CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
House Bill No._19365

i Introduced by REP. MARK A. VILLAR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the adoption of an
integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall
endeavoi to make essential goods, health and other social services available to
all people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the
underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. The Stale shall
endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers.

Pursuant to the said Constitutional mandate, Republic Act 7875 of the
National Health Insurance Act of 1995 was enacted. Among others, the law
specifically provides that accessibility to these health care services are accorded
to all Filipinos where the underprivileged are given utmost priority.

However, despite the State Policy to prioritize the underprivileged,
househelpers and housemaids remain to be excluded from the law's coverage. It
could not be gainsaid that housemaids and househelpers deserve more than
what they get. As such, this bill aims to remain true to the said Constitutional
mandate and state policy. The proposal for this bill does not only stem from the
compassion that they deserve but also from the basic principle of social justice
which this chamber should continuously uphold.

= In view of the foregoing, the immediate enactment of this proposed

measure is earnestly sought.
- aoe FF A

MARK A. VILLAR
Representative
Lone District of Las Pifias City


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES)
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No._ 1965

Introduced by REP. MARK A. VILLAR

AN ACT REQUIRING THE MANDATORY COVERAGE OF ALL
HOUSEHELPERS IN THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE
- PROGRAM (NHIP) 'NDER THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH
INSURANCE CORPORATION (PHILHEALTH)

Be it enaéted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled

SECTION 1. Objective. - This Act seeks to provide for the mandatory
coverage of househelpers in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP)
under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)

_SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Section 11, Article Xill of the 1987
Constitutien declares that the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive
approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods,
health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost.
Priority for the needs of the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women, and
children shall be recognized. Likewise, it shall be the policy of the State to
provide free medical care to paupers.

SEC. 3. Coverage. - All househelpers shall be'covered by the Program
regardless of the wages they receive from their employers: Provided, That all
househelpers currently eligible for benefits under the Social Security System
(SSS) shall automatically be made members of the NHIP.

SEC. 4, Enrollment. -All househelpers shall enroll in the Program in order
for'them to be placed under coverage that entitles them to avail of the benefits
and the financial assistance provided therein: Provided, That the beneficiaries
under this Act shall be issued appropriate documentation specifying eligibility to
benefits and indicating how benefit was obtained or is being maintained.

SEC. 5. Contributions. - The employers of the househelpers shall pay the
monthly contributions as provided for by law: Provided, That the monthly


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contributions shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the househelpers’ monthly
salary and shall not be deducted from the latter.

SEC. 6. Penalties for Violation. - Failure of the employer to remit to
PhilHealth his/her corresponding contribution shall not be a reason for depriving
the beneficiary of the benefits under the law. Such failure will, however, subject
the erring or negligent employer to the penalties provided by law, without
prejudice fo the right of PhilHealth to collect full reimbursement for honoring a
properly filed claim.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. -Any law, executive order, letter of instruction
or any part thereof which is inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act is
hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,