TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE BILL No. 2933

Introduced by Rep. CARMELO G. LAZATIN, JR.

AN ACT
EXPANDING THE PRIMARY CARE PACKAGE UNDER PHILHEALTH TO
INCLUDE BENEFIT PACKAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Many individuals suffer from mental challenges but opt to keep to themselves for fear of
being stigmatized or discriminated. In the Philippines, mental disorders affect an estimated 11.3%
to 11.6% of the population or about 12.5 million Filipinos suffering from various mental health
conditions, predominantly depression and anxiety.

While most of the health programs of the government are geared toward improving
physical health and treatment of various diseases, there is a dearth of mental health services
including hospitals and facilities in the country for individuals facing mental health challenges.

In the Philippines, “there are only two tertiary care psychiatric hospitals: the National
Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila (4200 beds) and the Mariveles
Mental Hospital in Bataan, Luzon (500 beds). There are 12 smaller satellite hospitals affiliated
with the National Center for Mental Health which are located throughout the country.” ?

Philhealth already offers annual benefit packages for out-patient pegged at P9,000.00 for
General Health Services and P16, 000.00 for Specialty Health Services, however, treatment for
mental health disorders in the Philippines are indeed very expensive. If we are to base on the
number of affected population, these benefit packages would not go a long way.

' Navigating the Stream: Empowering Filipinos in their Mental Health Journey. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2024
Oct. 31 [cited 2025 Jul. 31]:58(19). Available from:

hutpsy/actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/indes.php/acta/article/view!! 1983

2 PubMed Central. 2019. Mental health services in the Phil . gov/National Library of Medicine

https://pme.ncbi.nlm.nih.goviarticles/PMC6646843)


Hence, there is a need to expand Philhealth Benefit Packages to include emergency
services, psychiatric and neurological services in order for the government to make a significant
impact in addressing mental health concerns

In view of the above, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

C: LOGL FIBA.


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Republic of the Philippines

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE BILL NO. 2933

Introduced by Rep. CARMELO G. LAZATIN, JR.

AN ACT
EXPANDING THE PRIMARY CARE PACKAGE UNDER PHILHEALTH TO
INCLUDE BENEFIT PACKAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Title - This Act shall be known and cited as “Mental Health Benefit
Package Act"

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy — It is the policy of the State to protect and promote
ht to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them,

the ri

The State shall pursue programs and measures that would improve the quality of life ofall

Filipinos. highlighting the importance of a balanced mental health.

vocate to facilitate the treatment of mental health conditions and/ or disorders
ness on mental health issues to prevent stigmatization and discrimination of
mental challenges.

It shall
and promote av
individuals facir

The State commits to provide timely, free, quality and appropriate treatment that is
available to the public. It shall foster an environment where mentally afflicted as well as mentally
recovered could still exercise and enjoy their human rights without fear of prej

To this end, the State shall promote a health care package. among others. to include
psychiatric, and neurological service and mental health gap action program.

emergency serv


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SECTION 3. Definition of Terms- For purposes of this Act, the following terms are
hereby defined:

a) Mental Health refers to a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope
with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, lear well and work well.

b) Mental Health Disorders refer to a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s
thinking, feeling, mood or behavior.

c) Emergency Services shall refer to immediate, time-sensitive interventions provided
to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis like severe suicidal thoughts,
psychosis or extreme agitation.

d) Psychiatric Service shall refer to the specialized care and treatment provided by
psychiatrists, who are medical doctors with expertise in diagnosing and treating
mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

SECTION 4. Mental Health Benefit Package- The Philhealth shall consult with the
Department of Health and other stakeholders and develop a Mental Health Benefit Package for all
Filipinos, one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act. This benefit package shall cover all mental
health disorders and shall include emergency services, psychiatric and neurological service, and
mental health gap action program.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations- The Secretary of the Department of
Health shall enact the implementing Rules and Regulations for this Act.

SECTION 6.Appropriations- The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be
charged against the total revenue of PhilHealth, from the premium contributions from direct
contributors and premium subsidies of the government for the indirect contributors

SECTION 7. Separability Cause. - If any provision or part of this Act Is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION & Repealing Cause. — All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules and
regulations, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly

SECTION 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,