REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

536

COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

yy 2011
Submitted by the Committee on Health on _3 1 JAN tt

: House Bill No. 4076

Recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill Nos. 610 and 2846

Re

Sponsors _: Reps. Alfredo D. Marajion III, Juan Edgardo M. Angara and Joseph Victor G. Ejercito

Mr. Speaker:

The Committee on Health to which were referred House Bill No. 610, introduced by Rep. Juan

Edgardo M. Angara, entitled:
AN ACT REGULATING THE USE OF GOVERNMENT AMBULANCES, PROVIDING
PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; and

House Bill No. 2846, introduced by Rep. Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, entitled:
AN ACT REGULATING THE USE OF GOVERNMENT AMBULANCES, PROVIDING
PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 4076

has considered the same and recommends that the attached House Bill No. entitled

AN ACT REGULATING THE USE OF GOVERNMENT AMBULANCES, PROVIDING
PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,

be approved in substitution of House Bill Nos. 610 and 2846 with Reps. Juan Edgardo M. Angara,
Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, Alfredo D. Maranon III, Cesar V. Sarmiento and Bernadette Herrera-Dy as
authors thereof.

Respectfully submitted,

HONALFREDO D. MARANON IIT
Chairman
Committee on Health

‘THE HONORABLE SPEAKER
House of Representatives
Quezon City


Republic of the Phil
HOUSE OF REPRESE?
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BillNo,__ 40°76

(in substitution of House Bill Nos. 610 and 2846)

pines
TATIVES

Introduced by Representatives Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, Joseph Victor G.
Ejercito, Alfredo D. Marasion Ill, Cesar V. Sarmiento and Bernadette R. Herrera-Dy

AN ACT
REGULATING THE USE OF GOVERNMENT
AMBULANCES, PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. \t is hereby declared the policy of the State that
the right of the people to health shall be protected and promoted. In this regard, the State shall
extend such assistance in the most expeditious manner where there is immediate danger to the

lives of the people.

waune

SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

(a) Government ambulance - refers to a vehicle equipped with emergency life-
saving devices and equipment and properly designated as such, used to carry or
transport seriously sick or injured persons or patients in emergency situations
requiring immediate medical treatment to a medical facility or from one medical
facility to another; or for diagnostic or therapeutic treatment where, by the nature
of the patient's sickness or injury, conveyance by ambulance is necessary. These
vehicles are acquired using goverment funds or donated and regardless of the
source, should be for public use.

(b) Emergency - refers to a condition or state of patient wherein based on the
objective findings of a prudent medical officer on duty for the day, there is
immediate danger to the life of the patient where delay in initial support and
treatment may cause loss of life or permanent disability to the patient.

SEC. 3. Joint custody of government ambulances assigned or donated to local

government units. Any goverment ambulance assigned or donated to local government
units shall be under the joint custody of the local chief executive and the health officer

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concerned. Each shall be jointly liable for any violation of the provisions of this Act
committed by the other.

Upon the end of the local chief executive's term of office or in case he is
disqualified or removed from office for whatever cause, he shall tum over the custody of the
ambulance to the proper authority within fifteen (15) days from his last day in office, In the
same manner, in case the health officer of the local government unit retires, is separated or
disqualified from office, he shall turn over the said custody to the proper authority within
fifteen (15) days from his last day in office.

SEC. 4, Duties of Local Chief Executives.

a) It shall be the duty of any local chief executive having temporary custody of
any government ambulance, donated or otherwise, to deliver or cause the
delivery of the same to the intended beneficiary without unnecessary delay.

b) It shall also be the duty of local chief executives assigned with any
government ambulance to appoint at least one (1) regular driver for each
ambulance and to ensure that a sufficient amount for gasoline and the
maintenance of their ambulance is appropriated every year.

SEC. 5. Prohibited Acts. The following acts are hereby prohibited:

a) It shall be unlawful for any public official or employee to use any government
ambulance as office service vehicle, for recreation or for personal use or for
any other purpose whatsoever inconsistent with the purposes of a government
ambulance as defined in Section 1 of this Act,

b) Itshall be unlawful for any public official or employee to use any government
ambulance in the transportation of patients not in emergency situation unless
another ambulance is available to respond to any emergency; or when no other
means of transportation is available which non-availability is jointly certified
under oath by the patient or any of his/her relatives or guardians and the
responsible officer in charge of the ambulance other than the driver: or when
the nature of the patient's sickness or injury, though not life threatening, makes
necessary his/her transportation by ambulance;

©) Itshall be unlawful for any public officer or employee to allow the use of any
government ambulance by individuals or entities for private use, whether for
a fee or not;

4d) Itshall be unlawful for any public officer or employee to refuse the use of any
government ambulance by any patient entitled to the use of the same as
provided in this Act due to the patient's inability to pay any fee collected for
its use; or discriminate in its use on account of religious beliefs, gender,
economic status, political affiliations or whatever cause contrary to law, public
policy or good customs; and

@) It shall be unlawful for any public officer or employee to paint over or allow
the painting over of any government ambulance to circumvent the provisions
of this Act.

SEC. 6. Exceptions to the Prohibited Acts. The provisions of Section 5
notwithstanding, the following use of any govemment ambulance in non-emergency cases
may be allowed

a) Medical outreach missions;
b) Emergency disaster; and


c) Other related hospital operations as may be determined by the health officer or
hospital director. Provided, That another ambulance is available to respond to

any emergency.

SEC.7. Penalty Clause. Violation of second paragraph of Section 3 hereof shall be
punished by perpetual disqualification from public service with forfeiture of retirement

benefits

Violations of Section 4 and any of the prohibited acts enumerated in Section 5
hereof shall constitute the offense of Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service
penalized in the following manner:

a) Ist offense ~ Suspension for six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year.

b) 2 offense — Dismissal from the service with the accessory penalties of
cancellation of eligibility, perpetual disqualification from reemployment in the
government service, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and bar from taking civil
service examinations in the future.

If the violation of any of the prohibited acts be committed with the knowledge or
participation of the local chief executive and/or the responsible health officer in case of local
government units or the head of hospital in case of government hospitals, the said officials
shall also be penalized with the same penalty provided in this Act.

SEC. & Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of the Department of
the Interior and Local Government, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Department of
Health and the Department of Transportation and Communications and concerned sectors
shall issue such guidelines, orders or rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out
the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act or the application of such
provision to any person or circumstance is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this
Act or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be
affected by such declaration,

SEC. 10. Repeating Clause. All laws, orders, decrees, proclamations, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effeetivity Clause. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette, or in any newspaper of
general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,


FACT SHEET
House Bill No.
(In substitution of House Bill Nos 610 and 2846)
(As Approved by the Committee on Health on December 14, 2010)

AN ACT REGULATING THE USE OF GOVERNMENT AMBULANCES,
PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Introduced by: REPS. EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA, JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO,
ALFREDO D. MARANON Ill, CESAR V. SARMIENTO AND BERNADETTE R. HERRERA-DY

Committee Referral: COMMITTEE ON HEALTH .
Committee Chairperson: HON. ALFREDO D. MARANON Iii

OBJECTIVE:

* To prevent abuses in the use of government ambulances and to ensure its availability to
respond to emergencies at any time without discrimination.

