Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3669

Introduced by REP. DENNIS “TOM” L. HERNANDEZ

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR ALL FILIPINOS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article I, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides thatthe State
shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them.”

Further, Article Xil!, Section 11 states that “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 the people at
affordable cost.”

Despite the passage of the Universal Health Care Law and several other laws
providing funding for its effective implementation, primary and preventive healthcare
is still not a reality for all. A July 2025 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
shows that 42.7% of healthcare spending for services is still paid out of pocket by
Filipinos.

The PSA also reports that the five leading causes of death in the Philippines
from 2023 to 2024 remain the same: ischaemic heart disease, neoplasms,
cerebrovascular disease, pneumonia, and diabetes mellitus. Four of these top five
causes are curable, even preventable, with early detection.

For Filipinos earning minimum wage, @ medical check-up, which cap cost
anywhere from 1,500 to 25,000, is a steep price to pay. These costs, however, are
far less than the cost of debilitating illness or death.

This bill seeks to ease the burden of our fellow countrymen by improving access
to primary and preventive healthcare.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

REP. DENNIS ro rerannEZ
4° District of Rizal


PRepublic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3669
Tntroduced by REP. DENNIS “TOM” L. HERNANDEZ

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR ALL FILIPINOS

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Free Annual Medical
Check-up Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State recognizes its duty to protect and promote
the right to health of the people. Pursuant to its duty, the State shall provide the
services needed to ensure the health and wellness of every Filipino. Aside from
enhancing programs that focus on curative medicine, there should be emphasis on
improving the country's healthcare system in terms of preventive interventions and
strengthening the health-seeking behavior of citizens. In line with this, Filipinos shall
be enfitled to an annual check-up, through the programs of the Philippine Health
Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), that is free of charge in any government hospital
and institution.

SEC. 3. Coverage. -

a) Population Coverage. — Every Filipino citizen shall be covered by the free
annual medical check-up under this Act pursuant to Sec. 5 of Republic Act No.
11223 or the Universal Health Care Act.

Medical Check-up Coverage. — PhilHealth, in consultation with the Department
of Health (DOH), shall establish a program to provide Filipinos with free annual
medical check-up including, but not limited to, blood sugar and cholesterol
tests. Provided, That, prior to the availment of laboratory and/or diagnostic
exams, the patient must first be screened by a PhilHealth-accredited primary
care provider as stated under Sec. 6(d) of Republic Act No. 11223 in order to
evaluate he patient and identify which laboratory and/or diagnostic exams
should be administered. Provided, further, That, the availment of the laboratory

Db)


and/or diagnostic exams shall be through PhilHealth-accredited health care
institutions (HCIs); Provided, furthermore, That upon approval of the PhilHealth
Board, these laboratory and/or diagnostic exams shall be expanded subject to.
the availability of PhilHealth funds and the current and emerging health
necessities of Filipinos.

SEC. 4. Schedule of Free Medical Check-Up. - The duration of availing the free
medical check-up shall be for the whole calendar year. PhilHealth shall establish a
system to secure that every Filipino will be accommodated and get the services that
they are entitled to

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - PhillHealth shall be primarily
responsible in implementing the provisions of this Act. PhilHealth, in consultation with
DOH, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations within thirty
(30) days upon effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be
charged against the total revenue of PhilHealth, composed of premium contributions
from direct contributors and premium subsidies of the government for the indirect
contributors, of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. — 'f, for any reason, any provisions of this Act are
declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions thereof
which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC, 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,