Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTRATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
irst Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 4902

Introduced by: HON. SALVIO B. FORTUNO:

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Our children have been guaranteed Constitutional and statutory rights if only to ensure that they
have the State to turn to when the time comes that they are in dire need of the mantle of protection by the
State. Specifically, the Constitution provides that the State shall defend the right of children to assistance
which include proper care and nutrition in order to ensure that they will be in a right frame of mind and
good health. This Constitutional mandate has been bolstered by a statute which provides that every child
has the right to a balanced diet, proper medical attention and all basic physical requirements of a healthy
and vigorous life.

It is thus crystal clear that the State has given special care and attention to children that they are
even exempted from criminal liabilities no matter how grave the crime will be, they will not languish in
jails with hardened criminals. They will only be committed to the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) to suffer for the commission of a crime.

The situation however calls for an urgent action when the children that the State has provided
ample rights and protection have become victims of economic ills of society that they are refused medical
or dental treatment in hospitals or medical centers in times of need.

This bill therefore is intended to provide free medical and dental services to indigent children in
order to put to reality the Constitutional and statutory provisions granting ample rights and privileges to
children.

In view of the foregoing reasons, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

REP. SALVIO B. FORTUNO.
Fifth Distfict, Camarines Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTRATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._4902

Introduced by: HON. SALVIO B. FORTUNO

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES TO INDIGENT
CHILDREN, CREATING AN INDIGENT CHILDREN SECTION AND PENALIZING
ANY VIOLATION THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the House of Representatives
of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Free Medical and Dental
Services for Indigent Children Act of 2011”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State has the primary responsibility to promote the
right to health of all the citizens, particularly the less fortunate children. Toward this end, it is
hereby declared a policy of the State to ensure the protection of their guaranteed rights by
providing free medical and dental services to all indigent children.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the term “Indigent Children” shall
refer to those who are fifteen (15) years of age and below, whose parents or guardians have no
visible means of income to provide for their medical and dental needs.

SEC. 4. Creation of Indigent Children Section; Mandatory Free Medical and Dental
Services. — There is hereby created in every hospital, medical center and other medical institution
an Indigent Children Section to provide the mandatory free medical and dental treatment to
indigent children.


SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), shall promulgate
the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in any
newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,