Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HousE BILL No. 646

Introduced by: REP. TOBIAS “TOBY” M. TIANGCO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is provided in Section 15, Article 2 of the 1987 Constitution that, “The State
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness
among them.” To achieve this objective, this bill seeks to promote free annual medical
check-up including blood sugar and cholesterol tests, and such other laboratory and
diagnostic tests.

Majority of the Filipinos do not seek medical care in their lifetime except when they
are seriously ill. This problem is also rooted from poverty as most Filipinos would rather
buy food than to seek medical checkup. According to a survey by PhilhealthCare., Inc.,
only 7.4% of Filipinos do not self-medicate. This implies that majority of the Filipinos would
rather self-medicate than avail a medical checkup from a licensed physician.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that the leading causes of death
in the Philippines are, heart diseases, cancer, cerebrovascular and diabetes mellitus.
These kinds of diseases can be prevented if there will be regular checkups that can help
determine potential health risks before they get worse.

During the 18th Congress, the attached proposed bill, authored by then
Representative John Rey Tiangco has passed third and final reading.

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

TOBIAS “TOBY” M. TIANGCO
Representative
Lone District, Navotas City


Republic of the Philippines.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 646
Introduced by: REP. TOBIAS “TOBY” M. TIANGCO

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UPS FOR FILIPINOS AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 Principle. — It is the policy of the State to support and
promote the right to health by enhancing programs which focus on preventive and
curative medicine that advance the health and well-being of Filipinos and prevent disease,
disability, and death. Pursuant thereto, Filipinos shall be entitled to an annual medical
check-up that is free of charge in any government hospital and institution.

SEC. 3. Coverage. - All Filipino Citizens, by virtue of their membership in the
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) mandated under Republic Act No.
11223, or the “Universal Health Care Law’, shall be entitled to the applicable benefits
under the Philippine Health Insurance Program.

Member shall be entitied to a free annual medical check-up that shall include blood
sugar and cholesterol test. Laboratory and diagnostic tests shall be expanded, subject to
the availability of PhilHealth funds.

SEC. 4. Schedule of Free Medical Check-Up. — To promote health, identify risks,
and ensure early diagnosis, PhilHealth shall establish a system that allows access to
health care services that they deserve.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be
charged against the PhilHealth funds.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Health shall


in coordination with PhilHealth, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
proper implementation of this Act not later than ninety (90) days from its effectivity

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force
and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules and
regulations, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

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

Approved,