EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S.B. No. *1322
o<>l.....................
E-FILED
U4 date: Nov 18 2020 m
9:30 a.m.
time:
INDEX
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A PANDEMIC AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH 
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The COVID-19 pandemic has infected and claimed millions of lives worldwide. 
Even countries that are considered advanced in the field of healthcare and 
medicine were greatly affected. The modern day pandemic had brought to light 
the importance of a comprehensive public health emergency preparedness and 
response plan.
Learning from the challenges the country faced during this pandemic, this bill is 
geared towards a proactive response in addressing public health emergencies 
of any kind. A response that is centered on safeguarding the lives of thousands 
of Filipinos.
As the world continues to face the threats of pandemics, there is a need for the 
government to establish an overarching response to public health emergencies 
to better equip the country and lessen the impact of any kind of public health 
emergency.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure Is earnestly sough
MARIA LOURDES NANq^S. BINAY


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1922
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
B
vfcO
Tu.lE
NOE X
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A PANDEMIC AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH 
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembied:
Section 1. Short Titie. - This Act shall be known as the "Pandemic and Other 
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Act".
Section 2. Deciaration ofPoiicy. - The State shall likewise endeavor to efficiently 
and immediately address all potential and actual public health emergencies for 
the protection of the health and safety of the people.
While considering national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and 
the right to self-determination, paramount in its relations with other states, the 
State shall, at all times, give utmost importance to the health of its citizens 
whether in the country or overseas, including Filipino migrant workers.
Section 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purposes of this Act, the following shall 
mean:
a. "Pubiic Heaith Emergency refers to an occurrence or imminent threat of 
an illness or health condition, caused by bio-terrorism, epidemic or 
pandemic disease or a novel and highly infectious agent or biological 
toxin, that poses a substantial risk of a significant number of human 
facilities or incident or permanent or long-term disability.
b. ''Pandemid' refers to an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very 
wide area, crossing international boundaries, affecting a large number of 
people.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45 
46
c. "Quarantind' refers to separation or restriction of movement of persons 
who are exposed or may be infected to protect the public from disease. 
Quarantine may be practiced by individuals in their homes.
d. "IsolatiorT refers to separation or restriction of movement of an ill person 
from healthy persons by way of seclusion in hospitals or designated 
health care facility.
e. "Social distancing' also called physical distancing in which space of at 
least two (2) meters is maintained between and among persons in a 
public place. It also refers to a prohibition of mass gatherings of fifty (50) 
persons or more and avoidance of crowded places.
f. "Health Care Facility' refers to any institution, building or agency or 
portion thereof that is used, operated or designated to provide health 
services, medical treatment, or nursing, rehabilitative or preventive care 
to any person or persons.
g. "Health Care Provided refers to any person or entity providing health 
care services including, but not limited to, hospitals, medical clinics and 
offices, special care facilities, medical laboratories, physicians, 
pharmacists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered and 
other nurses, paramedics, medical and laboratory technicians, and 
ambulance and emergency medical workers.
h. "Frontline worker" refers to any worker who performs any task essential 
to keep vital services in motion during a public health emergency despite 
great risk to himself and his family.
I. THE PANDEMIC AND OTHER HEALTH EMERGENCY COUNCIL
Section 4. Pandemic Emergency Council. - The Pandemic and Other Health 
Emergency Council (Council) is hereby established and composed of the 
following: the Secretary of Health, as ex-officio Chairman of the Council, with 
the Secretaries of the Departments of Interior and Local Government, Labor and 
Employment, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Tourism, Transportation, Trade and 
Industry, Agriculture, and Budget and Management, Administrator of the 
Philippine Overseas Employment Association (POEA), President of the Philippine 
Health Insurance Corporation (PhllHealth) as ex-officio members, and three 
representatives from private and health sectors.
The Council shall convene within thirty (30) days following the approval of the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of this Act. Upon organization of the 
Council, it shall draw a National Pandemic and Other Health Emergency Plan. 
And conduct a briefing for all local government units and health care workers in 
the government sector.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
The Council shall recommend to the President of the Republic of the Philippines 
the declaration of a public health emergency in accordance with medical 
guidelines and protocols.
Section 5. Creation of the National Pandemic and Other Public Health 
Emergency Plan. - The Council shall create a National Pandemic and Other 
Public Health Emergency Plan. This strategy shall provide for the Integrated 
policy coordination and strategic direction with respect to all matters related to 
national public health and medical preparedness and execution and deployment 
of national response, guidelines and protocols before, during, and following a 
pandemic, epidemic, or public health emergency.
Section 6. Components of a National Pandemic and Other Public Health 
Emergency Plan. - The National Pandemic and Other Public Health Emergency 
Plan shall include:
a. Provisions for Increasing the preparedness, response capabilities, and 
surge capacity of ambulatory care facilities, dental health facilities, and 
critical care service systems;
b. Plans for optimizing a coordinated and flexible approach to the medical 
surge capacity of hospitals, other health care facilities, critical care, and 
trauma care and emergency medical systems;
c. Provisions taking Into account the unique needs of individuals with 
disabilities in a pandemic or public health emergency; and
d. Strategic initiatives to advance counter measures to diagnose, mitigate, 
prevent or treat harm from any biological agent or toxin or any chemical, 
radiological or nuclear agents, whether naturally occurring, unintentional 
or deliberate.
