Fi Sor ORES

‘SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No. 7617

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to provide hospital benefits and other privileges to teachers and their
dependents in all government hospitals.

Itis often mentioned that teachers are our unsung heroes. Despite the meager salary
that teachers get, they remain loyal to their responsibility of molding the values and
character of the youth. In schools, the teachers are considered the substitute parents of our
children under our civil laws. They are also often required to serve during elections, risking
their lives and limbs to uphold the right to suffrage. Due to the complexities of their job, our
teachers are exposed to health risks such as pharyngitis, hypertension, anemia, hyperacidity
and lung related diseases, among others. There is a need therefore to provide special
attention to our teachers, especially on their health concems.

This bill seeks to provide hospital beds and fast lane facilities for the teachers and
their dependents in all goverment hospitals. This way, teachers will be assured of easy
access to their hospitalization needs. Moreover, the provision for special discounts and
increase in health insurance coverage will surely lessen the burden of paying the high costs
of medication and consultations.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is eamestly requested.

i

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.



‘SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.
House Bill No. 76.17

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR HOSPITAL BENEFITS AND OTHER PRIVILEGES FOR TEACHERS
AND THEIR DEPENDENTS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Teachers’ Hospital Benefits
Act’.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to adopt an integrated and
comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential
health and other social services available to all people at affordable costs. Towards this end,
the State shall protect the interests and promote the well-being of Filipino teachers and their
dependents through the provision of medical services.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act:

a) Teacher refers to:
i. A person who teaches any subject, including practical and vocational arts, at
the day-care, pre-school, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels

of institution in public and private schools;

ji, An individual who provides guidance and counseling in all public and private
schools;

ili. A person who provides instructional supervision in all public and private
schools; and

iv. Aperson employed as school physician, school dentists or schoo! nurse.

b) Dependent refers to:

i. Legitimate spouse;

ii, Legitimate, illegitimate or legally adopted children, chiefly dependent upon
and living with the teacher if such child is not more than eighteen (18) years
of age, unmarried and not gainfully employed or is over the age of majority
but incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical
defect; and

iii, The teachers’ parents who are dependent upon the teacher for support.

SEC. 4, Mandate. — To ensure the availability, accessibility and affordability of medical
benefits, all government hospitals are hereby mandated to:
a) Provide for health care services to all teachers and their legal dependents which shall
include preventive, promotive, diagnostic, curative and rehabilitative programs;
b) Conduct medical and other relevant diagnostic examination to ensure the physical
and mental capability of all teacher applicants; and
©) Set-up a system that will effectively monitor the health condition of teachers and their
dependents.


SEC. 5. Benefits and Privileges. — To carry out the purposes of this Act, all government
hospitals shall:
a) Provide at least thirty (30) hospital beds for teachers and their dependents;
b) Grant at least ten percent (10%) discount on consultations and other hospital needs
for teachers and their dependents; and
©) Provide fast-lane facilities to serve teachers and their dependents.

SEC. 6. Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. - The Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation is hereby mandated to increase by ten percent (10%) the health care coverage
of teachers and their dependents for medical expenses.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulation — Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of
this Act, the Secretary of Health shall formulate the rules and regulations necessary or the
effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
invalid, such sections or parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations or
parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved,