Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES | /
Quezon City

Fifteenth Congress :
‘Third Regular Session _

COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 258.

Submitted by the Commi eR" Veterans Affairs & Welfare on
Re: House BillNo. 6/04
Recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill No. G02

Sponsors: Reps. Herminia B. Roman, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Ma, Amelita C.
Villarosa, Hermilando I. Mandanas, Anthony Rolando T. Golez, Jr, Lani Mercado-
Revilla, Leopoldo N. Bataoil, and Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza -

Mr. Speaker:

‘The Committee on Veterans Affairs & Welfare to which was referred House Bill No.
6502 introduced by Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, entitled:

“AN ACT TO GIVE JURIDICAL PERSONALITY TO THE PRESENT VETERANS
MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER (VMMC), APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

6754

has considered the same and recommends that the attached House Bill No.
entitled:

“AN ACT TO GIVE JURIDICAL PERSONALITY TO THE PRESENT VETERANS
MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER (VMMC) AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

be approved in subsitution of House Bill No. 6502 with Reps. Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo, Ma. Amelita C. Villarosa, Hermilando I. Mandanas, Anthony Rolando T.
Golez, Jn, Lani Mereado-Revilla, Leopoldo N. Bataoil, and Raymond Democrito C.
Mendoza as authors thereof.

Respectfully submitted,

HERMINIA B. ROMAN
Chairperson
Committee on Veterans Afiairs & Welfare

THE HONORABLE

THE SPEAKER

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY


House Bill No. 6502
(As Approved by the Committees)

GIVING JURIDICAL PERSONALITY TO THE PRESENT VETERANS
MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER (VMMC)

introduced by: HON. GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO & MA. AMELITA C.
VILLAROSA

Committee Referral’ VETERANS AFFAIRS & WELFARE
Committee Chairperson : HON. HERMINIA B. ROMAN
OBJECTIVE/S

+ To strengthen the financial operations of the hospital.

« To ensure continued free medical care for the veterans.

* To reinforce its existence and perpetuation as a first-rate and prestigious
medical institution

KEY PROVISION/S

+ Creates the VMMC as a corporate body with juridical personality

+ Reiterates the VMMC's commitment to serve the Filipino war veterans

+ Constitutes the Board of Trustees composed of the Secretary of National
Defense as the Chairperson and the Director of the Hospital as the Vice-
Chairperson

« Requires that at least three (3) appointive members, yg ahWy veterans, shall
be members of the Board

RELATED LAW/S
» Agreement between the US and RP Government creating the VMMC.
» PD 169 — reserving for veterans’ hospital site purposes a certain parcel of
land in Diliman, Q.C.
+ RA 2640 - creating the VFP
« RA 6948, as amended by RA 7696 and RA 9396 — standardizing and
upgrading the veterans’ benefits


CONF HAWN

Sa2NZaARSBNRAS

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo,__6704
(In substitution of HB 6502)

Introduced by HONORABLE GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, MA.
AMELITA C. VILLAROSA, HERMILANDO |. MANDANAS, ANTHONY ROLANDO T.
GOLEZ, JR. LANI MERCADO-REVILLA, LEOPOLDO N. BATAOIL, AND
RAYMOND DEMOCRITO C. MENDOZA

AN ACT
TO GIVE JURIDICAL PERSONALITY TO THE PRESENT VETERANS MEMORIAL
MEDICAL CENTER (VMMC), AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 Veterans Memorial
Medical Center Charter of 2012."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy — It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to help foster the socioeconomic security and general well-being of the country’s
veterans and retired military personnel in recognition of their patriotic services in
times of war and peace for the cause of freedom and democracy; for the attainment
of national unity, independence, and socioeconomic advancement; and for the
maintenance of peace and order in keeping with the goals of the Government and
the aspirations of the people

SEC. 3. VMMC as a Corporate Entity — There is hereby created a body
corporate, for the benefit primarily of the Filipino veterans, under the name of the
Veterans Memorial Medical Center, hereafter referred to as VMMC.

To provide greater flexibility in its operations, the VMMC shall be treated in a
manner consistent with its institutional mission to serve the veterans and shall be
autonomous in the exercise of its jurisdiction.

