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Republic of the Philippines & “yep
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES iS RECEIVED 2s
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Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. _ 6898

Introduced by Representative John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Our country, along with the rest of world, has been dealing with the emergence of
the COVID-19 disease that has greatly impacted several lives.

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new
strain of coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the
outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. (World Health Organization)

Despite the efforts of various government agencies to address this public health
emergency, cases of persons infected with the new coronavirus are still on the
rise. Several communities have run out of supply of medical equipment and are
severely lacking in facilities to hold infected patients in order to avoid further
spread of the disease.

This bill seeks to establish quarantine and isolation facilities in every region of the
country to curb the spread of the infectious diseases and address the needs of the
patients seeking medical care in the community.

In light of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

J IN “FUL SERVO” C. NIETO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6898

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

AN ACT MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF QUARANTINE AND
ISOLATION FACILITIES IN EVERY REGION IN THE COUNTRY , PROVIDING
FUNDS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the “Regional Quarantine
and Isolation Facilities Act of 2020”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy - It is the declared policy of the State to improve
the delivery of health care services to the people, and to protect the from public
health threats. Towards this end, there is a need to establish quarantine facilities
every region in the country to address the emergence of highly infectious diseases
and prevent its spread to the general community.

Sec. 3. Definition of terms. -

A. Infectious Disease - Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic
microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi; the diseases can
be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Some are
transmitted by insects or other animals. And you may get others by consuming
contaminated food or water or being exposed to organisms in the environment.

ity - A facility that separates sick people with a contagious

B. Isolation Fa
disease from people who are not sick.


C. Quarantine Facility - A facility that separates and restricts the movement of
people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.
These people may have been exposed to a disease and do not know it, or they
may have the disease but do not show symptoms.

Sec. 4. Establishment of Quarantine and Isolation Fa ties - There shall be
established quarantine and isolation facilities in every region in the country. The
facilities shall be fully equipped with medical services and basic necessities in
accordance with the international standards and guidelines of the World Health

Organization.

The construction of such facilities is subject to the approval of the Department of
Health in coordination with the Department of Local and Interior Government, and
local government units concerned.

Sec. 5. Operations and Management of the Isolation and Quarantine
Ss. - The Department of Health shall be primarily responsible for the

Facil
operation, supervision, and management of the quarantine facilities established
under this Act. The Department of Health shall issue guidelines on the procedure
and proper use of quarantine and isolation facilities within thirty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to establish and operate
quarantine and _ isolation facilities shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from
the approval of this Act, the Department of Health, in consultation with the
relevant stakeholders, shall issue the implementing rules and regulations of this
Act.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held
unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions thereof which are not affected

shall continue to remain in full force and effect.


Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws inconsistent with this law are hereby
repealed. All other laws, decrees executive order, rules and regulations, or parts or
provisions thereof which are not affected shall continue to remain in full force and
effect.

Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following
completion of its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,