Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines. According to 
the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer ranks 
as the second leading cause of mortality in the country, with thousands of new cases 
diagnosed each year. In a report by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the 
country has 25,000 cases of cancer every year, with at least 9,000 dying annually. Yet access 
to timely diagnosis, adequate treatment, specialized care, and cutting-edge research 
remains limited—especially for poor and underserved populations. 
Cancer does not discriminate. It affects young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural. 
While private hospitals in the country have made commendable progress in cancer care, 
these services remain out of reach for the majority of Filipinos. Despite efforts under the 
National Integrated Cancer Control Act (RA 11215), the country continues to face 
challenges in ensuring equitable access to cancer services, expanding research capabilities, 
and coordinating cancer-related initiatives across regions and health systems. Many 
patients still suffer from late-stage detection, high treatment costs, and lack of cancer-
specialized facilities. 
In response to this urgent public health need, this bill seeks to establish the National 
Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of the Philippines—a state-funded and state-run 
institution dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and research 
of all forms of cancer. 
The Institute shall serve as: 
● The national referral center for comprehensive cancer care and services;
● A hub for cancer research and innovation, focusing on Filipino-specific data,
treatments, and public health strategies;
● A training ground for oncologists, cancer specialists, nurses, and healthcare
professionals to build national expertise;
● A policymaking and technical advisory body to support the DOH and other agencies
in implementing cancer control programs;
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● A catalyst for equitable access, ensuring that cancer patients from all walks of life,
especially indigent and marginalized groups, receive quality and affordable care.
In line with the goals of the Universal Health Care Act, this measure envisions a future 
where no Filipino suffers needlessly from cancer due to lack of access to care. By 
centralizing cancer research and treatment efforts, the Institute will enhance government 
capacity to combat cancer, strengthen our health system, and save more lives. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate and favorable passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought.  


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar 
AN ACT 
CONVERTING THE PHILIPPINE CANCER CENTER AS THE NATIONAL CANCER 
RESEARCH AND TREATMENT INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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 "National Cancer Research 
Institute of the Philippines Act" 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy -  The State shall protect and promote the right to 
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. To this end, the State 
shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall 
endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all senior 
citizens at affordable cost. Priority shall be given to underprivileged, sick, elderly, and 
disabled.  
SEC. 3. Establishment of the National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of 
the Philippines - The Philippine Cancer Center (PCC) is hereby converted as a national 
specialty center to be known as the National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of 
the Philippines, and shall be under the direct control and supervision of the DOH. 
To ensure equitable access to specialized cancer care, other comprehensive centers 
shall be designated in high-density and high-risk locations outside Metro Manila. 
The conversion of the PCC shall be fully realized within a period of five (5) years 
from the effectivity of this Act: Provided, That the DOH shall ensure that services shall not 
be disrupted during the transitory period.   
SEC. 4. Purpose and Objective - The National Cancer Research and Treatment 
Institute of the Philippines shall have the following purpose and objectives: 
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(a) To construct, establish, equip, maintain, administer and operate such integrated 
medical institution or institutions that shall specialize in the prevention, 
diagnosis, treatment, care, rehabilitation, and/or relief of cancer in all its kinds 
and forms; 
(b) To promote medical and scientific research relative to the prevention and 
treatment of cancer; 
(c) To assist universities, colleges, hospitals and research institutions in their studies 
of cancer and encourage advanced training and specialization of matters of, or 
affecting cancer 
(d) To conduct fact-finding investigations on cancer-related fields throughout the 
country or elsewhere, and to report, publish and disseminate information on the 
prevention and treatment of all forms of cancer; 
(e) To finance, sponsor, hold or participate in congresses, conventions, conferences, 
seminars, workshops and training programs on cancer and/or related fields in 
the Philippines or abroad; 
(f) To encourage and assist in the education and training of physicians, nurses, 
health officers, social workers, and medical and technical personnel in the 
practical and scientific implementation of services to cancer patients; 
(g) To assist universities, hospitals and research institutions in their studies on 
cancer, oncology and other related fields, to encourage and grant scholarships 
for advanced training and specialization in oncology and related fields, and to 
support educational programs of value to general public health; 
(h) To provide psychosocial support services and counseling to the patient and 
family members, 
(i) To simulate the formation of other organizations on the national, provincial, city 
and/or local levels, and to coordinate the various efforts and activities of such 
organization for the purpose of achieving a more effective approach to the 
common problem relative to the purposes and objectives enumerated herein; 
and 
(j) To be the national center for excellence in oncology and treatment of cancer the 
Philippines. 
 