Section 7. Health Care Facilities and Services. - The Council, in coordination with 
local government units and concerned government agencies, shall set up health 
care facilities, testing offices and laboratories, quarantine sites and isolation 
centers which shall undertake pandemic prevention and preparedness services 
and activities, and shall respond to any public health emergency.
Section 8. Isolation or Quarantine of Individuals or Groups. - The Council may, 
in cooperation with the concerned local chief executive, authorize the lockdown, 
isolation or quarantine of individuals or groups of individuals during a public 
health emergency, in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
Restriction on the movement of persons in and out of the initially affected area 
by the Council shall likewise be permitted under this Act. If evidence indicates 
amplified transmission or dispersion of the infection into the wider community, 
the Council shall be authorized to adapt social distancing measures, which may 
include the closing of schools or cancellation of mass gatherings.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Section 9. Privately-owned Health Care Facilities. - The Council may require 
privately owned health care facilities to provide services of its facility in the 
event of a pandemic or public health emergency if government institutions are 
unable to cope with the pandemic or public health emergency.
Section 10. Control of Pharmaceutical Agents and Medical Supplies. - The 
Council shall purchase, store or distribute sufficient quantity or anti-viral agents 
for respiratory diseases and other highly communicable diseases, anti-toxins, 
serums, vaccines and other pharmaceutical agents or medical supplies that it 
considers advisable in the interest of preparing for or controlling pandemic or 
any kind of public health emergency.
Section 11. Monitoring Program. - A comprehensive pandemic or public health 
emergency monitoring program shall be established by the Council to determine 
and monitor the presence, magnitude, and progression of any infection or a 
new strain thereof in the country, and for the purpose of evaluating the 
adequacy and efficacy of counter measures being employed.
Section 12. Reporting Procedures. - All hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and 
testing centers for any infection or a new strain thereof shall adopt measures in 
assuring the reporting and confidentiality of any medical record, personal data, 
and other files. The Council through its monitoring programs shall receive, 
collate, and evaluate all related medical reports. The Council monitoring data 
base shall utilize a coding system that promotes anonymity.
II. PROTECnON OF HEALTHCARE AND FRONT LINE WORKERS
Section 13. Vaccination of Healthcare Workers. - Healthcare workers involved 
in the care of patients shall be vaccinated with the most recent vaccine for 
respiratory diseases and other appropriate vaccines as may be determined by 
the Council.
Section 14. Wearing of Surgical Masks and Persona! Protective Equipment (PPE). 
- For their protection, healthcare workers and first responders shall be provided 
with N95 respiratory masks and well-fitting surgical masks and PPE. Patients 
are likewise required to wear surgical masks.
Section 15. Surveillance and Monitoring of Healthcare and Frontline Workers. - 
Healthcare workers shall be vigilant of the development of fever, respiratory 
systems and/or other symptoms after exposure to infected patients. Healthcare 
workers who become ill should seek medical care and should be quarantined 
for fourteen (14) days in accordance with existing protocols unless an 
alternative diagnosis is established, or diagnostic tests are negative for the 
strain subject of the pandemic or public health emergency.
Section 16. Hazard Pay for Healthcare and Frontline Workers. - In addition to 
existing benefits provided for by law, healthcare and frontline workers who


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
render actual service during a pandemic or public health emergency shall be 
given hazard pay to be determined by the Council.
Section 17. Creation of Task Force on Public Health Emergencies. - A task force 
under the control of the Secretary of Health shall be established in order to 
conduct research necessary for the creation of National Pandemic and Other 
Public Health Emergency Plan. The Task Force shall be composed of 
representatives from:
(1) The Department of Health (DOH);
(2) The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council
(3) The Department of Interior and Local Government
(4) The National Security Adviser; and
(5) The Philippine National Red Cross.
Section 18. Functions of the Task Force on Public Health Emergencies. -The 
Task Force shall:
a. Monitor emerging issues and concerns as they relate to medical and 
public health preparedness and response for at-risk individuals in the 
event of pandemic or public health emergency;
b. Identify and minimize gaps, duplication and other inefficiencies in 
medical and public health preparedness and response activities and 
the actions necessary to overcome these obstacles;
c. Disseminate and update novel and best practices of outreach to and 
care of at-risk individuals before, during, and following public health 
emergencies in as timely a manner as is practicable, including from 
the time a public health threat is identified; and
d. Ensure that public health and medical information distributed by the 
government during a pandemic or public health emergency is 
delivered in a manner that takes into account the range of the 
communication needs of the intended recipients, including at-risk 
individuals.
Section 19. Creation of Medical Reserve Corps. - The Secretary of Health shall 
establish a medical reserve corps composed of volunteer health professionals. 
