NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENi
S.B. No. Aif)9
Senate
of tin* ig'',:rfrarj|»
■22 JUL-7 P2 41
RtCEiVtD 8Y
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PANDEMIC AND OTHER PUBLIC 
HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PUN, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The COVID-19 pandemic has infected and claimed millions of lives 
wordwide. Even countries that are considered advanced in the field of 
healthcare and medicine were greatly affected. The modern-day pandemic had 
brought to light the importance of a comprehensive public health emergency 
preparedness and response plan.
4-K- K-ii'earnin^ ^r0m c^a**en9es the country faced during this pandemic 
this bill is geared towards a proactive response in addressing public health 
emergencies of any kind. A response that is centered on safeguarding the lives 
of thousands of Filipinos.
As the world continues to face the threats of pandemics, there is a need 
for the government to establish an overarching response to public health 
emergencies to better equip the country and lessen the impact of any kind of 
public health emergency.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
J^Ai'
MARIA LdTuRbES NANCY S. BINAY


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
of t\\c ^rtvptavp
*22 JUL **7 P2*41
SENA
S.B. No.
lid
RECEiVLD BY;
Introduced by Senator Marla Lourdes Nancy S. Blnay
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AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PANDEMIC AND OTHER PUBLIC 
HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title, - This Act shall be known as the "Pandemic and 
Other Public Health Emergency Preparedness Act".
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall endeavor to efficiently and 
immediately address all potential and actual public health emergencies for the 
protection of the health and safety of the people.
While considering national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national 
interest and the right to self-determination, paramount in its relations with other 
states, the State shall, at all times, give utmost importance to the health of its 
citizens whether in the country or overseas, including Filipino migrant workers.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purposes of this Act, the following 
shall mean:
(a) 
Public Health Emergency' refers to an occurrence or imminent 
threat of an illness or health condition, caused by bioterrorism,
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epidemic or pandemic disease or a novel and highly infectious agent
or biological toxin, that poses a substantial risk of a significant 
number of human facilities or Incident or permanent or long-term 
disability.
(b) 
Pandemid’ refers to an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a 
very wide area, crossing international boundaries, affecting a large 
number of people.
(c) 
Quarantinef refers to separation or restriction of movement of 
persons who are exposed or may be infected to protect the public
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from disease. Quarantine may be prachced by individuals in their 
homes.
(d) 
Isolatiorf’ refers to separation or restriction of movement of an ill 
person from healthy persons by way of seclusion in hospitals or 
designated health care facility.
(e) 
Social distancing' also called physical distancing in which space of 
at least two (2) meters is maintained between and among persons 
in a public place. It also refers to a prohibition of mass gatherings 
of fifty (50) persons or more and avoidance of crowded places.
(f) 
xxHealth Care Facility' refers to any institution, building or agency or 
portion thereof that is used, operated or designated to provide 
health services, medical treatment, or nursing, rehabilitative or 
preventive care to any person or persons.
(g) 
xxHealth Care Provide^' refers to any person or entity providing 
health care services including, but not limited to, hospitals, medical 
clinics and offices, special care facilities, medical laboratories, 
physicians, pharmacists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, 
registered and other nurses, paramedics, medical and laboratory 
technicians, and ambulance and emergency medical workers.
(h) 
xxFrontline worker1' refers to any worker who performs any task 
essential to keep vital services In motion during a public health 
emergency despite great risk to himself and his family.
I. THE PANDEMIC AND OTHER HEALTH EMERGENCY COUNCIL
SEC. 4. Pandemic Emergency Council. - The Pandemic and Other Health 
Emergency Council (Council) is hereby established and composed of the 
following: the Secretary of Health, as ex-officio Chairman of the Council, with 
the Secretaries of the Interior and Local Government, Labor and Employment, 
Foreign Affairs, Justice, Tourism, Transportation, Trade and Industry, 
Agriculture, and Budget and Management, Administrator of the Philippine 
Overseas Employment Association (POEA), President of the Philippine Health 
Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) as ex-officio members, and three 
representatives from private and health sectors.
The Council shall convene within thirty (30) days following the approval 
of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act. Upon organization of the 
Council, It shall draw a National Pandemic and Other Health Emergency Plan. 
And conduct a briefing for all local government units and health care workers In 
the government sector.