KEY PROVISIONS

« Provides for ambulances assigned or donated to local government units to be under the
joint custody of the local Chief Executive and the health officer

¢ Mandates the local Chief Executive and the health officer to be jointly liable for any
violation of the provisions of this Act

« Identifies the duties of the local Chief Executive in ensuring the proper use of government
ambulance to intended beneficiary and in providing for the necessary funds for its
maintenance

* Identifies prohibited Acts and their corresponding penalties

RELATED LAWS:

None


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Hh B. No. _ 619

Introduced by HONORABLE JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘An ambulance is a vehicle basically intended to transport seriously sick or injured
patients requiring immediate medical treatment to a medical facility or from a medical facility to
another and is sufficiently equipped for this purpose and designated as such. In emergency
cases, this vehicle plays a vital role in saving lives.

Owing to its importance, the government has been trying very hard to provide enough
number of ambulances despite its chronic budgetary constraints and other pressing problems
requiring prompt action and response.

However, it is observed that government ambulances are often misused, fo the
detriment of the public. The sight of government ambulances in recreation areas and other
places where they are not supposed to be is becoming usual and tolerated. Worse, there are
instances where fees are collected for their use, or their use is refused for political
considerations or other reasons that defeat the
very purpose of their acquisition,

By devoting government amdulances to other purpose, sick constituents are deprived of
their use as they are often unavailable when needs arise. More deplorable, the denial of their
use by patients requiring immediate medical attention for whatever reason is contrary to law and
public: policy, hence, must be penalized. It is on these premises that the importance of this
measure is underscored. This not only aims to prevent abuses in the use of government
ambulances but also to ensure that these emergency vehicles are available to respond to
emergencies at any time without discrimination.

Approval of this bill is earnestly sought

he a
JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA
Represent
Lone District, Province of Aurora


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE =)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES =).
First Regular Session )

H.B.No. 610

Introduced by Honorable JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

AN ACT
REGULATING THE USE OF GOVERNMENT
AMBULANCES, PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. itis hereby declared the policy of the State that the
right of the people to health shall be protected and promoted. In this regard, the State shall
extend such assistance in the most expeditious manner where there is immediate danger on the

life of the people.

SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

(a) "Government ambulance" refers to a vehicle equipped with emergency life-saving
devices and equipment and properly designated as such, use to carry or transport
seriously sick or injured persons or patients in emergency situations requiring immediate
medical treatment to a medical facility or from one medical facility to another; or for
diagnostic or therapeutic treatment where, by the nature of the patient's sickness or
injury, conveyance by ambulance is necessary. These vehicles are acquired using
government funds or donated for government use, regardless of source.

(b) "Emergency " refers to a condition or state of patient wherein based on the objective
findings of @ prudent medical officer on duty for the day, there is immediate danger on
the life of the patient where delay in initial support and treatment may cause loss of life
or permanent disability to the patient.

SEC. 3. Joint custody of government ambulances assigned or donated to local
government units. Any government ambulance assigned or donated to local government units
shall be under the joint custody of the local chief executive and the health officer concerned.
Each shall be jointly liable for any violation of the provisions of this Act committed by the other.

Upon the end of the local chief executive's term of office or in case he is disqualified or
removed from office for whatever cause, he shall tum over the custody of the ambulance to the


office. In the same manner, in case the

proper authority within fifteen days from his last da
health officer of the local government unit retires, is separated or disqualified from office, he
shall turn over the said custody to the proper authority within fifteen days from his last day in

office.
SEC. 4. Duties of local chief executives.

a) It shall be the duty of any local chief executive having temporary custody of any
government ambulance, donated or otherwise, to deliver or cause the delivery of the
same to the intended beneficiary without unnecessary delay.

b) It shall also be the duty of local chief executives assigned with any government
ambulance to appoint at least one regular driver for each ambulance and ensure that
a sufficient amount for gasoline and the maintenance of their ambulance is

appropriated every year
SEC. 5. Prohibited Acts. The following acts are hereby prohibited:

a) it shall be unlawful for any public official or employee to use any government
ambulance as office service vehicle, for recreation or for personal use or for any
other purpose whatsoever inconsistent with the purposes of a government
ambulance as defined in| Section 7 of this Act;

b) It shall be unlawful for any fublic official or employee to use any government
ambulance in the transportation of patients not in emergency situation unless
another ambulance is available to respond to any emergency; or when no other
means of transportation is available which non-availability is jointly certified under
oath by the patient or any of his/her relatives or guardians and the responsible officer
in charge of the ambulance other than the driver; or when the nature of the patient's
sickness or injury, though not life threatening, makes necessary his/her
transportation by ambulance;

©) It shall be unlawful for any public officer or employee to allow the use of any
government ambulance by individuals or entities for private use, for a fee or not;

) It shall be unlawful for any public officer or employee to refuse the use of any
government ambulance by any patient entitled to the use of the same as provided in
this Act due to the patient's inability to pay any fee collected for its use; or
discriminate in its use on account of religious beliefs, gender, economic status,
political affiliations or whatever cause contrary to law, public policy or good customs;


e) It shall be unlawful for any public officer or employee to paint over or allow the
painting over of any goverment ambulance to circumvent the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 6. Exceptions to the Prohibited Acts. The provisions of Section 5
notwithstanding, the following use of any government ambulance in non-emergency cases may

be allowed:

ns; and

a) Medical outreach mis:
b) Other related hospital operations

$EC.7. Penalty Clause, Violations of second paragraph of Section 3 hereof shall be
punished by perpetual disqualification from public service with forfeiture of retirement benefits.

Violations of Section 4 and any of the prohibited acts enumerated in Section 5 hereof
shall be penalized by suspension from office for thirty days for the first offense; suspension for
six months for the second offense; and termination from service with forfsiture of retirement
benefits and perpetual disqualification from public service for the third offense.

