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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS Poy se MAY 2.0 nf
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First Regular Session S09. g /
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES >
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Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez ~~

House Bill No. 6774
EXPLANATORY NOTE

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new strain
of coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in
Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

On January 30, 2020, the Department of Health (DOH) reported the first case of
COVID-19 in the country with a 38-year-old female Chinese national. Then on March 7,
2020, the first local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed.

On March 16, 2020, the whole island of Luzon has been under Enhanced Community
Quarantine (ECQ) resulting in a lockdown with majority of the population ordered to stay
home. However, despite the ECQ, there are still those that are required to go to work in the
face of a relatively unknown threat to their lives. Among these are our doctors, nurses and
others in the health sector and medical field.

They are the ones who face this virus head on risking their own personal safety.
Among the first cases of doctors dying from the virus are Dr. Israel Bactol who died on
March 21; Dr. Rosalinda “Rose” Pulido who also died on March 21; Dr. Romeo Gregorio
“Greg” Macasaet III who died March 22; and Dr. Raul Diaz Jara who died March 25.

As early as March 26, the Philippine Medical Association reported that 9 doctors
have already died because of the virus. According to the DOH, as of May 18, there are
already 2,314 COVID 19 positive health workers, with majority of infections seen in nurses
and physicians. Of this number, 1,341 are active cases, with 992 mild patients, 344 who are
asymptomatic, 4 who are severe, and 1 critical. The death toll is at 35,

Despite this, our health frontliners are not wavering and they still continue to help
patients in different hospitals. Some doctors even went back to work after recovering from
the virus. We should not forget the sacrifices of our health frontliners, our modem day
heroes.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested.

RUFYS B. RODRIGUEZ


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES }
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez

House Bill No, 6774

AN ACT
DECLARING MARCH 21 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE NATIONAL COVID-19 HEALTH
FRONTLINERS DAY

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

SECTION. 1. This Act shall be known as the “National COVID-19 Health Frontliners Day
Act’.

SEC 2. March 21 of every year is hereby declared as the “National COVID-19 Health
Frontliners Day” to recognize the heroism of our medical frontliners.

SEC 3. An annual program of activities for the observance of the “National COVID-19 Health
Frontliners Day” shall be prepared and implemented, with the Department of Health as the
lead agency.

All heads of national government departments and agencies, and local govemment units
shall support the DOH in all efforts to facilitate and promote related activities, and encourage
and afford sufficient time and opportunities for their employees to engage and participate in
any activity conducted in observance of the National COVID-19 Health Frontliners Day.

SEC 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette
or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,