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The Council shall recommend to the President of the Republic of the
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Philippines the declaration of a public health emergency in accordance with
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medical guidelines and protocols.
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SEC. 5. Creation of the National Pandemic and Other Public Health 
Emergency Plan. - The Council shall create a National Pandemic and Other 
Public Health Emergency Plan. This strategy shall provide for the integrated 
policy coordination and strategic direction with respect to all matters related to 
national public health and medical preparedness and execution and deployment 
of national response, guidelines and protocols before, during, and following a 
pandemic, epidemic, or public health emergency.
SEC. 6. Components of a National Pandemic and Other Public Health 
Emergency Plan. - The National Pandemic and Other Public Health Emergency 
Plan shall include:
(a) 
Provisions for increasing the preparedness, response capabilities, 
and surge capacity of ambulatory care facliilies, dental health 
facilities, and critical care service systems;
(b) 
Plans for optimizing a coordinated and flexible approach to the 
medical surge capacity of hospitals, other health care facilities, 
critical care, and trauma care and emergency medical systems;
(c) 
Provisions taking into account the unique needs of individuals with 
disabilities in a pandemic or public health emergency; and
(d) 
Strategic initiatives to advance counter measures to diagnose, 
mitigate, prevent or treat harm from any biological agent or toxin 
or any chemical, radiological or nuclear agents, whether naturally 
occurring, unintentional or deliberate.
SEC. 7. Health Care Facilities and Services. - The Council, In coordination 
with local government units and concerned government agencies, shall set up 
health care facilities, testing offices and laboratories, quarantine sites and 
isolation centers which shall undertake pandemic prevention and preparedness 
services and activities, and shall respond to any public health emergency.
SEC. 8. Isolation or Quarantine of Individuals or Groups. - The Council 
may, in cooperation with the concerned local chief executive, authorize the 
lockdown, isolation or quarantine of Individuals or groups of individuals during 
a public health emergency, in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
Restriction on the movement of persons in and out of the initially affected 
area by the Council shall likewise be permitted under this Act. If evidence 
indicates amplified transmission or dispersion of the infection Into the wider 
community, the Council shall be authorized to adapt social distancing measures, 
which may include the closing of schools or cancellation of mass gatherings.


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SEC. 9. Privately-owned Health Care Facilities. - The Council may require 
privately owned health care facilities to provide services of its facility in the 
event of a pandemic or public health emergency If government institutions are 
unable to cope with the pandemic or public health emergency.
SEC. 10. Control of Pharmaceutical Agents and Medical Supplies. - The 
Council shall purchase, store or distribute sufficient quantity or anti-viral agents 
for respiratory diseases and other highly communicable diseases, anti-toxins, 
serums, vaccines and other pharmaceutical agents or medical supplies that it 
considers advisable in the interest of preparing for or controlling pandemic or 
any kind of public health emergency.
SEC. 11. Monitoring Program. - A comprehensive pandemic or public 
health emergency monitoring program shall be established by the Council to 
determine and monitor the presence, magnitude, and progression of any 
infection or a new strain thereof in the country, and for the purpose of 
evaluating the adequacy and efficacy of counter measures being employed.
SEC. 12. Reporting Procedures. - All hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and 
testing centers for any infection or a new strain thereof shall adopt measures in 
assuring the reporting and confidentiality of any medical record, personal data, 
and other files. The Council through its monitoring programs shall receive, 
collate, and evaluate all related medical reports. The Council monitoring data 
base shall utilize a coding system that promotes anonymity.
II. PROTECnON OF HEALTHCARE AND FRONTLINE WORKERS
SEC. 13. Vaccination of Healthcare Workers. - Healthcare workers 
involved in the care of patients shall be vaccinated with the most recent vaccine 
for respiratory diseases and other appropriate vaccines as may be determined 
by the Council.
SEC. 14. Wearing of Surgical Masks and Persona! Protective Equipment 
(PPE). - For their protection, healthcare workers and first responders shall be 
provided with N95 respiratory masks and well-fitting surgical masks and PPE. 
Patients are likewise required to wear surgical masks.
SEC. 15. Surveillance and Monitoring of Healthcare and Frontline 
Workers. - Healthcare workers shall be vigilant of the development of fever, 
respiratory systems and/or other symptoms after exposure to infected patients. 
Healthcare workers who become ill should seek medical care and should be 
quarantined for fourteen (14) days in accordance with existing protocols unless 
an alternative diagnosis is established, or diagnostic tests are negative for the 
strain subject of the pandemic or public health emergency.
SEC. 16. Hazard Pay for Healthcare and Frontline Workers. - In addition 
to existing benefits provided for by law, healthcare and frontline workers who


