Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2058

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE FRANCISCO PAOLO P. ORTEGA V

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Known as our “Bagong Bayani,” our Overseas Filipino Workers hav
contributed to our national economy. The total remittance sent by the OFWs, according
to the Philippine Statistics Authorty (PSA) reached P134.77 billion pesos during the
period April to September 2020. During the same period, the number of Filipino
workers who worked abroad was estimated at 1.77 million

This bill seeks to give importance to the health of our Filipino workers abroad
as well as their dependents by way of establishing a hospital that will serve them
primarily. Giving them priority will ease out the burden, anxiety and difficulties of
working abroad as they go through the process of renewal, as well as for first time
workers abroad,

In view of the above, the passage of this bill is eagerly sought.

\

REP. FR. “ISCO PAOLO P. ORTEGA V
frst District, La Union


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2058

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE FRANCISCO PAOLO P. ORTEGA V

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS HOSPITAL AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,

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 “Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFW) Hospital Act or OFW Hospital Act.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is the policy of the State to protect and
promote the right to health of the Filipino people and to instill health consciousness
among them, Also. the State shall protect the interest and promote the well-being of
overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in recognition of their importance and contribution
to economic development and nation building as they have been considered as “Bagong
Bayani.~.

Seetion 3. /:s/ablishing of OW Hospital, ~ There shall be established a hospital
with at least tertiary level of care to be known as “OFW Hospital.” ‘The Hospital shall
be developed consistent with the health care needs of the OFWs and their dependents.
The Hospital shall be under the full administrative and technical supervision of the
Department of Health (DOH).

Section 4. Odjectives. — To ensure the availability, accessibility and affordability
of quality health care, the Hospital shall have the following main objectives:

(a) Provide comprehensive and total health care services to all migrant
workers including Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) contributors
and their legal dependents:


(b) Serve as primary referral hospital for repatriated OFW needing medical
assistance and support:

(c) Develop a data base management systems that will effectively monitor
condition of patients and to generate relevant health information and data for policy
formulation; and

(d) Participate in the health care provider networks and arrangements relative
to the implementation of Republic Act No. 11223, or the “Universal Health Care Act.”

Section 5. Medical Assistance. — The Secretary of Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE), as Chairperson of the OWWA Board, shall ensure that existing
health benefits and medical assistance programs are strengthened to include subsidies
‘on hospitalization and medical procedures for OF W and qualified dependents

Section 6. Zax /:xemption. ~ The importation of equipment, machinery and
spare parts which are used solely and exclusively for the operation of the OFW Hospital
and are not available locally shall be exempt from value-added tax and customs duty’

hall be included in the annual

Section 7. Appropriations. ~ The funding
General Appropriations Act

Section 8. Sepurubility: 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 hereo!,

Seetion 9. Repealing Clause. ~ All other laws, decrees, executive orders, and
tules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly

Section 10. i:/fectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved.