REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
House of Representatives
Quezon City

16% Congress
3-4 Regular Session

6249

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas Ill

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Breast cancer, on one hand, is the most common type of cancer in the country and is the
primary cause of death among Filipino woment. With one out of every 13 Filipinas expected to
develop breast cancer in her lifetime, the Philippines ranks first in breast cancer incidences in
Asia? On the other hand, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among Filipino
women; approximately 12 Filipinas are diagnosed with it die daily?

Considecing these statistics, itis disturbing and ironic that women have better chances
of prevention ancl remission from these two particular cancers. Thus, this bill emphasizes the
importance of early screening and detection in preventing the physical, emotional and
economic consequences of being afflicted by these types of cancer.

The proposed Breast and Cervical Cancer Protection Act directs the inclusion of
periodic ciagnostic services for breast and cervical cancer in the benefit package of the
National Health Insurance Corporation. Through this initiative, not only do we give women
with cancer a better chance of remission and survival but we are also sparing their families
from the physical and emotional stress and financial burden that cancer brings to the family.

In line of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is yrged.

LFREDO D. VARGAS II

1 Philip C.Tulveza. Sreast cancer is the mast prevalent in PH. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Available at:
Ittpi//new iiofodnquicernet/291078 /oreast-cancer-is-the-mast-prevalent-in-ph [21 October 2015]

2 Inquirer.net. PH highest breast cancer incidence rate in Asia, health experts say. Available at:

hhttp://ifes:yle incur net/128663/ph-highest-breast-cancer-incidence-rate-in-asia-health-experts-say [21
October 2015)

2'The Manila Times. DOi4 opens 65 hospitals for cervical cancer screening. Available at:
http://w v, cian ab ines.net/doh-opens-65-hospitals-for-cervical-cancer-screening/182024/ [21 October 2015]



REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
House of Representatives
Quezon City

16% Congress
34 Regular Session

6249

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas III

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION TO PROVIDE
COVERAGE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES FOR BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER,
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Philippines in

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Breast and Cervical Cancer
Protection Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared as the policy of the State to adopt
an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development whica shall endeavour
to make essential goods, health and other social services available to everyone at an
affordable cost. Priority for the needs of the underprivileged sick, elderly, cisabled, women
and children, shall be recognized.

SEC. 3. Breast and Cervical Cancer Diagnostic Coverage. - The National Health
Insurance Corporation (hereinafter referred to as PhilHealth) is hereby directed to include
mandatory periodic diagnostic services for breast cancer and cervical cancer in its benefits
package. The expenses for the mandatory diagnostic services shall be covered by
PhiliHealth.

The diagnostic services shall include but are not limited to Clinical Breast Cancer
(CBE) and Mammogram Examination for breast cancer, and Pap Smear Testing for cervical
cancer whichever is applicable as determined by the physician.

SEC. 4. Periodic Exam. - The mandatory diagnostic examination shall be done once a
year, or as often as may be necessary as determined by the Department of Health (DOH).

SEC. 5. Funding. - The amount necessary for the effective implementation of this Act
shall be based on the evaluated and adjusted cost-sharing schedule and cost containment


features of the PhilHealth, as determined by the same on the basis of applicable actuarial
studies.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules. - The Department of Health and PhilHealth shall
promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the effective enforcement of the
provisions of this Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision or part thereof is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or provision not otherwise affected shall remain
valid and subsisting.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or inconsistent
with, the provisions of this Act, is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SBC. 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,