If the violation of any of the prohibited acts be committed with the knowledge or
participation of the local chief executive andlor the responsible health officer in case of local
government units or the head of hospital in case of government hospitals, the said officials shall
also be penalized with the same penalty providec in this Act.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of the Department of
the Interior and Local Government, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Deoartment of
Health and the Department of Transportation ard Communications and concemed sectors shall
issue such guidelines, orders or rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. If eny provision of this Act or the application of such
provision to any person or circumstance is deciared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act
or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by
such declaration,

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. All laws, orders, decrees, proclamations, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modi‘ied accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect after fifteen days following the
completion of its publicaticn in the Official Gazeite, or in a newspaper of general circulation in
the Phil

Approved,

o


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House srit no. 2846

INTRODUCED BY REP. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘An ambulance is a vehicle basically intended to transport seriously sick
or injured patients requiring immediate medical treatment to a medical
facility or from a medical facility to another and is sufficiently equipped
for this purpose and designated as such. In emergency cases, this
vehicle plays a vital role in saving lives.

‘Owing to its importance, the government has been trying very hard to
provide enough number of ambulances despite its chronic budgetary
constraints and other pressing problems requiring prompt action and
response.

However, it is observed that government ambulances are often
misused, to the detriment of the public. The sight of government
ambulances in recreation areas and other places where they are not
supposed to be is becoming usual and tolerated. Worse, there are
instances where fees are collected for their use, or their use is refused
for political considerations or other reasons that defeat the very
purpose of their acquisition.

By devoting government ambulances to other purpose, sick
constituents are deprived of their use as they are often unavailable
when needs arise. More deplorable, the denial of their use by patients
requiring immediate medical attention for whatever reason is contrary
to law and public policy, hence, must be penalized.

It is on these premises that the importance of this measure is
underscored. This not only aims to prevent abuses in the use of
governrrent ambulances but also to ensure that these emergency
vehicles are available to respond to emergencies at any time without
discrimination.

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

TO

JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2846

INTRODUCED BY REP. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

AN ACT
REGULATING THE USE OF GOVERNMENT AMBULANCES,
PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of
the State that the right of the people to health shall be protected and
promoted. In this regard, the State shall extend such assistance in
the most expeditious manner where there is immediate danger on the

life of the people.

‘SEC 2. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms
shall mean:

(a) “Government ambulance" refers to a vehicle equipped with
emergency life-saving devices and equipment and properly
designated as such, used to carry or transport seriously sick or
injured persons or patients in emergency situations requiring
immediate medical treatment to a medical facility or from one
medical facility to another; or for diagnostic or therapeutic
treatment where, by the nature of the patient's sickness or
injury, conveyance by ambulance is necessary. These vehicles
are acquired using government funds or donated for
government use, regardless of source.

(b) "Emergency " refers to a condition or state of patient wherein
based on the objective findings of a prudent medical officer on
duty for the day, there is immediate danger on the life of the
patient where delay in initial support and treatment may cause
loss of life or permanent disability to the patient.


SEC 3. Joint Custody of Government Ambulances Assigned or
Donated to Local Government Units. - Any government arnbulance
assigned or donated to local government units shall be under the joint
custody of the local chief executive and the health officer concerned.
Each shall be jointly liable for any violation of the provisions of this Act

committed by the other.

Upon the end of the local chief executive's term of office or in case he
is disqualified or removed from office for whatever cause, he shall turn
over the custody of the ambulance to the proper authority within
fifteen (15) days from his last day in office. In the same manner, in
case the health officer of the local government unit retires, is
separated or disqualified from office, he shall turn over the said
custody to the proper authority within fifteen (15) days from his last
day in office.

SEC 4. Duties of Local Chief Executives. -

(a)It shall be the duty of any local chief executive having
temporary custody of any government ambulance, donated or
otherwise, to deliver or cause the delivery of the same to the
intended beneficiary ‘without unnecessary delay.

(b)It shall also be the duty of local chief executives assigned with
any government ambulance to appoint at least one regular
driver for each ambulance and ensure that a sufficient amount
for gasoline and the maintenance of their ambulance is
appropriated every year.

SEC 5. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts are hereby prohibited:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any public official or employee to use
any government ambulance as office service vehicle, for
recreation or for personal use or for any other purpose
whatsoever inconsistent with the purposes of a government
ambulance as defined in Section 1 of this Act;

(b) It shall be unlawful for any public official or employee to use
any government ambulance in the transportation of patients
not in emergency situation unless another ambulance is
available to respond to any emergency; or when no other
means of transportation is available which non-availability is
jointly certified under oath by the patient or any of his / her
relatives or guardians and the responsible officer in charge of
the ambulance other than the driver; or when the nature of the
Patient's sickness or injury, though not life threatening, makes
necessary his / her transportation by ambulance;

(c) It shall be unlawful for any public officer or employee to allow
the use of any government ambulance by individuals or entities
for private use, for a fee or not;


(d) It shall be unlawful for any public officer or employee to refuse
the use of any government ambulance by any patient entitled
to the use of the same as provided in this Act due to the
patient's inability to pay any fee collected for its use; or
discriminate in its use on account of religious beliefs, gender,
economic status, political affiliations or whatever cause contrary
to law, public policy or good customs;

(e) It shall be unlawful for any public officer or employee to paint
over or allow the painting over of any government ambulance
to circumvent the provisions of this Act.

SEC 6. Exceptions to the Prohibited Acts. - The provisions of Section
5 notwithstanding, the following use of any government ambulance in
non-emergency cases may be allowed:

(a) Medical outreach missions; and,
(b) Other related hospital operations.

SEC 7. Penalty Clause. - Violations of second paragraph of Section 3
hereof shall be punished by perpetual disqualification frorn public
service with forfeiture of retirement benefits.

Violations of Section 4 and any of the prohibited acts enumerated in
Section 5 hereof shall be penalized by suspension from office for thirty
(30) days for the first offense; suspension for six (6) months for the
second offense; and termination from service with forfeiture of
retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from public service
for the third offense.

If the violation of any of the prohibited acts be committed with the
knowledge or participation of the local chief executive and / or the
responsible health officer in case of local government units or the head
of hospital in case of government hospitals, the said officials shall also
be penalized with the same penalty provided in this Act.

SEC 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of the
Department of the Interior and Local Government, in consultation with
the Secretaries of the Department of Health and the Department of
Transportation and Communications and concerned sectors shall issue
such guidelines, orders or rules and regulations as may be necessary
to carry out the provisions of this Act.

SEC 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act or the
application of such provision to any person or circumstance is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or the application of such
provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by
such declaration.


SEC 10. Repealing Clause. - Ali laws, orders, decrees, proclamations,
ules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC 14. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen
(15) days following the completion of its publication in the Official
Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
Quezon City, Metro Manila

MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH HELD ON DECEMBER
14, 2010 AT 9:00 AM, CONFERENCE ROOMS 14 AND 15 AT THE RAMON V. MITRA
BLDG, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, BATASAN, QUEZON CITY.

GUESTS/RESOURCE PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE.