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render actual service during a pandemic or public health emergency shall be 
given hazard pay to be determined by the Council.
SEC. 17. Creation of Task Force on Public Health Emergencies. - A task 
force under the control of the Secretary of Health shall be established in order 
to conduct research necessary for the creation of National Pandemic and Other 
Public Health Emergency Plan. The Task Force shall be composed of 
representatives from:
(1) 
The Department of Health (DOH);
(2) 
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council
(3) 
The Department of Interior and Local Government
(4) 
The National Security Adviser; and
(5) 
The Philippine National Red Cross.
SEC. 18. Functions of the Task Force on Public Heaith Emergencies. -The 
Task Force shall:
(a) 
Monitor emerging issues and concerns as they relate to medical and 
public health preparedness and response for at-risk individuals in 
the event of pandemic or public health emergency;
(b) 
Identify and minimize gaps, duplication and other inefficiencies in 
medical and public health preparedness and response activities and 
the actions necessary to overcome these obstacles;
(c) 
Disseminate and update novel and best practices of outreach to and 
care of at-risk individuals before, during, and following public health 
emergencies in as timely a manner as is practicable, including from 
the time a public health threat is identifi^; and
(d) 
Ensure that public health and medical Information distributed by the 
government during a pandemic or public health emergency is 
delivered in a manner that takes Into account the range of the 
communication needs of the intended recipients, including at-risk 
individuals.
SEC. 19. Creation of Medical Reserve Corps. - The Secretary of Health 
shall establish a medical reserve corps composed of volunteer health 
professionafs. The Medical Reserve Corps shall be called into duty if needed 
during a pandemic or public health emergency.


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III. PREVENTION 
TERRITORY
AND SUPPRESSION MEASURES WITHIN THE
SEC. 20. Duty of Heads of Families, Persons-in-Charge of Places. - Where 
a person living in a building used for human habitation is suffering from 
infection, the head of the family or the relatives shall immediately send notice 
of the same to the nearest city or municipal health office.
If it is a child attending a school, orphanage or other such situation or a 
person residing in any hotel, boarding house or other such institution, the 
person in charge of such a place shall send notice of the infectious disease to 
the nearest city or municipal health officer and give the officer a list of students 
or residents together with their addresses.
SEC. 21. Duty of Medical Practitioners and other Healthcare Providers. - 
Every medical practitioner who attends to a patient suffering from a respiratory 
illness shall send to the nearest city or municipal health office a report stating 
the name of the patient and the situation of the building.
Any medical practitioner who becomes aware, by post-mortems or other 
means, that any person had died of an infectious disease shall immediately give 
to the nearest city or municipal health office a certificate of such disease and 
inform the head of the household, person In charge of school, orphanage, hotel 
and so on, on the infectious nature of the disease and the precautions to be 
taken to prevent its conveyance in others.
SEC. 22. Power of the City or Municipal Health Officers. - A city or 
municipal health officer may at any time enter and inspect premises in which 
he has reason to believe that someone is suffering from or had recently suffered 
from any infectious disease. The city or municipal health officer may medically 
examine any person in such premises for the purpose of ascertaining whether 
such person is suffering or has recently suffered from any infectious disease. 
He may also order the confinement of infected individuals to prevent 
transmission or spread of suspected infectious disease.
SEC. 23. Duty of the City or Municipal Health Officers. - If a city or 
municipal health officer Is of the opinion that the cleansing and disinfecting of 
any building or any part of the building, and any articles in the building which 
are likely to retain Infection or would tend to prevent or check Infectious 
diseases, it shall be his/her duty to give notice in writing to the owner or 
occupant of the building specifying the steps to be taken to cleanse and disinfect 
the building and articles within a specified time.
IV. PROTECTION OF OVERSEAS RLIPINO WORKERS
SEC. 24. Medical Examination and Treatment of Overseas Filipino 
Workers (OFWs). - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in 
coordination with the PhilHealth, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and


