Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
Approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
REP. PRINCESS RIHAN MANGUDADATU SAKALURAN 
 1st District, Sultan Kudarat 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session
House Bill No.11183 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by REP. PRINCESS RIHAN MANGUDADATU SAKALURAN 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines guarantees the protection and promotion of the rights 
and welfare of all citizens. Article II, Section 15 of the Constitution declares it a State policy to protect 
and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. Furthermore, 
Article XIII, Section 11 emphasizes the need to prioritize health, particularly the needs of the 
underprivileged, sick, elderly, and persons with disabilities. 
Government health workers are indispensable in fulfilling the State’s mandate to provide 
quality healthcare services to the Filipino people. They face immense challenges, including extended 
working hours, exposure to infectious diseases, and other occupational risks. In the course of performing 
their duties, they may encounter situations that give rise to legal cases—be it administrative, civil, or 
criminal. These cases often stem from decisions or actions taken in good faith as part of their official 
functions. Without adequate legal support, many health workers are left vulnerable, spending their 
limited resources on legal defense instead of focusing on their vital role in healthcare delivery.  
Recognizing these realities, this bill seeks to institutionalize the provision of free legal 
assistance to government health workers who face charges arising from their official duties. This 
measure aims to ensure that health workers are given the necessary legal protection and representation, 
enabling them to perform their roles without fear of undue litigation or financial burdens from legal 
proceedings.  
Through this proposed measure, the State not only ensures justice and equity for government 
health workers but also strengthens the overall healthcare system by allowing health professionals to 
focus on their critical responsibilities without undue distractions.  
December 9, 2024
5:17 pm


PROVIDING FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO GOVERNMENT HEALTH 
WORKERS AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS FACING CHARGES 
ARISING FROM THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SEC. 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Free Legal Assistance for 
Government Health Workers and Allied Health Professionals Act.”  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes the indispensable role of health 
workers and allied health professionals in safeguarding the health and welfare of the people. It 
is therefore the policy of the State to protect and uphold the rights of government health workers 
and allied health professionals by providing them with adequate legal support when they face 
charges related to the performance of their official duties. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
(a) Government Health Workers – Refers to medical, nursing, allied health, and
administrative personnel employed in public healthcare institutions, including hospitals,
clinics, and barangay health centers.
(b) Allied Health Professionals – Refers to healthcare practitioners other than physicians and
nurses who work in public healthcare settings to help diagnose, treat, and prevent illness
and disease, and to promote health and wellness. These include, but is not limited to
pharmacists, medical technologists, radiologic technologists, physical therapists,
occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, and respiratory therapists.
(c) Service-related Cases – Refers to civil, criminal, or administrative cases filed against
government health workers involving incidents directly arising from their official
functions.
(d) Service-related Incident – Refers to any act or omission by a government health worker
in good faith as a consequence of their official functions or duties.
SEC. 4. Free Legal Assistance. – All government health workers facing charges in 
connection with service-related incidents before any court, prosecutor’s office, or 
administrative body shall be entitled to free legal assistance under this Act. 
SEC. 5. Coverage of Legal Assistance. – Legal assistance provided under this Act 
shall include: 
(a) Representation in all stages of legal proceedings;
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 11183 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by REP. PRINCESS RIHAN MANGUDADATU SAKALURAN 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 


(b) Legal consultations and advice related to the case; 
(c) Drafting and preparation of pleadings, motions, and other legal documents; 
(d) Notarization of documents; and 
(e) Other legal services as necessary. 
 
SEC. 6. Designation of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). –The Public Attorney’s 
Office (PAO), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), shall be the primary 
agency responsible for providing legal assistance to government health workers and allied 
health professionals under this Act. PAO shall prioritize cases involving service-related 
incidents of health workers and ensure timely and effective delivery of legal support. 
 
SEC. 7. Appropriations. – The amounts necessary for the effective implementation 
of this Act shall be included under the appropriations of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) 
under the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the PAO, in coordination with the DOH and the Department of Justice 
(DOJ), shall issue the implementing rules and regulations for this Act.  
 
SEC. 9. Separability Clause. – Should any provision of this Act be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. 
 
SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and 
regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,