1. Dr. Juanito D. Taleon Regional Director for Region IV-A, Department of

Health
2. Dr. Anthony P. Calibo National Center for Disease Prevention and
Control, DOH
3. Dr. Emie Vera Medical Officer Vil, Degenerative Office, DOH
4. Atty. Anabelle de Veyra Center for Health Development Region 8, DOH
5. Dr. Irma L. Asuncion OIC Regional Director, DOH
6. Dr. Juliana M Reyes DOH
7. Engr. Ana Trinidad Rivera DOH
8. Dr. Isauro N, Garcia Acting City Health Officer, City Health
Department, Malabon City
9. Engr. Benjamin N. Villacorta City Administrator, City Health Department,

Malabon City

Medical Director, Jose B. Lingad Hospital

Representative, Jose B, Lingad General Hospital

Secretary, Philippine Psychiatric Association

Commisioner, Philippine Medical Association

Vice President, Philippine Urological Association

45. Mr, Alex D, Asuncion Representative, Philippine Cancer Society

16. Dr. Hilarion Henares Jr. President, HEAL Philippines Foundation

17. Ms. Nona O. Andaya-Castillo Representative, Nurturers of Earth, Inc.

18. Dr. Elvira Henares-Esguerra Representative, Children for Breastfeeding, Inc.

49. Ms. Corazon Del Mundo Chairperson, Women Involved in Nation Building

20, Joel Maleon Representative, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources

Executive Director, Infant and Pediatrics Nutrition

‘Association of the Philippines (IPNAP)

Representative, World Association for

Psychological Rehabilitation

10. Dr. Venancio Banzon
14. Ms. Flordelina R. llagan
42. Dr. Romeo Y. Enriquez
13. Dr. Santiago A. del Rosario
44. Dr. Jaime C. Balingit

21. Mr. Alex Castro Ill

22. Dr. Lourdes L. Ignacio

|. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL

Rep. Alfredo D. Mararion Ill, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, called the
meeting to order at 9:26 am. Upon motion, duly seconded and there being no

Objections, the calling of the roll was dispensed with.


ll. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

Upon motion of Rep. Eriguel, duly seconded and there being no objections, the reading
of the minutes of November 10, 2010 meeting was dispensed with.

Ill. PRELIMINARY REMARKS OF THE CHAIRMAN

In keeping with the holiday atmosphere, the Chair extended the season's greetings to
everyone. He then acknowledged the Members and authors present and welcomed the
invited guests and resource persons. He informed the Body that most of the national
bills calendared for deliberation had been approved on 3” Reading in the previous

Congress.
IV. INITIAL DELIBERATION ON THE FOLLOWING LOCAL MEASURES:

House Bill No. 1999, entitled, An Act Establishing @ Thirty (30)-Bed Hospital in the
Second District of Antipolo City, to be known as the Antipolo 2nd District Hospital, and

Appropriating Funds Therefor, authored by Rep. Romeo Acop

Having been recognized by the Chair, Rep. Acop, author of HB No.1999, expounded on
his measure by stating the need to establish a new hospital in the 2™ District of
Antipolo. He informed the Body that Antipolo has two (2) existing private hospitals in the
area, However, indigent patients of his district cannot afford to avail of the health
services provided by these private hospitals. Citing a constitutional provision on the
right of the people to health, he urged the Members to support the passage of his bill.

In response, Dr. Juanito D. Taleon, Regional Director for Region IV-A (CALABARZON),
acknowledged the noble intent of the author. However, he cited the Department of
Health's (DOH) current policy that discourages the establishment of new hospitals when
there are already existing hospitals in the area. Instead of the establishment of a new
hospital, he suggested strengthening the existing health facilities and health centers in
Antipolo.

Rep. Acop questioned the DOH policy as contrary to the mandate of the Constitution.
He expressed the common sentiments of his constituents in the remote areas who
complained that their relatives and loved ones are dying without even the services of a
doctor. He said that there are barangays in Antipolo which have no “botika” at all and
are about 40 minutes away from the nearest clinic.

At this point, Rep. Eufranio Eriguel inquired from Dr. Taleon the estimated amount
necessary to put up a 30-bed hospital as requested in the bill of Rep. Acop. In
response, Dr. Taleon gave an estimated amount of 90 to 100 miillion pesos, inclusive of

2


infrastructure, equioment, personnel and others. Rep. Eriguel then shared the practice
in his district which has helped defray the cost of hospitalization of their indigent
patients. He said that if a 30-bed hospital is not possible at the moment, at least a
smaller bed capacity health unit could be put up for a start. He added that indigents can
be made to pay for health services in view of the universal PhilHealth coverage of the

present administration

Chairman Marafion inquired from Dr.Taleon the number of existing public hospitals in
Antipolo and whether they are enough to cater to 800,000 people in said area. Replying
to the query of the Chair, Dr. Taleon admitted that with only two (2) public and two (2)
private hospitals in Antipolo City, said health facilities will not suffice to cover the
population. Dr. Taleon stressed that establishment of hospitals would be based on the

plan of the province which has the objective of optimizing and rationalizing the health
facilities in said area. It must be based on health needs, consensus and planning

workshops. The workshop conducted and participated in by the health workers and
health providers in said district resulted in the need to strengthen their preventive
health services and repairing RHU's and putting up barangay health centers in San
Jose, San Roque and Cupang in order to provide the necessary care. Dr. Taleon
added that at present, the city of Antipolo is operating a 10-bed community city hospital
and there is a plan to expand this health facility. The DOH has a national program on
Health Facility Enhancement to address such concern. Among its thrust is to develop
local health facilities by creating a basic emergency maternal, obstetric and neonatal
care at the health centers and in the barangay health stations and providing equipment
and repair of facilities necessary for maternal, neonatal and child health services. Dr.
Taleon assured the author that DOH will study the proposal and coordinate with his
office to consider various ways of responding to the health needs of Antipolo.

At this juncture, Rep. Randolph Ting pointed out that since Antipolo is a highly
urbanized city, it should have a separate hospital different from that of the province of
Rizal. He even compared Antipolo’s case with other provinces with the same or even
less population but with existing national hospitals

Having exhausted the discussion on the subject, Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles moved for
the approval of HB 1999. Upon motion duly seconded by Rep. Herminia Roman, and
there being no objections, HB 1999 was approved

House Bill No. 2071, entitled, An Act Establishing a Twenty-Five (25) Bed-Capacity
General Hospital in the City of Malabon, Metro Manila, to be known as the Malabon City
General Hospital, and Appropriating Funds Therefor, authored by Rep. Josephine
Veronique Lacson-Noe!

Having been recognized by the Chair, Rep. Lacson-Noel explained that Malabon City,
which is part of the Metropolitan Manila, is one of the few highly urbanized cities without

a public hospital. Her constituents clamoured for a public hospital to be located in the
city to save them from the hassle of going to hospitals of neighbouring cities or

3


municipalities for proper treatment. The existing Pagamutang Bayan of the city can no
longer cater to the needs of the people of Malabon.

