Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HoUsEBILLNo.9887
Introduced by Representative Jaime R. Fresnedi
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to provide free hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and other Department
of Health (DOH) approved dialysis procedure to  all  senior citizens.  It is a testament to  our
collective responsibility to confront the pressing healthcare crisis that Chronic Kidney Disease
(CKD) has cast upon our beloved Philippines, with its most heart-wrenching impacts felt by
our revered senior citizens by embodying the heart and soul of our nation' s commitment to our
elderly citizens.
As we delve into the latest available data, we are confronted with a stark and alarming
reality -CKD bas emerged as a daunting public health challenge, afflicting around 2.3 million
Filipinos. [The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) estimates that one Filipino
develops chronic kidney failure every hour or about 120 Filipinos per million population every
year.2  More  profoundly,  the  elderly,  the  wise  custodians  of our  heritage,  find  themselves
bearing the brunt of this silent epidemic. In a nation that thrives on respect for its seniors, it is
a  somber  fact  that  men  and  women  from  this  age  group  grapple  with  the  debilitating
consequences of kidney disease.
The enormity of this crisis has been further amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. It
has thrown the spotlight on the pivotal role kidneys play in overall health. Research has laid
bare the brutal truth - CKD patients, particularly our cherished senior citizens, face an elevated
risk of severe complications and mortality when battling the virus. This was confirmed by Dr.
Theresa Bad-ang, chairperson of the Renal Transplant Section of Nephrology of the Southern
Philippines  Medical  Center  (SPMC)  during  a press  briefer  last  2022.    She  mentioned  that
"There are so many people who are in dialysis right now.  During the Covid-19 pandemic, the
most vulnerable group are the patients (with) kidney (diseases)."
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In the past decade, the demand for dialysis has surged by an astonishing 400% and
kidney failure has become one of the leading causes of hospitalization4, a chilling reminder of
the growing need for kidney-related care in our homeland. CKI) has ascended to the ranks of
the leading causes of death among Filipino senior citizens, casting an ominous shadow over
their golden years.
The Philippine Health Insurance  Coxporation (PhilHealth) recently released Circular
Memo PC2023-00095 expanding this year its coverage for outpatient hemodialysis from last
year's  144 sessions to  156 sessions.   This covers adequate dialysis for CKD Stage 5 patients
which requires three 4-hour sessions every week.   This representation recognizes this great
initiative but since this is not yet mandated by law, this can change based on the whims and
caprices of whoever is seated on the PhilHealth board.  Benefit coverage should only increase,
not decrease and we need to make sure that this continues to be a priority.   By prioritizing
patients'  needs  and  continuously  striving  to  improve  services,  we  ultimately  improve  the
overall quality of healthcare in the country.
With the  "Free DJ.c}/ysjJ/or Se#J.or Cz.Jjze#f 4cr a/202J," we fortify our unflinching
dedication to safeguarding the health and well-being of our senior citizens. Our elderly have
selflessly  sown  the  seeds  of our  nation's  prosperity,  and  they  deserve  nothing  less  than
comprehensive,  affordable, and equitable healthcare services.  This legislation is our pledge,
our  solemn  commitment  to  inclusivity,  equitable  access  to  healthcare,  and  our  resolute
dedication to uplift the lives of our senior citizens during their time of need.  In passing this
law, we unite under our national flag, reaffirming the bonds that tie us as a people and echoing
the resounding call to action for our beloved senior citizens who have paved the way for our
nation's greatness. 6
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
Lone District, Muntinlupa City
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVHS
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSEBILLNo.9687
Introduced by Rep. Jaime R. Fresnedi
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE HEMODIALYSIS, PERITONEAL DIALYSIS, AND OTHER
DEPARTMENT  OF  HEALTH  APPROVED  DIALYSIS  PROCEDURES  T0  ALL
SENIOR CITIZENS
Be  it  enacted by the  Senate  and the  House  Of Represehiatives  Of the  Philippines  in
Congress assembled:
Section  1.  Sfeor/  rzt/e.  -This  Act  shall  be  known  as  the  "Free  Dz.c}/ysz.f /or Se77z.or
Citizens Act of 2023 " .
EEC.  2.  Free  Dialysis  Sessions fior  All  Senior  Citizens.  - The  cost  of the  needed
hemodialysis, peritoneal  dialysis,  and other Department of Health (DOH)  approved dialysis
procedure shall be reimbursed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth),
Provz.c7ec7, That such treatment is availed of at PhilHealth-accredited hospitals and freestanding
dialysis centers: Provj.c7ec7/#rffoer,  That only those procedures that use the dialysis solutions
included  in the  latest edition  of the  Philippine National  Drug  Formulary  (PNDF)  shall  be
reimbursed by the PhilHealth:  Provz.c7ed¢7zcr//)/, That only laboratory procedures and supplies
considered necessary shall be covered by the PhilHealth. PhilHealth shall as soon as possible
reimburse all official receipts for drugs, supplies, and laboratory procedures dated thirty (30)
days prior to the date of the claimed session.
SEC. 3 . 4pf?raprz.cJ/I.o7?s`. -The amount needed for the implementation of this Act shall
be  charged  against  the  appropriations  of the  DOH  and  the  PhilHealth  in  the  current  and
subsequent General Appropriations Act and their own respective funds. Thereafter, the amount
needed for the continued implementation of this Act shall be Included in the budget of the
concerned departments in the annual General Appropriations.
SEC. 4. Jmp/e"e77/z.77g Rat/es cr#dRegc//c}fz.o77f. -Within thirty (30) days from the approval
of this Act, the DOH, the PhllHealth, and the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC),
In coordination with other Implementing agencies, shall formulate rules and guidelines as may
be necessary for the proper implementation and enforcement of this Act.
SEC.    5.    Sepa7.czbz./I.fy   C/czwse.    -   If   any   provision   or   part   thereof   is   declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in
full force and effect.
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SEC.  6.  jiepccz/I.ng C/czz/I.e.  - All  laws,  acts,  decrees,  executive  orders,  issuances,  and
rules and regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to and inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed, anended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 7. Ej+orec/I.vz.fy. -This Act shall take effect immediately following its publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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