SEC.4. Purposes and Objectives of the Hospital - The VMMC shall have
the following objectives:

1) Construct, establish, operate and maintain veterans’ hospital

primarily for the veterans’ welfare:


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2) Stimulate and/or undertake scientific researches on the biological,
demographic, social, economic, eugenic, physiological aspects of
health disorders and abnormalities and their control; and gather,
compile, present and publish the findings of such researches for public
dissemination;

3) Facilitate and encourage the dissemination and exchange of ideas
and information on the prevention, treatment and control of diseases;
to arouse, enhance and develop public interest and awareness on
general health and physical fitness;

4) Encourage and/or undertake the training of physicians, nurses,
medical technologists, health officers and social workers on the
practical and scientific conduct and implementation and delivery of
health services, and related activities;

5) Assist universities, hospitals and research institutions in their
studies of health problems, to encourage advanced training on matters
of, or affecting the physical and mental well-being of the people;

6) Encourage the formation of other organizations on the national,
provincial, city, municipal or barangay level and to coordinate their
various efforts and activities for the purpose of achieving a more
effective and pragmatic approach on the common problems relative to
the objectives herein enumerated; and,

7) Extend medical outreach programs to the general public to help
prevent, relieve or alleviate the innumerable afflictions and maladies of
the people specially the poor and less fortunate in life, without regard to

face, creed, color or political belief.

SEC. 5. Social Responsibility - The VMMC is primarily committed to serve
the Filipino veterans as defined in Republic Act 6948, as amended by Republic Act
7696 and Republic Act 9396.
SEC. 6. Powers — For the attainment of the above purposes and objectives.
the VMMC, as a body corporate, acting through its Board of Trustees, shall have all
powers pertaining to a juridical person, and is therefore authorized, to;

4) Acquire and hold in any manner property of whatever nature or

description;
2) Enter into contracts;



3) Solicit and receive donations, endowments and funds in the form of

contributions, whether in cash or in kind, from both the public and

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4 4) Open such accounts in banks and other financial institutions, and to
5 disburse such funds or invest the same as the Board may direct to
6 accomplish or advance the purpose or interest of the VMMC;
7 5) Invite foreign health specialists and other similar experts in the
8 various medical fields to train the personnel or trainees or residents of
9 the VMMC;
10 6) Send the VMMC personne! to research institutes, medical institutes
ahi) or universities for advance training or observation and to attend
12 international or regional conventions. conferences, congresses,
43 seminars as the Board may deem necessary to accomplish the
14 purposes and objectives of the VMMC;
15 7) Enter into such agreements and arrangements with other medical or
16 other institutions, domestic or foreign as may deemed desirable by the
17 Board for the purpose of promoting its purposes and objectives;
18 8) Adopt a set of by-laws, rules and regulations not inconsistent with
19 law and the provision hereof to govern the administration and operation
20 of the affairs of the VMMC;
241 9) Establish branches of the VMMC in other provinces or cities of the
22 Philippines as may be deemed necessary for greater service coverage
23 to veterans and their dependents that are living in almost all parts of the
24 country; and,
25 10) Perform all such other acts and things as are or may be necessary
26 or incidental for the accomplishment of the purposes and objectives of
27 the VMMC.
28 SEC. 7. Board of Trustees - The VMMC shall be governed by a Board of
29 Trustees, composed of the following:
30 4) Secretary of the National Defense as Chairperson.
34 2) Medical Director of the VMMC as Vice Chairperson.
32 3) Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Defense and Security;
33. 4) Chairperson of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and
34 Welfare:


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5) Secretary of Health;

6) Administrator, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office

7) Chairman of the Philippine Veterans Bank:

8) President of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines; and,

9) Three (3) appointive members who are veterans and who have

distinguished themselves in their professions or areas of specialization

and have exerted conspicuous efforts towards the promotion of

veterans’ welfare and welkbeing. They shall be appointed by the

President of the Philippines and shall serve for a term of three (3)

years. In case of vacancy, such vacancy shall be filled in the same

manner as provided for the predecessor, and such appointee shall

hold office for the unexpired term.

SEC. 8. Meeting & Quorum - The Board of Trustees shall convene at least
once a month. The Chairman of the Board may call a special meeting whenever
necessary; Provided, that the members are notified in writing at least three (3) days
prior to the said meeting. A majority of all members of the Board holding office at the
time the meeting is called shall constitute a quorum for Board meetings. In no case
shall any and all members of the Board appoint representative to act on their behalf.

SEC. 9. Medical Director - The Medical Director shall be appointed by the
President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Board and shall serve for a
term of six (6) years. The Medical Director shall act as the Chief Executive Officer of
the VMMC and shall perform the following functions:

1) Organize the VMMC into a streamlined medical institution with

admirable facilities and competent staffs to ensure quality service;

2) Appoint members of the professional and administrative staffs and

‘other employees or personne! of the VMMC through a screening

process based strictly on academic qualifications, experiences and

other selection standards; determine the terms and conditions of their

employment, and, remove them for cause in accordance with law and

due process;

3) Determine a position qualifications and compensation plan and

adjust salaries and benefits for all personnel of the VMMC; subject to


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the Compensation and Position Classification System of Governance

Commission for GOCC’s; and

4) Carry out necessary managerial and administrative functions that

may be deemed necessary or as directed by the Board of Trustees in

furtherance of the objectives of the VMMC set in this Act.