Dr. Isauro Garcia, the Acting City Health Officer of Malabon and Engr. Benjamin
Villacorta, the City Administrator expressed their full support to said proposal. Dir. Irma
Asuncion, OIC Regional Director of the DOH, also expressed her appreciation of the
noble intent of the author but informed Rep. Lacson-Noel of the existence of the San
Lorenzo Women's hospital, a DOH “operated” secondary hospital which has a 10-bed
capacity but is actually operating on a 20-bed capacity. Dir. Asuncion suggested that
instead of establishing a new hospital, the existing San Lorenzo Women's hospital
should be upgraded with the help of Rep. Lacson-Noel to which the latter gladly

accepted,

Upon the motion of Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles, duly seconded by Rep. Herminia
Roman, and there being no objections, HB 2071 was approved subject to style and

amendment.
Thereafter, the Chair called on Rep. Anna York. Bondoc to expound on her bill.

House Bill No. 3331, entitled, An Act Increasing the Bed Capacity of Jose B. Lingad
Memorial General Hospital in San Femando, Pampanga from Two Hundred Fifty (250)
to Five Hundred (500), Upgrading its Services and Facilities and Professional Health
Care, Authorizing the Increase of Its Medical Personnel and Appropriating Funds

Therefor, authored by Rep. Anna York Bondoc

Rep. Bondoc, author of HB No. 3331, informed the Body of her vision for Jose B. Lingad
(JBL) Memorial General Hospital to be a major tertiary medical care in Metro Manila.
She verbalized her hopes for JBL to be the catch basin of patients coming from the
North and Central Luzon and consequently, to lessen the grossly overcrowded hospitals
of Metro Manila. In addition, she cited JBL’s accessibility as it is reachable through
NLEX and SCTXT. She also envisions JBL to be the premiere government hospital for
cancer in the country with enough facilities to address cancer diseases. And finally,
since most of the medical specialists are practicing in Metro Manila due to lack of
adequate facilities in the province for their specialties, the expansion of JBL will pave
the way for the specialists to be able to practice in Metro Manila and still commute to
Pampanga to share their specialties on cancer or cardiac care. She described the
present state of the hospital as being overcrowded with patients. The hospital is actually
a 250-bed hospital but is operating more than 100% of its capacity. Rep. Bondoc
discloses JBL’s dire situation saying that it doesn’t even have a CT scan to operate and
that patients are now crowding the corridor, hence, the request for expansion



Dr, Venancio Banzon, medical director of JBL hospital, expressed his full support for the
passage of HB 3331. He shared the views of the author that JBL became the end-
referral hospital of their neighbouring provinces. Since the hospital's bed occupancy
rate has increased, he emphasized the need to expand the facilities of said hospital to
accommodate indigent patients from the nearby provinces. Dr. Juliana Reyes, DOH
Director-CHD for Region Ill also expressed her support of said bill Rep. Herminia
Roman of Bataan shared that her constituents are also beneficiaries of JBL. She
disclosed the fact that she has put a portion of her Priority Development Assistance

Fund ( PDAF) in said hospital

Thereafter, Rep. Herminia. Roman moved for the approval of HB 3331. With the motion
duly seconded and there being no objections, HB 3331 was approved.

House Bill No. 3660, entitled, An Act Converting the Norther Samar Provincial
Hospital in Catarman, Northern Samar, Into Eastern Visayas Regional Hospital under
the Supervision, Control and Management of the Department of Health, authored by

Rep. Raul Daza,

Re p. Daza informed the Body that HB No. 3660 is a re-filed measure and that the same
was approved in the House of Representatives during the 13" Congress. But due to
time lack of time the Senate was not able to act on it. He narrated that when he was
governor of Samar, the DOH tried to upgrade the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital
from secondary to tertiary level hospital, as an alternative. However, in the span of 9
years, he observed that the upgrading according to the proposed alternative by the
DOH was not encouraging. He added that even with the assistance of DOH, the
hospital could not secure a tertiary level license. He reported that before he left his
office as governor he lobbied with the DOH until the hospital was able to procure one
(1) CT scan and two (2) dialysis machines through the help of the national government.
These machines were delivered six (6) months ago. Unfortunately, the machines cannot
be used due to the failure of both the DOH Regional Office and the provincial hospital to

meet the requirements of pre-audit.
With the mandate of the President in alleviating the poor through a better health care
service delivery, Rep. R. Daza expressed anew his hopes that the DOH would support
the bill

In response, Atty. Annabelle de Veyra, DOH Center for Health Development (CHD),
Region 8 concurred with the statement of Rep. Daza on the past efforts undertaken to
upgrade the Norther Samar Provincial Hospital from secondary to tertiary level

hospital. She affirmed that the DOH had been working with Rep. Daza on the ground
and that they are fully aware of the many issues and concems that surround the health

5


needs in Northern Samar. She reported to the Body that when they conducted a health
needs assessment in said province, the province wide rationalization plan incorporated
a recommendation to increase the bed capacity of said hospital from 100 to 150 beds
by the end of 2014. She expressed the view that despite the policy of the DOH under
‘AO 2006-0029 which discourages any proposal that seeks to establish or upgrade any
hospital, the CHD Regional office maintains its stance to recommend that the Northern
‘Samar Provincial hospital be renationalized from level 2 to level 3 hospital but not to
convert it to @ regional hospital. She added that if said hospital be renationalized, the
CHD suggests that source of funds and logistics support should be included in the
provision of the bill so that the hospital can adequately operate under a renationalized

set up of level 3 category.
Considering the urgency of the proposed measure, Rep. Nograles moved for the

approval of HB No. 3660. With the motion duly seconded, the same was approved.
Thereafter, the Chair called on Rep. Bondoc to expound on her measure.

V. INITIAL DELIBERATION ON THE FOLLLOWING NATIONAL MEASURES:

HB No. 3088, entitled, “An Act to Promote and Support Breastfeeding as an Essential
Component of Family Planning and Responsible Parenthood, And For Other Purposes’,

authored by Anna York Bondoc

Rep. Bondoc, author of HB No. 3088, explained that the very intention of the bill is to
incorporate breastfeeding as an essential part of the Family Planning seminar. She
averted that since the said seminar is a legal requirement prior to marriage, the subject
on breastfeeding may well be included as a form of natural family planning. The
seminar, according to Rep. Bondoc, also serves as the last chance for the government
to educate the couple before marriage on the merit of natural family planning, child and
maternal health, ways to nourish and protect their growing family. She assured the Body
that her proposal entails no cost on the part of anyone.

