Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon Gy, Aletea Manin

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

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House Bill No. 6322

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROVIDING A HEALTH CARE PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL
TEACHERS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Our rock-bottom performance in the Programme for International
Student Assessment (PISA) showed how low our high school students fared
in reading comprehension, math, and science compared to students from
other countries. This points to the urgent necessity to ensure that our
educators are in the best possible physical and mental condition to attend to
the educational needs of our students. While salary adjustment initiatives are
underway, ensuring that they get the best health care possible might also
prove to be a wise investment.

The passage of the Universal Health Care Act and its subsequent
expansion of coverage and funding is indeed commendable. However, pending
its full implementation, this bill seeks to immediately address the healthcare
woes of public school teachers by providing them with Healthcare
Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverage.

We have to invest in the health of those silent heroes who mold the
minds of our children and our future: our teachers.

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

‘(ALFRED VARGAS


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatines
Quezon City, Meteo Manila
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 6322

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROVIDING A HEALTH CARE PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL
TEACHERS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 “Health Care
Program for Public School Teachers Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policies. — The State shall ensure our citizens’
access to quality and affordable health care. In particular, it shall provide
public school teachers with access to comprehensive, quality, cost-effective,
preventive, and rehabilitative health services.

SECTION 3. Coverage. — This Act shall cover all public school teachers under
the Department of Education.

SECTION 4. Healthcare Maintenance. The Department of Education shall,
through competitive bidding which may be done nationally or regionally,
procure a contract with a Healthcare Maintenance Organization which is duly
recognized and accepted by hospitals all over the country.

SECTION 5. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the immediate
implementation of the provisions of this Act shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act for the year following the approval of this Act.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of the
Department of Education shall formulate the Implementing Rules and


Regulations (IRR) for the effective implementation of this Act within thirty (30)
days from the effectivity of this Act.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act
shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All provisions of laws, orders, decrees,
including rules and regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed
and/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,