SEC. 5. Powers - For the attainment and / or furtherance of the above enumerated 
purpose and objectives, the National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of the 
Philippines, acting through its Board of Trustees, shall have the following orders and 
functions, among other things: 
(a) Serve as an apex hospital or end-referral facility which shall specialize in cancer-
related research and health services; 
(b) Increase the bed capacity, service capabilities, healthcare facilities, and human 
resource requirements of the NCRTIP based on its hospital and human resource 
development plan subject to the approval of the DOH;  
(c) To contract and be contracted with; 
(d) To adopt by-laws, rules and regulations not contrary to law to govern the 
administration and operation of the affairs of the National Cancer Research and 
Treatment Institute of the Philippines; 
(e) To purchase, receive, take grand, holed, convey, sell, lease, pledge, transfer, 
convey, exchange, mortgage and otherwise deal with such property of whatever 
nature the transaction of the lawful business of the National Cancer Research 


 
 
and Treatment Institute of the Philippines may reasonably and necessarily 
require subject to the limitations prescribed by law; 
(f) To obtain loans, borrow funds and/or arrange financing or credit assistance of 
whatever kind and nature from all lawful sources, whether domestic or foreign 
and whether government or private, and to mortgage, pledge or otherwise 
encumber any of its properties and assets for the purpose of securing or 
guaranteeing the performance or fulfillment of any obligation it may undertake 
for itself or for other entities in which it may be interested; 
(g) To invite foreign cancer specialists and similar experts in the various medical 
fields to train the personnel or trainees or residents of the National Cancer 
Research and Treatment Institute of the Philippines; 
(h) To advance the training of personnel in Philippine conventions, conferences, 
congresses, seminars to accomplish the purpose and objectives of the National 
Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of the Philippines; 
(i) To exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary to carry out 
the purposes of the National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of the 
Philippines 
SEC. 6. Scope of Services. - The National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute 
of the Philippines shall have the following services: 
(a) Hospital-based services to ensure the availability of comprehensive medical 
facilities, advanced diagnostic tools, and treatment equipment necessary for cancer 
prevention, early detection, diagnosis, acute and sub-acute care, chemotherapy, 
radiotherapy, surgical oncology, palliative care, outpatient cancer services, and 
transitional care for cancer patients; 
(b) Specialized clinical, public health, operational research, and training programs 
adopting a multidisciplinary or multi-institutional approach, to promote innovation, 
improve cancer outcomes, and strengthen national and regional cancer control 
efforts; 
(c) Technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives for the establishment of 
cancer specialty centers in accordance with Republic Act No. 11959, otherwise 
known as the “Regional Specialty Centers Act,” and the enhancement of cancer-
related services in all public primary health care facilities and government hospitals 
managed by local government units (LGUs); and 
(d) Other programs and services addressing the specific needs of cancer patients, 
including psychosocial support, rehabilitation, survivorship care, and assistance for 
persons with cancer-related disabilities. 
SEC. 7. Board of Trustees - The National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute 
of the Philippines shall be governed and its activities and properties be directed and 
controlled and managed, by a Board of Trustees, which shall be composed of a Chairman 
and six (6) members, all of whom to be  appointed by the President of the Philippines upon 
the recommendation of the Department of Health. 
 


 
 
The members of the Board of Trustees shall serve for a period of five (5) years or 
until their successors shall have been appointed to fill the vacancy shall hold office for the 
unexpired term of the member. Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the board, the person 
appointed to fill the vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired term of the member. 
 
The Board shall elect a Chairman from among themselves, who shall be the 
presiding officer of the Board of Trustees. The medical Director of the Philippine National 
Cancer Center shall serve as Vice - Chairman of the Board. 
 
Four (4) members of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum to transact 
business and any decision of such four (4) members on any matter duly presented to the 
Board of Trustees shall constitute a valid and binding act of the National Cancer Research 
and Treatment Institute of the Philippines. 
 
SEC. 8. Medical Center Chief. – The Medical Center Chief shall be appointed by the 
President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the DOH Secretary. 
 
