Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7127

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by the Honorable Deogracias Victor ‘DV’ B. Savellano

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article Il of the Constitution's Declaration of Principles and State Policies, Section 15
stipulates that “ The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
health consciousness among them. ” This provision in our fundamental law is now one of the main
priorities of our government especially during this Global COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis.

Most of the Philippines have been placed under some sort of quarantine because of the
COVID-19 pandemic and there was a pressing need to isolate individuals suspected of being infected
with the virus. Thus, there was a need to create quarantine facilities all over the Philippines for
individuals who are symptomatic or asymptomatic of the disease, either returning from abroad or
citizens traveling to another region of the country.

A community-based quarantine facility will be particularly important during a large disease
‘outbreak. Much of the work in identifying and appraising potential sites for such quarantine facilities
should be conducted in advance of an outbreak as part of preparedness planning. Each legislative
district should assemble a team to identify appropriate locations and resources for community
isolation facilities, establish procedures for activating them, and coordinate activities related to
patient management,

The legislative district shall have at least one permanent quarantine facility in is jurisdiction
and if not practicable shall consider the use of both existing and temporary structures.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

DEOGRACIAS
Representat

R ‘DV’ B. SAVELLANO
, 1" District , locos Sur

(PRESEN

RECEIVED
DATE: JUL 2.0

2%,



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRSENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS:
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo._ 7127

Introduced by the Honorable Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano

ANACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A QUARANTINE FACILITY IN EVERY LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT IN THE PHILIPPINES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy - The State recognizes Article II, Section 15 of the Constitution
which pronounces that “The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and
instill health consciousness among them. “ It is this statement from the Constitution that has
compelled us to pass a law that will require a quarantine facility to be set up in each legislative
district.

SECTION 2. Basic Infrastructure Requirements. ~ The construction of a quarantine facility or the
selection of an existing or setting up of a temporary isolation area in a legislative district should
consider the following basic requirements:

a) Meets all local code requirements for a public facility

b) Functioning communication system

©) Electricity

d) Heating, ventilating and air conditioning

e) Potable water

f) Bathroom with commode and sink

g) Waste and sewage disposal ( septic tank and sewage line )
h) Adequate parking space

SECTION 3. Accessibility Considerations. - The quarantine facility must be close to a hospital; have
multiple separate rooms; have services for waste removal; have ambulance service and other
necessary transportation; easy access to delivery of food and medical supplies; have offices for
clinical staff; and laundry services .


SECTION 4. Appropriations - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be
included in the budget of the concerned departments and agencies. For the concerned local
government units, the amount shall be taken from the internal revenue allotment.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations- Within sixty (60) days of the effectivity of this
‘Act, the Department of Public Works and Highways, in consultation with the Department of Health
and the local chief executive shall formulate the guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this
Act

SECTION 6. Separability Clause - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the
same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions hereof.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause ~ All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations contrary
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. 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,