Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

Q
HOUSE BILL NO. 8592

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The COVID-19 posed numerous challenges to the public with the numerous travel restrictions
that were imposed to prevent further transmission of disease. As the country gear towards the
procurement of vaccines, it is important that programs are in piace to ensure the efficient
distribution of vaccines to hasten the resumption of normal activities which would greatly
help our economy's recovery.

This measure shall create a Vaccine Passport Program wherein all Filipinos are issued vaccine
Passports shall contain the record of COVID-19 vaccinations received by an individual. This
vaccine passports shall contain details such as the manufacturer, brand name, and batch number
of COVID19 vaccine; date of vaccination; name of hospital, health center or facility where vaccine
was received; and the name signature and license number of the person who administered the
vaccine,

This Vaccine Passport Program shall be also adopted other immunization programs by the
Department of Health to ensure that we could maintain the progress our country has made
towards the elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the
measure is earnestly sought.

wn 1 tbh

2nd nd pistric, Parafiaque City



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

9
HOUSE BILL NO, ~*~

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

CREATING A VACCINE PASSPORT PROGRAM, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
SECTION 1, Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Vaccine Passport Program Act”.

Sec, 2. Declaration of Policy. — The Constitution mandates that the State shall protect and
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

The State recognizes the importance of preventive healthcare and the need to take proactive
measures in the fight against diseases, particularly COVID-19. It acknowledges that a
comprehensive, mandatory and sustainable immunization program for vaccine-preventable
diseases is indispensable to achieve the objectives of universal healthcare and the country's
commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly on SDG 3 (Good Health
and )

future immunization programs by allowing the State to track who has been vaccinated and where
priority vaccinations should take place. It also serves as a means to monitor the vaccines’ effects
and the effectivity of immunization programs. Towards this end, the State shall adopt and
implement a Vaccine Passport Program to facilitate its COVID-19 and future immunization
programs against vaccine-preventable diseases,

Sec, 3. Vaccine Passport Program. — Subject to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10173 or
the "Data Privacy Act of 2012", the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of
Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) shall issue a Vaccine Passport to all Filipinos, which shall be
a record of the COVID-19 vaccinations received by an individual. The Vaccine Passport shalll take
into account internationally- recognized standards, and shall contain the following:

a) Manufacturer, brand name, and batch number or other identifier of the COVID-19
vaccine;

b) Date of vaccination;

©) Name of the hospital, health center, or health facility where the vaccine was received;
and

d) Name, signature, and license number of the du
health worker administering the vaccine,

ian, nurse or other

ed physici


The Vaccine Passport Program shall primarily be digital, but shall remain accessible through other
means such as printed passports. The IATF, through the Department of Information and
Communications Technology, shall develop the digital systems and applications that will meet the
objectives of the Program while maintaining quality, safety, ease of use, and accessibility for all
Filipinos.

Sec. 4, Benefits of Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine. - Individuals vaccinated against
COVID-19 may be granted certain benefits or exemptions, subject to guidelines issued by the
IATF, which shall be clearly stated in the individual's Vaccine Passport, such as but not limited to:

a) __ International travel, as may be allowed in foreign jurisdictions;

b) —_Non-essential domestic travel;

©) Local checkpoint and quarantine exemptions; and

d) Access to business establishments allowed to operate based on IATF guidelines.

Individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 as indicated in the Vaccine Passport shall not be
considered immune from COVID-19, unless otherwise declared by the DOH based on reliable
scientific evidence and consensus.

Sec. 5. Adoption of the Vaccine Passport Program for Other Immunization Programs.
— The Department of Health (DOH) shall adopt the Vaccine Passport Program to facilitate other
immunization programs, including but not limited to mandatory basic immunization as provided
by Republic Act No, 10152 or the "Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act of
2011", subject to guidelines to be issued by the DOH.

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within 30 days from the effectivity of this
Act, the DOH shall promulgate and issue the necessary guidelines for the effective implementation
of this Act. The implementing rules and regulations issued pursuant to this Section shall take
effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Sec. 7. Appropriations. - The funds necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be
sourced from reallocations of the 2019 and 2020 General Appropriations Act for the COVID-19
response. Appropriations for the succeeding years shall be included in the annual appropriations
of the DOH under the General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
otherwise invalid, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. ~ All other laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, other
issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,