Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. ______ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE MARLYN B. ALONTE 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
11223, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE ACT 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
A global pandemic in 2020 all the more puts the spotlight on the 
importance of a comprehensive and quality healthcare system. For many 
Filipinos, however, access to healthcare services continues to be a 
challenge. 
Although the Congress passed Republic Act No. 11223 otherwise known 
as the Universal Health Care Act on February 20, 2019, certain 
provisions—specifically Sections 9 and 34—have to be updated to ensure 
that more Filipinos will have access to the full continuum of health 
services they need and be protected from financial hardship as a result of 
seeking treatment or hospitalization.  
By enabling PhilHealth to adjust the packages subject to the review, 
assessment, and recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment 
Council, more Filipinos in the marginalized sector are expected to 
benefit from these updated provisions. 
  In view thereof, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 REP. MARLYN B. ALONTE 
 Lone District of Binan 
July 11, 2022
2:29 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. ______ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE MARLYN B. ALONTE 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11223, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE ACT 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 9 of Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care 
Act is hereby amended to read as follows:  
“Sec. 9. Entitlement to Benefits. – Every member shall be granted 
immediate eligibility for health benefit package under the Program: 
Provided, That PhilHealth Identification Card shall not be required 
in the availment of any health service: Provided, further, That no 
co-payment shall be charged for services rendered in basic or ward 
accommodation: Provided, furthermore, That co-payments and co-
insurance for amenities in public hospitals shall be regulated by the 
DOH and PhilHealth: Provided, [finally] FURTHERMORE, That the 
[current] EXISTING PhilHealth [package] COVERAGE for 
members shall not be reduced: PROVIDED, FINALLY, THAT 
THE AMOUNTS UNDER EACH BENEFIT PACKAGE SHALL BE 
SUBJECT TO THE REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF THE 
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT COUNCIL PURSUANT 
TO SECTION 34 OF THIS ACT.” 
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SEC. 2. Section 34 of Republic Act No. 11223 is hereby amended to read as 
follows: 
“Sec. 34. Health Technology Assessment (HTA). –  
(a) x x x. 
(b) x x x. 
(c) The HTAC, to be composed of health experts, shall be created 
within the DOH and supported by a Secretariat and a Technical 
Unit for Policy, Planning and Evaluation with evidence 
generation and validation capacity. The HTAC shall: (1) 
facilitate 
provision 
of 
financing 
and/or 
coverage 
recommendations on health technologies to be financed by 
DOH and PhilHealth; (2) oversee and coordinate the HTA 
process within DOH and PhilHealth; and (3) review and assess 
existing 
DOH 
and 
PhilHealth 
benefit 
packages 
AND 
RECOMMEND 
APPROPRIATE 
AND 
REASONABLE 
AMOUNTS PER PACKAGE BASED ON PREVAILING 
TECHNOLOGIES AND/OR TREATMENT. Within five (5) 
years after the establishment and effective operation of the 
HTAC, it shall transition into an independent entity separate from the 
DOH, attached to DOST. 
(d) x x x. 
(e) x x x.” 
SEC. 3. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full 
force and effect. 
SEC. 4.  Repealing Clause. – All  laws, decrees, executive orders or rules and 
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly 
SEC. 5. Effectivity Clause. – This  Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of the general circulation. 
 
Approved,