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the Council, shall undertake the medical examination and treatment of returning 
OFWs in cases of a pandemic or similar event locally or abroad. All costs 
attendant to the medical examination and treatment of returning OFWs shall be 
borne by the Phil Health.
SEC. 25. Creation of Emergency Fund, - There is hereby created and 
established an emergency fund for the medical examination and treatment of 
OFWs under the administration, control and supervision of the PhilHealth initially 
to consist of Fifty Million Pesos (Php50,000,000.00) which shall be taken from 
the existing fund in trust by the PhilHealth for the benefit of OFWs.
SEC. 26. Authority of OWWA. — The functions and responsibilities of 
OWWA shall include the following:
(a) 
The formulation and Implementation of measures and programs, In 
consultation with appropriate agencies, to safeguard the health of 
OFWs and their families abroad; and
(b) 
The forging of memorandum of agreements with the POEA, the 
DOH, the DFA, the PhilHealth and other appropriate international 
organizations in connection with the purpose of this Act.
SEC. 27. Penalties. -
(a) 
Penaity for individuals who Refuse or Violate Isolation, Quarantine, 
Testing, Vaccination under Section 8. - Any person who refuses 
treatment, testing, examination for diagnosis or treatment or 
isolation and quarantine in accordance with existing laws, rules and 
regulations and to the detriment of general public shall suffer the 
penalty of imprisonment of not more than six (6) months or a fine 
of not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Phpl00,000.00) 
or both upon the discretion of the court,
(b) 
Penalty for Refusal to Provide Health Services under Section 9 of 
this Act. - The owner, manager or administrator of a private health 
care facility who refuses to give services or allow the use of its
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facility during a pandemic or public health emergency shall suffer
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the penalty of imprisonment of not more than one (1) year of a
fine of fiot more than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(Php200,000.00) or both upon the discretion of the Court.
(c) 
Penalty for Breach of Duty under Sections 20, 21, and 23 of this 
Act. - All persons, under a duty to inform the nearest city or 
municipal health office of the infectious disease, who fail to neglect 
to Inform the same shall be sentenced to an imprisonment of not 
more than six (6) months or a fine of not more than One Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (Phpl00,000) or both upon the discretion of 
the court.


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SEC. 28. Authorization of Appropriations. — To carry out the provisions 
of this Act, an initial fund of One billion pesos (Phpl/000,000,000.00) shall be 
appropriated and such sums as may be necessary for the succeeding fiscal year.
SEC. 29. Implementing Ruies and Reguiations. — Within thirty (30) days 
from promulgation of this Act, the DOH, in collaboration with OWWA, the POEA, 
PhilHealth, Department of Justice, and the DFA and representatives from the 
private health sector shall issue the necessary rules and regulations.
SEC. 30. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be declared 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of 
this Act.
SEC. 31. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, or 
portions thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 32. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 
circulation.
Approved,