GEPRESEDN

Republic of the Philippines ? RECEIVED © \
House of Representatives LATE: MUL 28 t)

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Quezon Gity, Meteo Manila TIME:

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. _ 7155

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF QUARANTINE FACILITIES IN
EVERY REGION IN THE COUNTRY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

With the persistence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
in the country, there exists an urgent need to establish adequate quarantine
facilities to aid the public health sector in the delivery of services and taking
care of patients. The World Health Organization recommends quarantine
strategies or isolating persons who have or are suspected to have been
exposed to a serious contagious or infectious disease. Hence, quarantine or
isolation mechanisms should be institutionalized to be part of standard
medical precautions to be taken to prevent the spread of any infectious
disease.

‘This bill seeks to establish adequate quarantine facilities in every
region to prepare for such outbreaks. These facilities are designed for
patients or persons who have or are suspected to have epidemiologically
important pathogens that can be transmitted by airborne, droplet, or
physical contact that may lead to infectious diseases. These facilities shall
provide utmost care to patients and protect the public from further
experiencing health risks brought about by epidemics.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly

sought.

VARGAS


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metre Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS.
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7155

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF QUARANTINE FACILITIES IN
EVERY REGION IN THE COUNTRY, PROVIDING 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 "Mandatory
Quarantine Facilities Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to improve the delivery of health care services to the people, and to
protect the people from public health threats during public health
emergencies through the efficient and effective response system for emerging
and re-emerging infectious diseases, diseases for elimination and
eradication, epidemics, and health events including chemical, radio-nuclear
and environmental agents of public health concern.

SECTION 3. Establishment of Quarantine Facilities. — There shall be
established quarantine facilities in every region in the country. The
quarantine facilities shall be fully equipped to include the needs of
individuals who are quarantined including, but not limited to, adequate
food, clothing, means of communication, and competent medical care.

Each location for every quarantine facility shall be identified by the
Department of Health (DOH) in close coordination with the Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units (LGUs)
concerned; Provided, That the quarantine facilities shall be easily accessible


to a DOH hospital and shall be strategically located to ensure the safety of
the community.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination
with LGUs, shall be in charge of the construction of quarantine facilities,
formulation of building specifications based on standards, issuances and
other guidelines.

SECTION 4. Operations and Management of the Quarantine Facilities.
- The DOH shall be primarily responsible for the operation, supervision, and
management of the quarantine facilities established under this Act. The
DOH shall issue guidelines on the procedure and proper use of quarantine
facilities within thirty (30) days from the effectivity this Act.

SECTION 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to establish and
operate quarantine facilities shall be included under the Department of
Health in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60)
days from the approval of this Act, the DOH, DPWH, Department of Interior
and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR), in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall issue
the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. — Any portion or provision of this Act
that is declared unconstitutional shall not have the effect of nullifying other
portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions can still
subsist and be given effect in their entirety.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, ordinances, rules, regulations,
other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are

hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 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,