Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress:
First Regular Session

House Bit No._235

introduced by Representative MARY MITZI CAJAYON-UY

ANACT

MANDATING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO ESTABLISH, MAINTAIN AND

OPERATE MALASAKIT CENTERS THROUGH REFERRAL TO BARANGAY HEALTH
CENTERS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Local Government Code of 1991 mandated the national government to devolve to the
local government units (LGUs) the provision of basic services and facilities, such as health care
services and facilities.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has heavily hit the Philippines, this put so much pressure on
the health and welfare of the people. The poor suffer most due to the inconvenience and
inaccessibility to the health care system.

With the enactment of the Malasakit Center Act, the Malasakit Center provides a One-Stop
Shop where indigent patients can efficienty access financial medical assistance, While the national
government is lauded for this promise, it through this Bill that the objective of reaching out to more
communities is to be achieved.

‘Thus, this Bill seeks to establish, maintain and operate Malasakit Centers in every LGU
through referral of the latter to the Barangay Health Centers. This way, delivery of health services
to communities shall be more efficient, effective and sustainable. In the same manner, this aims to
further bridge the gap between the poor communities and the health care access espe
times of the pandemic.

nL

MARY MITZI CAJAYO!
Representative
2° District, Caloocan City

In view of the foregoing, approval of this Bill is earnestly sought A .

* Section 17 {e) of the Local Government Code


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

. 235

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative MARY MITZI CAJAYON-UY

AN ACT MANDATING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO ESTABLISH, MAINTAIN
AND OPERATE MALASAKIT CENTERS THROUGH REFERRAL TO BARANGAY
HEALTH CENTERS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This act shall be known as the "Localized Malasakit Center Act’

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — Itis the policy of the State to adopt an integrated
and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential
goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. There
shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women, and
children, The State shall endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers.

SECTION 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DOH, PhilHealth, DSWD, PCSO and DILG shall jointly issue the
implementing rules and regulations of this Act.

SECTION 4. Appropriations. - Two percent (2%) of the national tax allotment of the
LGUs shall be allocated for the establishment, maintenance and operation of Malasakit
Centers through referral to the BHCs; Provided, that the disbursement of the fund shall be
made by the LGU concemed.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, ordinances,
rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with any
provision of this Act are hereby repeated, modified, superseded, or amended accordingly

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - Should any portion or provision of this Act be
declared unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the other provisions hereof shall
continue to be in full force and effect.


SECTION 7. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,