Ms. Corazon Del Mundo, Chairperson of Women Involved in Nation-Building (WIN)
believes that promotion of breastfeeding will alleviate the problem of malnutrition in the
country. Other stakeholders present, namely, Dr. Hilarion M. Henares Jr. of Heal
Philippines Foundation, Dr. Elvira Henares-Esguera of Children for Breastfeeding, Mr.
Alex Castro of Infant Pediatric Nutrition Association of the Philippines, Ms. Nona
Andaya-Castillo from the Nurturers of the Earth, and Dr. Santiago del Rosario of the
Philippine Medical Association expressed their positive views on the importance of

breastfeeding

Dr. Anthony Calibo of the DOH recommended the updating of the seminar contents to

include essential intra partum and essential new born care in the bill. In response, Rep.
6


Bondoc welcomed Dr. Calibo’s suggestion and said that it can be discussed thoroughly
during the drafting of the IRR

Upon motion duly seconded and there being no objections, HB 3088 was approved
subject to style.

At this point, the Chair relinquished his post temporarily to Rep. Nograles. Thereafter,
the presiding Officer called on Rep. H. Roman to expound on her measure.

House Bill _No. 230, entitled, An Act Granting Free Hospitalization Benefits in
Government Hospitals to All Retired Public School Teachers Who Have Rendered a
Minimum of Twenty (20) Years in Service and Providing Funds Therefor, authored by

Rep. Herminia Roman.

Rep. Roman explained that HB No. 230 seeks to provide free hospitalization benefits in
government hospitals for all retired public school teachers who have rendered a
minimum of twenty (20) years of service. She underscored the fact that the sacrifices
and devotions of teachers in carrying out their duties and responsibilities in moulding
the youth should be amply rewarded even after their retirement from the service.

Subsequently, she sought approval of HB No. 230.

Dr. Taleon articulated the DOH's appreciation of the noble intention of the proposed
measure. However, he pointed out that retired public school teachers are already
covered by the benefits for senior citizens mandated under Republic Act No. 9994
which includes free hospital in the government hospitals. Also, retired teachers are also
covered by PhilHealth. Based on the abovementioned premises, Dr. Taleon said the
Department recommends the following alternative strategies: a) increase the coverage
of PhilHealth benefits for retired government employees; b) strengthen public health
programs at all levels of health care facilities; c) intensify health promotion campaigns to
increase awareness of public schoo! teachers on health issues and practices; and d)
DOH and Department of Education (DepED) should promote, encourage and engage in
scientific research on the prevention, care and treatment of common and recurring

cases of sickness among public school teachers.

Having heard the stand presented by the DOH representative, Rep. Roman opined that
not all retired teachers are senior citizens because some of them availed of the early
retirement privilege even before reaching the required senior citizen age. Rep. Pichay,
at this point, inquired whether the Philhealth coverage to non senior citizen retired public
school has been put into law. Dr. Taleon replied that it is still a proposal from the DOH

as one of the alternative strategies


Upon motion duly seconded and there being no objections, HB No. 230 was approved
subject to style.

House Bill Nos. 1419, 2704 and 3390, entitled, An Act Providing for a National Mental
Health Care Delivery System, Establishing for the Purpose the Philippine Council for
Mental Health and Appropriating Funds Therefor, authored by Reps. Susan Yap, Karlo

Alexei Nograles and Rufus and Maximo Rodriguez Jr.

Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr., one of the authors of the three measures informed the
Body that HB No. 3390 is a refiled bill and the same had been approved by the
Committee during the14” Congress. He noticed that HB Nos. 1419, 2704 and 3390 are
almost identical in content. At this point, he moved for the consolidation and approval of
the same. Prior to acting on the motion of Rep. Rodriguez, Jr, Rep. Nograles
suggested hearing the opinions of the invited resource persons.

Dr. Lourdes Ladrido-Ignacio, President of the World Association for Psychological
Rehabilitation Philippines (WAPR-Philippines) expressed gratitude to the authors for
sponsoring the bills. She then appealed for the passage of the aforementioned mental
health measures because many people have already been at risk at not only of mental
disorder per se but of illnesses associated with killer diseases such as; cancer,
cardiovascular, renal diseases, among others and other adverse experiences. In UP-
PGH, she reported that they conducted a survey in Western Visayas where they found
out that 1 out of 3 household members is positive to have a mental disorder. Likewise,
in their studies in Metro Manila and Bulacan, they found out that 20 to 25% consulting
primary health services have shown a diagnosable mental disorder in both children and
adult and only 5% are detected by health workers. Given these facts, Dr. Ignacio
believes that the proposal under consideration is much needed. In conclusion, she
offered the services of their organization to DOH and Congress in the refinement of the
said bill.

At this point, Rep. Bondoc inquired on the need to establish another Council specifically
on mental health. She opined that it is the concern of the DOH to take care of the
mental health services. He also cited that adding another layer of bureaucracy could
add to government cost. She then suggested creating an adhoc body to formulate their
policies and delineate the duties and responsibilities on the matter.

Dr. Ernie Vera, Medical Officer VII, Degenerative Office of the DOH said that they
appreciate the intent of the bill. He said they are aware that the bill would strengthen
implementation of DOH Administrative Order 2007-009 entitled, “The Operational
Framework for the Sustainable Establishment on Mental Health Program." However,
the DOH cannot support the establishment of a Philippine Council for Mental Health as

8


proposed in the bill since there is already an existing National Program Management
Committee within the organizational structure of the Department. He also reported that
the DOH conducted @ consultative meeting relative to the refinement of the bill among
stakeholders for mental health prior to the meeting of the Committee on Health. Dr.
Vera shared the group's output in refining the bill to include a new provision in Section 5
and the agreement among the stakeholders to maintain the existing structure under the

DOH instead of creating a new Council for this purpose.

The Chair then requested Dr. Vera to submit the pertinent documents on the output of
their consultative meeting to the Committee.

Dr. Romeo Enriquez, Secretary of the Philippine Psychiatric Association Society (PPA)
strongly supports the approval of a mental health law as long as the proposed bill will
incorporate the following amendments: a) to institutionalize and prioritize the national
mental health program thru DOH; b) assure the development and implementation of
national standard in the delivery of mental health care services and education; c)
prioritize mental health research and information sharing that can serve as basis for
further legislation; d) advocacy for the rights of persons with mental iliness and disability
to include the promotion of de-stigmatization.

Dr. R. Enriquez reiterated to the Body that the National Management Committee for
Mental Health under the DOH would replace the national mental health council as
originally proposed in the bill. He said the PPA commends the approvel of the three (3)

mental health bills to include the proposed amendments.

