Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

* RECEIVED

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2503

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: REP. RAMIL L. HERNANDEZ

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CANCER MEDICINE AND TREATMENT ASSISTANCE FUND
FOR INDIGENT AND UNDERPRIVILEGED FILIPINOS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Cancer, known as one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines, imposes
immense emotional, physical, and financial burdens on individuals and their families.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing this catastrophic disease, the State has adopted a
comprehensive approach to health development, leading to the enactment of the
National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA).

The NICCA, signed into law on 14 February 2019, is a pivotal measure aimed at
ensuring the provision of high-quality health services and financial risk protection for
cancer patients. Its Implementing Rules and Regulations, issued by the Department of
Health on 23 August 2019, further delineate the framework for its effective
implementation.

One of the significant provisions of the NICCA is Section 20, which establishes the
Cancer Assistance Fund. Although the specific amount is not specified, the provision
designates the Department of Health (DOH) as the responsible entity for managing the
Fund. Another notable provision, Section 32, outlines that the budget allocation for the
National Integrated Cancer Control Program in the DOH budget will be based on a
strategic plan formulated by the Council in coordination with other stakeholders.

While the 2023 DOH Budget Briefer reveals an allocation of PhP 2.10 billion for the
Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, including cancer, it is
imperative to acknowledge the disproportion between the budget allocation and the
gravity of the issue. The Department of Health, with a combined budget of 322.17 billion
pesos, has allocated significantly less to cancer control and rehabilitation programs.

In light of this inadequacy, this bill aims to address the urgent need for increased

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funding by proposing an allocation of ten billion pesos exclusively for the Cancer
Assistance Fund. This significant investment will provide critical support for cancer
patients, ensuring accessible and quality cancer medicine, treatment, and care
throughout the country.

By passing this legislation and augmenting the Cancer Assistance Fund, we demonstrate
our unwavering commitment to combatting cancer and alleviating the burdens faced by
countless Filipjho individuals and families affected by this devastating disease.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2503

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: REP. RAMIL L. HERNANDEZ

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CANCER MEDICINE AND TREATMENT ASSISTANCE FUND
FOR INDIGENT AND UNDERPRIVILEGED FILIPINOS

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 "Cancer Medi
Fund for Filipinos.”

ine and Treatment

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is a policy of the State to protect and promote the
right to health of the people. Towards this end, it is further declared a policy of the State
to adopt and implement a system of effecting the delivery of free medicine and free
treatment to indigent and underprivileged cancer patients.

Section 3. Establishment of a Php 10 Billion Cancer Fund and Free Medicine
Assistance Program. There is hereby created a Ten Billion Cancer Fund that can be
availed by indigent and underprivileged cancer patients. For the purpose, a Cancer
Treatment Program, hereinafter referred to as the "Program," is established and to be
administered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) through its
accredited government hospitals in each particular congressional district, to be known
as the health district.

The program shall be limited to indigent and underprivileged cancer patient
beneficiaries to be identified by the Philhealth in close coordination with the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health
(DOH) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The Philhealth, jointly with the DSWD, DOH and DILG and the relevant private groups
including the association of hospitals and medical institutions and groups of patients,
shall prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the
provision of this Act within six (6) months from the effectivity hereof.

Section 4. Appropriations. - There is hereby appropriated the sum of Ten Billion Pesos


(P10,000,000,000.00) for the implementation of the Program. The National Government
shall subsequently include in the budget of the Department of Health in the General
Appropriations Act such amount as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of this
Act.

Section 5. Separability Clause. - In the event that any provision of this Act or any part
thereof is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the provisions not hereby affected shall
remain in full force and effect.

Section 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, presidential decrees, executive orders,
proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Section 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,