Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7290

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S, TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

For the past several months, the country has witnessed a steadily rising rate of new cases—the
latest addition totaling to more than 6000 cases. Although the DOH advises self-isolation at home
for mild cases, congestion in both private and public hospitals remains to be a problem with more
than 100,000 total cases as of the 1* week of August 2020.

This measure seeks to create a National Disease Management and Prevention Authority which
shall, in the words of the President in his recent SONA, “better prepare for pandemics, protect
lives, and allow development to proceed even in the worst of times”. The Authority will provide a
strategic plan as we prepare for future pandemics.

The Authority shall also have its own facility for COVID-19 patients. This shall allow for better
containment of the virus and management of patients given the fact that most public and private
hospitals are already at their maximum capacity. This shall also help hospitals accommodate non-
COVID patients, who are currently being turned away because of congestion.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought.

REP) 3 be S. TAMBUNTIN'
d District, Parafiaque City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS:
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _7290

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION AUTHORITY

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

SECTION 1, Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to adopt an integrated and
comprehensive approach to health development to promote and protect the right to health of the
people and instill consciousness among them.

Sec, 2, Establishment. - The National Disease Management and Prevention Authority is hereby
created. It shall serve as the principal instrumentality of the Philippine Government in preparing
for future pandemics and dealing with any disease outbreaks.

There is an urgent need to establish a single facility for all COVID-19 patients, under the control
of the National Disease Management and Prevention Authority, with a minimum capacity of thirty
thousand (30,000) beds.

Sec. 3. Administration. - The National Disease Management and Prevention Authority shall be
under the supervision of the Department of Health, which shall progressively increase its
operating fund, upgrade its medical equipment and facilities, and construct the necessary
infrastructure to implement the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 4, Operation and Maintenance. - The Secretary of Health shall include in the
Department's program the establishment and operationalization of the National Disease
Management and Prevention Authority.

Sec. 5. Appropriations, - The amount needed for the implementation of this Act shall be
included in the budget of the Department of Health in the annual General Appropriations Act of
the year following its enactment to law and thereafter.

Sec. 6. Separability. ~ If any portion of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of
this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.


Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. ~ Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of
instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

Sec. 8. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,