The Medical Center Chief shall have the following duties and responsibilities: 
 
(a) Provide overall direction and strategic leadership to the OFWH toward the 
provision of high-quality health services; 
(b) Oversee all managerial and administrative processes and operations of all 
departments of the OFWH; 
(c) Supervise daily activities of functional units; 
(d) Ensure high standards in clinical training for medical and allied medical personnel; 
(e) Execute, on behalf of the hospital, all contracts and agreements which the hospital 
may enter into and accomplish and deliver any and all documents relative to such 
contracts and agreements, subject to the approval of the DMW Secretary; 
(f) Represent the hospital in all dealing with other offices, agencies, and 
instrumentalities of the Government and all other persons or entities, whether 
domestic or foreign and whether government or private; and 
(g) (g) Exercise such other powers and perform such duties as may be vested or reposed 
by the DOH. 
 
SEC. 9. Appointment, Promotion, Terms and Conditions of Employment – The 
National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of the Philippines and its officers and 
employees shall be covered by the Civil Service Law, rules and regulations, and by the 
Office of the Compensation and Position Classification. The officers and employees of the 
National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of the Philippines shall be appointed or 
promoted pursuant to management policies and/or appropriate merit and fitness system 
as may be adopted by the Board. 
 
SEC. 10. Support from other Government Agencies. – The National Cancer Research 
and Treatment Institute of the Philippines may call upon any department, bureau, offices 
and agency or instrumentality of the Government, including Government-Owned and 
Controlled Corporations, for such assistance as it may need in the pursuit and purposes 
and objectives.  
 


 
 
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall, in coordination with the 
Department of Health (DOH) and the National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute 
of the Philippines (NCRTIP), provide education programs and scholarships to promote 
excellence and uphold the highest standards in the field of oncology and other cancer-
related disciplines. These shall include postgraduate training, fellowship programs, and 
short-term courses for medical doctors and allied health professionals, in collaboration 
with public or private training institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 
and similar institutions engaged in cancer education and research. 
 
The CHED shall likewise support the integration of oncology and cancer care 
subjects in undergraduate curricula for health and allied professions. This includes the 
development and implementation of programs for the training of students, as well as 
postgraduate medical education for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, social 
workers, and other allied professionals involved in the comprehensive care of cancer 
patients. 
 
SEC. 11. Property of the Center - The property of the National Cancer Research and 
Treatment Institute of the Philippines shall consist of real, personal, mixed and other types 
of property, new owned or reserved for, or may hereafter be given, donated, acquired, 
transferred or conveyed to the National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of the 
Philippines by the government, its branches and instrumentalities, any foreign 
government, as well as by trust, foundations, corporations, or persons, alien or domestic, 
in order to carry out its purposes and objectives as set forth herein. 
 
SEC. 12. Tax Exemptions – All donations, endowments, contributions, grants and 
bequests used actually, directly and exclusively for and in accordance with the purposes 
and functions of the National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of the Philippines 
shall be exempt from donor’s tax, and the same shall be considered as allowable deductions 
from gross income for purposes of computing the taxable income of the donors, in 
accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as 
amended.  
 
The National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of the Philippines shall be 
exempt from the payment of all taxes, charges and fees imposed by the government or any 
political subdivision or instrumentality thereof. 
 
SEC. 13.  Congressional Oversight Committee. – There is hereby created a Joint 
Congressional Oversight Committee which shall be jointly chaired by the Chairpersons of 
the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and the House of Representatives 
Committee on Health. It shall be composed of five (5) members from the Senate and five 
(5) members from the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Senate President 
and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively: Provided, That at least one 
(1) member from each house shall come from the Minority. 
 
SEC. 14. Appropriations – The amount of One Billion pesos is hereby appropriated 
for the initial operation of the National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of the 
Philippines which shall be charged to the appropriations of the Department of Health 
under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, the necessary amount to 


 
 
support the continued operation and maintenance of the National Cancer Research and 
Treatment Institute of the Philippines shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
 
SEC. 15. Annual Report. - National Cancer Research and Treatment Institute of the 
Philippines shall render to the Department of Health an annual report on its operations 
and accomplishments. 
 
SEC. 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days from the 
approval of this Act, the DOH shall, in consultation with related government agencies, and 
other stakeholders, promulgate the rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this 
Act. 
 
SEC. 17. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not declared shall remain in force and effect. 
 
SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders and rules and regulations 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions and this Act are hereby repealed or 
amended accordingly. 
 
SEC. 19. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
  
Approved,