Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

85

House Bill No.

Introduced by REP. MARJORIE ANN A. TEODORO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

One of the key goals of the Universal Health Care Actis to ensure that all Filipinos
are health literate and have access to promotive and preventive health services without
causing financial hardship. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, people have become
naturally compelled to take good care of their health. Apart from eating healthier food,
adopting an active lifestyle, and wearing of face masks, maintaining our health today also
requires that we continuously monitor ourselves for any early signs and symptoms of
diseases, particularly the non-communicable ones.

Data from 2021 showed that ischemic heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and
COVID-19 are the leading causes of mortality in the country. Other common causes of
death are neoplasms (cancer) and diabetes mellitus. Note that COVID-19 is the only
communicable disease in the list, while the rest are non-communicable and, often, chronic
and lifestyle-related. As lifestyle-related diseases, most of them are considered
manageable and preventable. With proper monitoring and regular check-ups, physicians
and other health professionals can easily diagnose and monitor the development of such
diseases.

It is therefore necessary that annual check-ups be made available to Filipinos.
Hence, this bill proposes that all Filipinos be entitled to a free annual medical check-up,
by virtue of their membership to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
(PhilHealth). This annual check-up shall include blood sugar and cholesterol tests which
are vital in detecting risks for common heart and cerebrovascular diseases. Also, the
coverage of these laboratory and diagnostic tests shall be expanded subject to availability
of PhilHealth funds.



Under this bill, PhilHealth shall ensure that all Filipinos be accorded the health care
services they deserve, thereby allowing Filipinos to enjoy the benefits of the national
health insurance program. It is hoped that the Filipino population continues to put utmost
importance and attention to their health with such support from the government.

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

Representative
First District, Marikina City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,_85

Introduced by REP. MARJORIE ANN A. TEODORO

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Free Annual Medical
Check-Up Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Principle. - It is the policy of the State to support and
promote the right to health by enhancing programs which focus on preventive and
curative medicine that advance the health and well-being of Filipinos and prevent
disease, disability, and death. Pursuant thereto, Filipinos shall be entitled to an annual
medical check-up that is free of charge in any government hospital and institution.

SEC. 3. Coverage. - All Filipino Citizens, by virtue of their membership in the
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) mandated under Republic Act
No. 11223, or the “Universal Health Care Law”, shall be entitled to the applicable
benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance Program.

Members shall be entitled to a free annual medical check-up that shall include
blood sugar and cholesterol tests. Laboratory and diagnostic tests shall be expanded,
subject to the availability of PhilHealth funds.

SEC. 4. Schedule of Free Medical Check-Up. - To promote health, identify risks,
and ensure early diagnosis, PhilHealth shall establish a system that allows access toa
free annual medical check-up and ensure that Filipinos shall be accorded the quality
health care services that they deserve.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be
charged against the PhilHealth funds.


SEC. 4. Schedule of Free Medical Check-Up.~ To promote health, identify risks, and
ensure early diagnosis, PhilHealth shall establish a system that allows access to a free
annual medical check-up and ensure that Filipinos shall be accorded the quality health
care services that they deserve.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be
charged against the PhilHealth funds.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ The Department of Health shall, in
coordination with PhilHealth, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
proper implementation of this Act not later than ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. ~ \f any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force
and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules and
regulations, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

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

Approved,