Upon hearing the explanations of Dr. Enriquez Romeo, Rep. Bondoc expressed her
satisfaction that the existing National Management Committee for Mental Health under
the DOH would serve the purposes of the bill without additional cost to the government..
With this, she manifested her intention to be a co-author of HB Nos. 1419, 2704 and
3390. In conclusion, Rep. Nograles reiterated his earlier request for Dr. Romeo to

submit their position paper to t he Committee.

On the part of the Philippine Medical Association, Dr. Santiago Del Rosario informed the
Committee that there are one hundred twenty (120) civilized countries who have mental
health laws and it is sad to note that the Philippines is not one of them. He added that
among the 10 highly populous countries, the Philippines ranks number 10. That means,
he said, there is a high incidence of mental health problems among Filipinos. Further,
he apprised the Body that there are 88 cases per 100 Filipinos with mental health
problems. In the year 2020, a study projected that depression will be the dominant
single cause of disability in both the developing and non-developing countries. He
stressed that depression is one of the underlying conditions that lead to suicide, With
this information, the Philippine Medical Association expressed their full support for the

passage of the proposed mental health bill.


Having heard the positions of the stakeholders, Rep. Nograles reminded the Body of the
standing motion of Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. to consolidate and approve the said
measures.

With the motion duly seconded by Rep. Pichay and there being no objections, the
consolidation and approval of HB Nos. 1419, 2704 and 3390 subject to amendment
and style was carried. Rep. Lacson-Noe! manifested that all members present will be

made co-authors of the three house bills.
At this point, Chairman Marafion resumed his post as presiding officer.

Prior to the consideration of other measures, Rep. Eriguel made a manifestation to
reconsider the position paper of DOH amending HB No. 988, entitled, “ An Act
Declaring the Month of February of Every Year as "Liver Cancer and Hepatitis-B
Awareness and Prevention Month’, which the Committee approved in the previous
meeting dated November 10, 2010. Said position paper was received by the
Committee a day after the bill was approved at the Committee level. In said paper, the
DOH seeks to amend the month of February, as originally proposed, to January of
every year considering that January is earmarked for the observance the National

Cancer Consciousness Week

Rep. Eriguel then moved for the reconsideration of the approval of HB No. 988
considering that the Committee secretariat has yet to finalize the Committee Report on

the same.
Upon motion duly seconded and there being no objections, the motion for

reconsideration of HB 988 was approved.
Rep. Eriguel further moved for the approval of the amendment as proposed by the DOH
to transfer the celebration of the Liver Cancer Month from the month of February to

January,
With the motion duly seconded and there being no objections, the motion was

approved.

House Bill Nos. 590 and 870, entitled, An Act Establishing A Program for Public
Education on Prostate Cancer, authored by Reps. Rufus and Maximo Jr. Rodriguez and

Augusto Syjuco Jr.

Rep. M. Rodriguez moved for the approval of HB Nos. 590 and 870 in view of the fact
that the same were already thoroughly discussed during the 14" Congress.

The Chair deferred action on the motion until the views of the resource persons have

been heard.
10


Dr. Jaime Balingit of the Philippine Urological Association suggested that aside from
educating the public on prostate cancer, efforts should be made in identifying chemical
carcinogens and removing them from the food chain. He further proposed to mandate
all hospitals to report to DOH all identified cases so as to have a collective data of

persons suffering from prostate cancer.

Rep. Carlos Padilla inquired which, from among the various cancer diseases, ranks as
number one killer. In response, Dr. Alex Asuncion of the Philippine Cancer Society
said that breast cancer is the top killer cancer based on their 2010 survey. Rep. Padilla
expressed his apprehension on the passage of said bill for it might confine DOH and
other advocates to focus only on prostate cancer at the expense and sacrifice of all
other cancer diseases. He stressed the duty of the Department of Health to ensure that
there are programs for public education to raise awareness on the matter.

Dr. Ernie Vera stressed that the DOH has formulated a very comprehensive Cancer
Control Program where control interventions are within the continuum of public health
care. He cited that Primary prevention focuses on eliminating the causes of cancer,
while Secondary Prevention focuses on early detection coupled by definitive diagnosis
and treatment, supportive, palliative care and rehabilitation. Furthermore, he informed
the Body that the Philippine Cancer Control Program was implemented in 1995 with the
five (5) most common sites such as Lung, Breast, Liver, Cervix and prostate Cancer.
For several years of implementation, it was noted that there was a gap in the level of
Primary Prevention and definitive diagnosis and treatment due to limited funds.

In view of the aforementioned reasons, the Department recommends that funding
support be augmented and increased, with provisions for continuous yearly increment to
improve diagnostic capabilities and upgrade treatment modalities rather than establish

another cancer program specific to a single site like the prostate.

Rep. Rodriguez opined that 25% of males are afflicted of prostate cancer and ultimately
die because there is no cure for prostate cancer. To this effect, he emphasized that the
bill seeks to establish a program to educate the public and increase its awareness on
how to prevent prostate cancer. However, he stressed that he is amenable not to limit
the program to prostrate cancer alone but also to other types of diseases causing

caneer.
Rep. Acop inquired whether the causes of prostate cancer are so divergent than any
other diseases causing cancer. If not, he suggested lumping said program with other

types of cancer. Mr. Asuncion replied that cancer is not a disease per se but a generic
term for a group of diseases. He explained that you can differentiate them from each

other through its treatment protocols, causes and symptoms and risk factors.

Rep. Eriguel inquired about the most definitive procedure to diagnose a prostate cancer.
Dr. Balingit said the prostate biopsy is the most definitive procedure but screening test

by means of Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) will do.
1


At this point, Mr. Asuncion enlightened the Body that the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc.
(PCSI), in partnership with the DOH, published the 2010 Philippine Cancer Facts and
Estimates, which reports the incidence, mortality and survival statistics on cancer.
These data, he said, serve as basis for most cancer control programs in the
Philippines. According to the report, prostate cancer is the fourth leading cancer site
among Filipino males. It was reported that in 2010, there were 2,712 new cases and
1,410 deaths due to prostate cancer. In 2008, the estimated age standardized national
incidence rate was 10.1 per 100, 000 while the mortality rate was 5.3 per 100,000
population. He added that increasing age is the most important risk factor and the
increasing number of Filipino males who are 55 years and older is the main reason for
the significant increase and expected continuing increases in the number of cases. It is
said that early prostate cancer is asymptomatic. He added that early detection of
prostate cancer is curable. In view of this information Filipino males who are 50 years
old or older are advised to undergo annual digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate

ultrasound or prostatic specific antigen (PSA).

The Chair requested Mr. Asuncion to submit to the Committee the data and statistics he
shared with the Body. The Chair then raised the pending motion of Rep. Rodriguez to

approve the bills.

Upen motion duly seconded and there being on objections, HB Nos. 590 and 870 were
approved subject to style and amendments.

