Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECEIVE sa)
Quezon City ATE BUN 207
20 CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 382 _

Introduced by. REP. JUAN CARLOS “ARJO” C. ATAYDE

AN ACT INCREASING THE BED CAPACITY OF EAST AVENUE MEDICAL
CENTER IN QUEZON CITY FROM ONE THOUSAND (1,000) TO ONE
THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED (1,500) BEDS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

The East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), located in Quezon City, is a vital
government-run tertiary hospital that serves as one of the key health institutions in
the National Capital Region.! It provides essential medical services, particularly to
indigent and underserved populations, and plays a critical role in responding to both
day-to-day healthcare demands and public health emergencies.

In 1997, Republic Act No. 8345 increased the hospital's authorized bed capacity
from 350 to 600 beds.? In response to growing healthcare needs, a further legislative
measure was enacted in 2021, through Republic Act No. 11561, which officially
increased EAMC’s authorized capacity to 1,000 beds.’ This expansion reflected the
hospital’s evolving role in the public health system, especially in the wake of the
COVID-19 pandemic.

However, while RA 11561 adjusted the legal limit to match operational
realities, it has now become necessary to once again revisit and expand the hospital’s
official bed capacity. Population growth, urbanization, and the increasing strain on
public health services— particularly in the NCR—underscore the need for further
investment in tertiary care infrastructure. Reports and hospital records indicate that
actual occupancy rates at EAMC regularly push the limits of its existing capacity,
placing a strain on facilities and medical personnel.4

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* Department of Health, Health Facility Development Bureau, HFDB Profile of EAMC &

= Republic Act No, 8345 (1997). “An Act Increasing the Bed Capacity of East Avenue Medical Center from 350
10 600 Beds and Appropriating Funds Therefor.”

Republic Act No. 11561 (2021), “An Act Increasing the Bed Capacity of the East Avenue Medical Center from
600 to 1,000 Beds and Appropriating Funds Therefor.”

“GMA News. (2024, November 9). EAMC emergency room and ICU overwhelmed amid patient surge. Retrieved
from hitps://www.gmanetwork.com/news


It has now been nearly four years since the last legislative action to support
EAMG, and the hospital’s continued expansion and growing demand for services
make it imperative to further upgrade its capacity from 1,000 to 1,500 beds. Such an
increase will allow for improved patient care, enhanced emergency response
capability, and strengthened delivery of public health services. In line with this, the
proposed measure also seeks to authorize the corresponding increase in medical
personnel, resources, and funding support necessary to sustain this growth.

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

REP. JUAN CARLQS “ARJO” ATAYDE


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

20" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 382,

Introduced by. REP. JUAN CARLOS “ARJO” C. ATAYDE

AN ACT INCREASING THE BED CAPACITY OF EAST AVENUE MEDICAL
CENTER IN QUEZON CITY FROM ONE THOUSAND (1,000) TO ONE
THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED (1,500) BEDS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS.
THEREFOR

Beit enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Increase in Bed Capacity. — The authorized bed capacity of the East
Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City is hereby increased from one thousand
(1,000) to one thousand five hundred (1,500) beds

SECTION 2. Implementation, - The Department of Health (DOH) shall, in
coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the East Avenue
Medical Center, and other concemed agencies, take the necessary steps to implement the
increase in bed capacity, including the upgrading of its facilities, hiring of additional personnel,
and procurement of necessary equipment and supplies,

SECTION 3. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement the provisions
of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the East Avenue
Medical Center. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued implementation
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 4. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected shall continue to be in full
force and effect.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly

SECTION 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,