NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 2544
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24 FEB-7 P4 36
RECEIVtDB',;
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF VETERANS HOSPITAL IN
VISAYAS AND MINDANAO
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution mandates the State to provide immediate and adequate care, 
benefits, and other forms of assistance to war veterans and veterans of miiitary 
campaigns, their surviving spouses, and orphans.
Our war veterans made an invaiuabie and extraordinary contribution in 
safeguarding our national security. Their contributions were significant not only during 
their days but up until now. They are part of our history and the reason why the 
Philippines is blessed with independence from any internal and external threat.
In recognition of their heroic acts and sacrifices, it is necessary for the 
government to provide adequate care to them, such as quality hospitalization, medical 
care, and treatment. However, there is only one veterans hospital in the Philippines. 
The Veterans Memorial Medical Center, located in Metro Manila. The existing veterans 
hospital may not be easily accessible to some of our veterans who are situated in far- 
flung areas, and those who are residing in Visayas and Mindanao.
Thus, this bill seeks to establish a veterans hospital in Visayas and in Mindanao, 
which shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Department of Health 
(DOH).
In light of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 2544
\ 
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-
101:jrr of' :r
24 FEB -7 P4 36
RtCE!\,cD B',
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF VETERANS HOSPITAL IN
VISAYAS AND MINDANAO
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shaii be known as the " Veterans Hospital Act
2 
of2024'.
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared as policy of the State to
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provide immediate and adequate care, benefits, and other forms or assistance to war
5 
veterans and veterans of military campaigns in recognition of their invaluable service
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to the nation. Thus, State shall ensure that veterans have access to quality
7 
hospitalization, medical care, and treatment and shall establish appropriate institutions
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for such care.
9 
Sec. 3. Objectives. -This Act aims to establish a veterans hospital in Visayas and
10 
Mindanao to ensure that the Philippine war veterans, who are situated in far-flung
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areas and residing in Visayas and Mindanao, be able to access hospitals for them to
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obtain appropriate medical attention. The veterans hospitals shall have the following
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objectives:
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a. To provide comprehensive and total health care services to Filipino
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veterans including medical, surgical, and psychiatric services.
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b. To offer rehabilitative and long-term care to veterans with service-
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connected disabilities.


1 
c. To serve as centers for health care research for the improvement of
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veterans' medical care.
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d. To provide support services for the famiiies and beneficiaries of the
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Filipino veterans.
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Sec. 4. Hospital Site.-The hospital site shall be strategically located in Visayas
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and Mindanao where the veterans have easy access. They shaii be equipped with
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modern medical facilities and equipment necessary for the delivery of effective health
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care services. The veterans hospital shall be under the direct control and supervision
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of the Department of Health (DOH).
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Sec. 5. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern. -The Secretary of the DOH
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shall determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern in accordance with
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the revised compensation and position ciassification system subject to the evaiuation
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and approvai of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and in compiiance
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with the civii service iaws, ruies, and regulations.
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Sec. 6. Supervision. -The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) shaii have
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the power to supervise the functions and actions of personnel and staff of these
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veteran hospitals, to ensure that their actions are consistent with the objective of this
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Act.
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Sec. 7. Appropriations. -The Secretary of Health shall immediately include in the
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Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding shall be included
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and funded under the General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be
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necessary for its continued operation shall be included in the annuai GAA.
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Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH, in coordination with
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the PVAO, Department of National Defense and other concerned agencies, shall issue
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the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
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Sec. 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
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unconstitutional, the other provisions not so deciared shall remain in force and effect.
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Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - Aii laws, executive orders, issuances, rules and
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regulations, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingiy.
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Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days foiiowing
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its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of generai circulation.
Approved,