SEC. 10. Secretary - There shall be a Secretary of the VMMC as appointed
by the Board of Trustees, who shall be the Secretary of the Board and who shall
keep such records of the hospital as may be designated by the Board

SEC.11. Hospital Executive Committee — There will be an Executive
Committee consisting of the Medical Director as the presiding officer and the Heads
of the Administrative, Medical, Surgical, Rehabilitative, Dental, Psychiatric,
Diagnostic and other critical medical departments.

The Committee shall exercise the following functions:

1) Fix the requirement for admission to the hospital;

2) Prescribe the rules and regulations as to the discharge of patients;

3) Adopt internal rules of procedures consistent with the provision of the

charter in order to promote administrative efficiency in the treatment,

rehabilitation and discharge of patients of the hospital; and,

4) Carry out administrative and managerial task to assist the Medical Director

in the efficient operations and management of the hospital.

SEC. 12. Personnel and Medical Staff - The VMMC shall have the
autonomy to employ such employees and Medical personnel, or otherwise enter
such arrangements with medical specialists and other consultants as its Board of
Trustees shall determine. The personnel and medical staff of the present Veterans
Memorial Medical Center shall automatically be transferred to and absorbed by the
\VMMC as herein created. The incumbent Medical Director shall continue to serve as
such for a period of three (3) years or until his successor shall have been appointed
by the President of the Philippines.

SEC.13. Assistance from Government Offices — The VMMC may call upon
any department bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the Government,
including government owned or controlled corporations, for such assistance as it

may need in the pursuit of its purposes and objectives.


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All individuals, entities and institutions are hereby enjoined to render full
assistance and cooperation to VMMC in the accomplishment of its objectives and
activities.

SEC. 14. Property of the Medical Center - All existing assets of the VMMC
including but not limited to the parcel of land belonging to the private domain of the
government situated in the District, Quezon City and more particularly described in
the Bureau of Lands as Lot R.P.-3-B-4-A, BSD-103652, all its buildings and other
properties shall remain with the VMMC as a corporate entity, including those that
may hereafter be given, donated, acquired, transferred or conveyed to the Medical
Center or its branches and instrumentalities by any foreign government, as well as
those given by trust, foundations, corporations, or persons (alien or citizen). The
absolute ownership of the Medical Center over these landholdings including those
covered by original and transfer certificates of title in the name of the Veterans
Memorial Medical Center is hereby confirmed. Where the issuance of proper
certificates of title is still pending for these landholdings the proper government office
shall expedite issuance thereof within six (6) months from the date of effectivity of
this Act, Provided, That all registration requirements necessary for issuance of the
said titles have been submitted and complied with.

SEC. 15. Land Grants and Other Real Properties - The use of properties
and proceeds of such properties shall be governed by the following:
1) The State shall support the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in
the sum or lump sum amount, through general appropriations and
other financial benefits, and in kind, through land grants and donations
and use of other real properties. To carry out the intent of these grants,
income derived from the development of all land grants and real
properties shall be used to further the ends of the hospital, as may be
decided by the Board of Trustees in furtherance of the declared
hospital objectives under this Act;
2) Such parcels of land ceded by law, decree or presidential issuance
to the hospital, are hereby declared to be reserved for the purposes
intended;
3) The Board of Trustees shall plan, design and approve and/or cause

the implementation of contracts, mechanisms, and _ financial


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instruments, such as joint ventures, long term leases, fully-owned
subsidiaries, and securitization to give the hospital the flexibility to
generate revenues and other resources from land grants and other
properties. Provided; that such mechanism and arrangements shall
sustain and protect the environment in accordance with law, and be
exclusive of the medical core zone of the hospital. Provided; finally,

that such mechanism and arrangements shall not conflict with the

medical or health services and academic mission of the hospital; and,

4) Any plan to generate revenues and other sources from land grants

and other real properties entrusted to the hospital shall be consistent

with the hospital mission and orientation as a vehicle to extend health

services to veterans and their dependents.

SEC. 16. Safeguards on asset disposition - The preservation of the value
of the assets of the hospital shall be of primordial consideration. The exclusive core
zone of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center as defined in Section 14, shall not be
sold, transferred, ceded, conveyed, assigned and encumbered.

SEC. 17. Annual Report — The VMMC shall render to the President of the
Philippines an annual report of its activities and recommendations.

SEC. 18. Effect of the dissolution. If, for any reason, the VMMC is
dissolved, its property remaining at the time of such dissolution shall revert to the
Republic for disposition in accordance with law.

SEC. 19. Implementing Rules — The Implementing Rules and Regulations
shall be formulated within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act.

SEC. 20. Separability°““ If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, all other provisions not affected shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 21. Repealing Clause — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations or other issuances or parts thereof, contrary to or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 22. Effectivity —This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
Publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,