDINAND L. HERNANDEZ

AN ACT
GRANTING FREE MAINTENANCE MEDICINES TO SENIOR CITIZENS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Under Article XIII, Section 11 of the Constitution, the State is mandated to adopt an
integrated and comprehensive approach to health development, giving priority to the needs of
the elderly, and most vulnerable sectors of our society. In line with this, the proposed bill
seeks to uphold the welfare of Filipino senior citizens by ensuring access to essential
maintenance medicines.

The risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, and other types of chronic illnesses
which require long-term or maintenance medications to prevent complications, increases
together with age. Sadly, however, many of our seniors who are living on pensions or limited
income can no longer sustain their living expenses and medications during their twilight
years.

Even with the passage of the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010” (R.A. No.
9994) which provides for discounts and VAT Exemptions on medicines, the financial burden
on senior citizens remains significant, especially for those without family support or health
insurance

Hence, this proposed measure aims to establish a national program that will provide
free maintenance medicines to qualified senior citizens diagnosed with a range of illnesses
associated with aging and prevalence. The institutionalization of the Free Maintenance
Medicines Act will ensure a better quality of life for our elders not only because of
humanitarian reasons but more so as a recognition of their invaluable contributions to our
nation especially during their most productive years.

I sincerely enjoin our colleagues for the immediate approval of this measure.

[INAND L. HI NDEZ

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

888

HOUSE BILL NO,

Introduced by Representative FERDINAND L. HERNANDEZ

AN ACT
GRANTING FREE MAINTENANCE MEDICINES TO SENIOR CITIZENS

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 “Free Maintenance
Medicines for Senior Citizens Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — Consonant with Article XIII, Section 11 of the
Constitution which provides that the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive
approach to health and other social services available to all people at affordable cost, giving
priority to the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and children, it is hereby
declared the policy of the State to protect and promote the health and well-being of elderly
citizens for their continued meaningful contribution and participation in the society. This Act
seeks to provide free maintenance medications for our senior citizens, thereby enhancing
their quality of life and health outcomes.

SEC. 3. Free Maintenance Medicine. ~ The government, through the Department of
Health and Department of the Interior and Local Government, shall provide free maintenance
medicine to qualified senior citizens. The DOH shall identify a list of maintenance medicines
for senior citizens and shall be supplied to all our barangay health centers, super health
centers, and rural health units, The DILG must prepare the list of senior citizen beneficiaries
who are qualified to avail of these free maintenance medicines, which they have to turn over
to the DOH

SEC. 4. Qualified Beneficiaries. - To qualify for the Free Maintenance Medicines, a
senior citizen must meet the following criteria:

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(a) Be a Filipino citizen and a registered senior citizen as defined in Republic Act
No. 9994;

(b) Submit an application to the Department of Health (DOH) or its designated
agency, accompanied by a valid prescription for maintenance medications
issued by application; and

(c) Once approved, beneficiaries shall be issued a Free Maintenance Medicine
Card.

SEC. 5. Implementation and Coordination, ~ The Department of Health (DOH) shall
be responsible for the implementation of this Act and shall coordinate with other relevant
agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and
National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) to ensure the efficient distribution of Free
Maintenance Medicine.

SEC. 6. Monitoring and Evaluation. ~ The DOH shall establish a monitoring system
to track the utilization of the Free Maintenance Medicine for Senior Citizens Act. The DOH
shall submit an annual report to Congress detailing the program’s effectiveness and impact on
senior citizens’ health and well-being.

SEC. 7. Penalties. — Any person who commits fraud, misrepresentation, or any form
of abuse in the application or use of the Free Maintenance Medicine for Senior Citizens shall
be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ The DOH, in coordination with the
DILG, NCSC, and other relevant agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations to effectively implement this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. ~ If any part, section, or provision of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or parts
thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,

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