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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

RECEIVED

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._2496

Introduced by Honorable EULOGIO “LEO” R. RODRIGUEZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Constitution guarantees that “the State shalll protect
and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.”
Moreover, Section 11, Article XIII mandates the State to “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.”

This bill seeks to convert the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC), in the
Municipality of Virac, Province of Catanduanes, into a tertiary-level hospital under the direct
control, supervision, and management of the Department of Health (DOH).

While Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of
1991, sought to decentralize public services and empower local governments, the devolution
of healthcare services has led to serious institutional and operational impairments. In the case
of EBMC, decades of chronic underfunding, personne! limitations, and administrative
constraints have adversely impacted EBMC's ability to meet licensing standards set by the
DOH-Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau. This has even resulted in the reduction
of its authorized bed capacity, to the detriment of public health in the province.

‘As a geographically isolated island province frequently battered by typhoons,
Catanduanes faces accessibility challenges to more advanced medical facilities. The proposed
conversion of EBMC into a DOH-managed tertiary-level hospital is a crucial step toward health
consciousness, equity, and accessibility. A fully equipped, adequately funded. and sufficiently
staffed tertiary-level hospital underscores the State’s commitment to ensuring access to
specialized and life-saving healthcare services for the Catandunganons.

Furthermore, this measure will enable the Provincial Government of Catanduanes to
redirect the considerable resources currently used for EBMC’s operations toward other
pressing development needs. It is also expected to spur economic activity in the province by
creating jobs, enhancing healthcare delivery, and attracting skilled health professionals to serve
in the island.

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

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 2496

Introduced by Honorable EULOGIO “LEO” R. RODRIGUEZ

AN ACT
UPGRADING THE EASTERN BICOL MEDICAL CENTR (EBMC) IN VIRAC,
CATANDUANES TO A TERTIARY LEVEL HOSPITAL ATTACHED TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) in the Municipality of Virac,
in the island province of Catanduanes is hereby upgraded into a tertiary level hospital.

SEC. 2. The upgrading shall provide the provincial hospital in Virac, Catanduanes with
the capability of a tertiary level hospital without increasing the hospital’s bed capacity.

SEC. 3. Upon its upgrading, the EBMC shall be under the direct control, supervision,
and management of the Department of Health.

SEC. 4. The Secretary of Health shall issue such rules and regulations as may be
necessary to carry out the purpose of the Act.

SEC. 5. The amount necessary for the initial implementation of the Act shall be charged
against the current year’s appropriations for the Organization Adjustment Fund. Thereafter,
such sums as may be needed for the continued operation of the hospital shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,