The Medical Reserve Corps shall be called into duty if needed during a pandemic 
or public health emergency.
III. PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION MEASURES WITHIN THE 
TERRITORY
Section 20. Duty of Heads of Families, Persons-in-Charge of Places. - Where a 
person living in a building used for human habitation is suffering from infection.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
the head of the family or the relatives shall immediately send notice of the same 
to the nearest city or municipal health office.
If it is a child attending a school, orphanage or other such situation or a person 
residing in any hotel, boarding house or other such institution, the person in 
charge of such a place shall send notice of the infectious disease to the nearest 
city or municipal health officer and give the officer a list of students or residents 
together with their addresses.
Section 21. Duty of Medical Practitioners and other Healthcare Providers. - Every 
medical practitioner who attends to a patient suffering from a respiratory illness 
shall send to the nearest city or municipal health office a report stating the name 
of the patient and the situation of the building.
Any medical practitioner who becomes aware, by post-mortems or other means, 
that any person had died of an infectious disease shall immediately give to the 
nearest city or municipal health office a certificate of such disease and inform 
the head of the household, person in charge of school, orphanage, hotel and so 
on, on the infectious nature of the disease and the precautions to be taken to 
prevent its conveyance in others.
Section 22. Power of the City or Municipal Health Officers. - A city or municipal 
health officer may at any time enter and inspect premises in which he has 
reason to believe that someone is suffering from or had recently suffered from 
any Infectious disease. The city or municipal health officer may medically 
examine any person in such premises for the purpose of ascertaining whether 
such person is suffering or has recently suffered from any infectious disease. 
He may also order the confinement of infected individuals to prevent 
transmission or spread of suspected infectious disease.
Section 23. Duty of the City or Municipal Health Officers. - If a city or municipal 
health officer is of the opinion that the cleansing and disinfecting of any building 
or any part of the building, and any articles in the building which are likely to 
retain infection or would tend to prevent or check infectious diseases, it shall be 
his/her duty to give notice in writing to the owner or occupant of the building 
specifying the steps to be taken to cleanse and disinfect the building and articles 
within a specified time.
IV. PROTECTION OF OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS
Section 24. Medical Examination and Treatment of Overseas Filipino Workers 
(OFWs). - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, In coordination with 
the PhilHealth, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Council, shall 
undertake the medical examination and treatment of returning OFWs in cases 
of a pandemic or similar event locally or abroad. All costs attendant to the 
medical examination and treatment of returning OFWs shall be borne by the 
PhilHealth.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
Section 25. Creation of Emergency Fund. - There is hereby created and 
established an emergency fund for the medical examination and treatment of 
OFWs under the administration, control and supervision of the PhilHealth initially 
to consist of Fifty Million Pesos (Php50,000,000.00) which shall be taken from 
the existing fund in trust by the PhilHealth for the benefit of OFWs.
Section 26. Authority ofOWWA. — The functions and responsibilities of OWWA 
shall include the following;
a. The formulation and implementation of measures and programs, in 
consultation with appropriate agencies, to safeguard the health of 
OFWs and their families abroad;
b. The forging of memorandum of agreements with the POEA, the DOH, 
the DFA, the PhilHealth and other appropriate international 
organizations in connection with the purpose of this Act.
Section 27. Penalties. -
a. Penaity for individuais who Refuse or Vioiate Isoiation, Quarantine, 
Testing, Vaccination under Section 8. - Any person who refuses 
treatment, testing, examination for diagnosis or treatment or isolation 
and quarantine in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations 
and to the detriment of general public shall suffer the penalty of 
imprisonment of not more than six (6) months or a fine of not more 
than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Phpl00,000.00) or both upon 
the discretion of the court.
b. Penaity for Refusai to Provide Heaith Services under Section 9 of this 
Act - The owner, manager or administrator of a private health care 
facility who refuses to give services or allow the use of its facility 
during a pandemic or public health emergency shall suffer the penalty 
of imprisonment of not more than one (1) year of a fine of not more 
than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php200,000.00) or both upon 
the discretion of the Court.
c. Penaity for Breach of Duty under Sections 20, 21, and 23 of this Act 
- All persons, under a duty to inform the nearest city or municipal 
health office of the infectious disease, who fail to neglect to inform 
the same shall be sentenced to an imprisonment of not more than six 
(6) months or a fine of not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(Phpl00,000) or both upon the discretion of the court.
Section 28. Authorization of Appropriations. — To carry out the provisions of 
this Act, an initial fund of One Billion Pesos (Phpl,000,000,000.00) shall be 
appropriated and such sums as may be necessary for the succeeding fiscal year.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Section 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within thirty (30) days from 
promuigation of this Act, the DOH, in collaboration with OWWA, the POEA, 
PhilHealth, Department of Justice, and the DFA and representatives from the 
private health sector shall issue the necessary rules and regulations.
Section 30. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be declared 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of 
this Act.
Section 31. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, or 
portions thereof, which are Inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
Section 6. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 
circulation.
Approved,