House Bill Nos. 592 and 1028, entitled, An Act to Provide for a National Folic Acid
Education Program to Prevent Birth Defects, authored by Reps. Rufus and Maximo Jr.

Rodriguez and Augusto Syjuco Jr.

Rep. Rodriguez informed the Body that HB No. 592 had been approved in the House of
Representatives last Congress and transmitted to the Senate but was not acted upon
due to lack of time. He stated that the bill seeks to provide a national folic acid
education campaign to prevent neural tube defects considering that thousands of
infants are born each year with serious birth defect of the brain and spine, called the
neural tube defect. In view of the fact that this bill had undergone extensive discussion
during the 14" Congress, he moved for the approval of the same.

The Chair deferred action on the motion until the views of the invited resource persons
have been heard.

Dr. Calibo stated that the DOH appreciates the noble intention of the proposed
measures to provide for a national folic acid education program. However, the DOH also
believes that before embarking on the said program, they need to conduct further

research on folic acid deficiency and its effect in preventing birth defects among
2


Filipinos. He reported of incidental findings of the Department that Rubella virus,
German measles, metabolic and other environmental factors can also cause birth
defects. He stated that the DOH is supportive of the need for a stronger Folic acid
awareness program but thinks that the enactment of both bills may not be necessary at

this time
Considering that HB Nos, 592 and 1028 had been approved during the 14" Congress,

Rep. Pichay moved for the approval of the same subject to amendments and style. With
the motion duly seconded and there being no objection, the motion was carried.

House Bill Nos. 2984 and 3285, entitled, An Act Providing the Public with Adequate
Notice and Education on the Effects of Exposure to Mercury Through the Development

of Health Advisories and by Requiring that such Appropriate Advisories be Posted, or
Made Readily Available, at All Businesses that Sell Fresh, Frozen, And Canned Fish
and Seafood where the Potential for Mercury Exposure Exists, authored by Reps.
Joseph Victor Ejercito, Rufus and Maximo Jr. Rodriguez

Rep. M. Rodriguez explained that mercury discharges into the atmosphere and surface
oceans have increased two-to-five fold since the beginning of industrialized period due
to human activities. He claims that substantial evidences are accumulating that
exposure to methyl-mercury is now widespread. It is for this reason that this bill was
filed to address the problem by providing the public with adequate notice and education

on the effects of exposure to mercury.
Engr. Ana Trinidad-Rivera of DOH stated that the DOH fully agrees with the basic intent
of the proposed bill. She informed the Committee that based on the existing mandates,
the regulations and monitoring of fresh fish fall within the purview of the Department of

Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources while canned and processed
fish is regulated by the Food and Drugs Administration, an attached agency of the DOH

She cited that Mercury (Hg) poisoning, both acute and chronic, involves the central
nervous system (CNS) and kidneys which could be fatal. Intake of the contaminated
marine and aquatic living organisms secondary to pollution of biota could be a source

of exposure to Monomethylmercury (MeHg).
In view of the above information, the DOH recommends the following:

a) that a comprehensive environment assessment, risk management, and health
surveillance program should be undertaken in the identified areas with possible
Hg emissions;

b.) that programs, policies and strategies should be institutionalized to strengthen
capacity of concerned government agencies;

13


c) that funding and logistical resource should be provided to the concerned agency
to upgrade and strengthen the services.

Joe! Maleon of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stated
that DENR is fully aware of the dangers posed by mercury to human health and the
environment. He said this proposed legislation would help strengthen their program on
the information and dissemination of the harmful effects of mercury. Hence, the DENR

fully supports the passage of the bill

Rep. Pichay inquired on the possibility of including cyanide substance in the bill
Rodriguez posed no objection to the suggestion. Rep. Pichay further inquired whether
mercury is banned as a product. Mr. Maleon replied that mercury is not banned as a
product but it is regulated under Republic Act No. 6969 specifically under DENR
Administrative Order No. 38 on Chemical Control for Mercury and Mercury compounds.

Rep.

Rep. Padilla manifested his support for the approval of HB Nos. 2984 and 3285.

Thereafter, Rep Pichay moved for the consolidation and approval of HB Nos. 2984 and
3285 subject to amendment and style. Upon motion duly seconded by Rep. Acop, and
there being no objections, the motion was carried.

Other measures calendared for deliberation such as HB No. 606 - An Act Establishing a
Special Hospital for Overseas Filipino Workers (Ofws) and their Dependents,
Appropriating Funds Therefor and for other Purposes authored by Rep. Juan Edgardo
Angara and HB No.1555 - An Act to Establish Wards in Government Hospitals for the
Health Care Needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) authored by Rep. Roman
Romulo were not discussed due to the absence of the authors.

VI. CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

Approval of the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 505, 907 and 974, entitled “An Act
Requiring All Government-Issued Identification Cards, Certificates And Licenses
To Include A Portion Indicating The Blood Type Of The Holder Thereof And
Providing Penalties For Violations Thereof,” authored by Reps. Angara, J.E.,
Yap,S., and Syjuco,

Upon motion of Rep. Pichay, duly seconded by Rep. Acop and there being no
objections, the Committee Report on the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 505, 907

and 974 was approved.

2. Approval of the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 83, 107, 1029, and 3472, entitled
““An Act Providing For Mandatory Hepatitis B Vaccination Of All Infants Within A

1

14


Reasonable Period Of Time After Birth, And Other Vaccine-Preventable
Diseases,” authored by Reps. Abaya, J., Syjuco, A, Yap, S. and Cajayon, M.

Upon mation of Rep. Pichay, duly seconded by Rep. Eriguel and there being no
objections noted, the Committee Report on the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 83,

107, 1029, and 3472 was approved.
3. Approval of the draft substitute bill to HB No 950, entitled “An Act Mandating

Ocular Prophylaxis on Newborns,” authored by Rep. Pichay, P
Upon motion of Rep. Eriguel, duly seconded by Rep. Acop and there being no

objections, the Committee Report on the draft substitute bill to HB No. 950 was
approved

4. Approval of the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 610 and 2846, entitled “An Act
Regulating The Use Of Government Ambulances, Providing Penalties Therefor
And For Other Purposes,” authored by Reps. Angara, J.E. and Ejercito, J.
Upon motion of Rep. Pichay, duly seconded by Rep. Acop and there being no
objection, the Committee Report on the draft substitute bill to HB Nos. 610 and
2846 was approved.

Vil. ADJOURNMENT

Upon motion duly seconded and there being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at
12:39 P.M.

hereby certify to the correctness of the foregoing minutes.

MA. LOURDES M/SANCHEZ
Acting Committee Secretary

Approved by:

REP. ALFREDO D. MARANON III
Chairperson
Committee on Health

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