NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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*22 SEP-6 P3 '22
SENATE
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Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10022, FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 8042, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT TO INSTITUTE THE POLICIES OF 
OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT AND ESTABLISH A HIGHER STANDARD OF 
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THE WELFARE OF MIGRANT WORKERS, 
THEIR FAMILIES AND OVERSEAS FILIPINOS IN DISTRESS, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES, TO MANDATE PHILHEALTH COVERAGE FOR DIAGNOSTIC, 
LABORATORY AND OTHER MEDICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 
THEIR EMPLOYMENT OVERSEAS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The significant contribution of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to the national 
economy is recognized by the State as declared In Republic Act No. 8042 or the 
Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995. Their vast numbers, pegged at 
1.77 million as estimated by the Philippine Statistics Authority in March 2022, Is 
another reason why this sector deserves our attention.
OFWs are required to pass medical examinations before they are deployed to 
work overseas. These pre-employment medical exams usually Include physical and 
laboratory tests. UNISTAFF, a licensed international permanent staffing firm dedicated 
to addressing the acute shortage of qualified professionals in the Gulf Region, Africa, 
South Asia, South-East Asia, United States, and Europe, estimates the cost of these 
examinations to range from Php 2,000 to Php 10,000. This amount Is a burden for 
OFWs, especially the new ones who do not have enough savings or income to pay for 
these requirements.


This proposed measure seeks to address this burden so that these medical 
examinations will be covered by the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). This 
will significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expense of the OFWs.
This simple act of gratitude and recognition of their contributions is just a small 
step in easing the burdens of our modern-day heroes; in this light, approval of this bill 
Is earnestly sought.
RAMON/BONG REVILLA, JR.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
72 SEP-6 P3:22
SENATE
RECEIVED e1
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10022, FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 8042, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT TO INSTITUTE THE POLICIES OF 
OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT AND ESTABLISH A HIGHER STANDARD OF 
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THE WELFARE OF MIGRANT WORKERS, 
THEIR FAMILIES AND OVERSEAS FILIPINOS IN DISTRESS, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES, TO MANDATE PHILHEALTH COVERAGE FOR DIAGNOSTIC, 
LABORATORY AND OTHER MEDICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 
THEIR EMPLOYMENT OVERSEAS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. In Section 23, paragraph c of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended,
2 
add a new paragraph after subparagraph c.l to read as follows:
3 
"(c.2) ALL DIAGNOSTIC, LABORATORY AND OTHER MEDICAL
4 
EXAMINATION SERVICES REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYMENT ABROAD
5 
TO BE UNDERGONE BY OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFWS)
6 
SHALL BE COVERED UNDER THE HEALTH BENEFIT PACKAGE OF
7 
THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM, AS MANDATED
8 
BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11223; PROVIDED, THAT THE OVERSEAS
9 
FILIPINO WORKER WILL UNDERGO SUCH MEDICAL
10 
EXAMINATIONS IN PHILHEALTH-ACCREDITED HOSPITALS,
11 
CENTERS, FACILITIES AND/OR SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS;
12 
PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT THE OFW SEEKING TO AVAIL OF
13 
THIS BENEFIT SHALL PRESENT A PROOF OF EXISTING OFFER OR
14 
CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT DIRECT FROM THE EMPLOYER OR
15 
RECRUITMENT AGENCY;
1


1 
Sec. 2. Renumber succeeding subparagraphs accordingly.
2 
Sec. 3. Separability Clause. - If any portion of this Act is declared
3 
unconstitutional or invalid, the portions or provisions which are not affected shall
4 
continue to be in full force and effect.
5 
Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders and rules and
6 
regulations or parts thereof which are Inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed
7 
or modified accordingly.
8 
Sec. 5. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its
9 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general 
10 circulation.
Approved,