NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S>ciiau
...................
L, iBfftcr of Iljr Ss'( f'ftsrp
23 JAN 23 P3:40
SENATE
S. No. 1 733
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A FREE ANNUAL 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
MEDICAL CHECK-UP AND
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Health is of paramount importance. Good health is a key element to live a 
longer and more active life.
In 2021, it was recorded that 23.7% of Filipinos lived below the poverty line.1 
Millions of Filipinos were prevented to obtain healthcare services that they need 
because of poverty. It was also reported that the top five causes of death in the 
country from January to December 2021 were ischaemic heart diseases, 
cerebrovascular diseases, COVID-19 virus, neoplasms, and diabetes mellitus.2 The 
number of deaths substantially increased from 2020 to 2021. This situation requires 
necessary measures to address such alarming case.
Thus, this bill seeks to provide Free-Annual Medical Check-Up to Filipino 
citizens. By virtue of their membership in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation 
(PhilHealth), Filipinos shall be entitled to avail check-up from accredited hospitals, 
including blood sugar and cholesterol tests. Also, this bill seeks to expand the 
laboratory and diagnostic tests. PhilHealth shall also establish a system that allows 
access to a free annual medical check-up and ensure that Filipinos shall be accorded 
quality health care services that they deserve.
1 Van (2022) Philippines: Poverty, Asian Development Bank. Asian Development Bank. Available at: 
https://www.adb.org/countries/philippines/poverty (Accessed: October 27, 2022).
2 (2022) Philippine Statistics Authority. Available at: https://psa.gov.ph/content/causes-deaths-philippincs-preliminary- 
january-decembcr-2021 (Accessed: October 27, 2022).


These are all consistent with Article II, Section 15 of the Constitution which 
provides that, "the state shall protect the right to health of the people and instill health 
consciousness among them.", and with Republic Act No. 112233, or the "Universal 
Health Care Act", which was enacted to ensure that all Filipinos are guaranteed 
equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services and 
protected against financial risk.
Thus, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. 1*733
of tl'C ofarp
23 JAN 23 P3:40
RECEIVED BV:
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A FREE ANNUAL 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
MEDICAL CHECK-UP AND
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Free Annual Medical
2 
Check-Up Act of2023."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to support and
4 
promote the right to health by enhancing programs which focus on preventive and
5 
curative medicine that advance the health and well-being of Filipinos and prevent
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disease, disability, and death. Pursuant thereto, Filipinos shall be entitled to an annual
7 
medical check-up that is free of charge in any government hospital and institution.
8 
Sec. 3. Coverage. — All Filipino Citizens, by virtue of their membership in the
9 
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) mandated under Republic Act No.
10 
11223, or the "Universal Health Care Law", shall be entitled to the applicable benefits
11 
under the Philippine Health Insurance Program.
12 
Members shall be entitled to a free annual medical check-up that shall include
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blood sugar and cholesterol tests. Laboratory and diagnostic tests shall be expanded,
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subject to the availability of PhilHealth funds.
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Sec. 4. Schedule of Free Medical Check-Up. - To promote health, identify risks,
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and ensure early diagnosis, PhilHealth shall establish a system that allows access to


1 
free annual medical check-up and ensure that Filipinos shall be accorded quality health
2 
care services that they deserve.
3 
Sec. 5. Appropriations. —The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be
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charged against PhilHealth funds.
5 
Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).-The Department of Health
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shall, in coordination with PhilHealth, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations
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for the proper implementation of this Act not later than ninety (90) days from its
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effectivity.
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Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full
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force and effect.
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Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules and
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regulations, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
14 
Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following
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its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,