EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez
House Bill No. 3817.
EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article Il, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the state shall
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among
them.

Article XII, Section 11 of the same Constitution provides that the state shall adopt an
integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to
make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at
affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the under-privileged, sick, elderly,
disabled, women, and children. The state shall endeavor to provide free medical care to
paupers.

This is the reason why we have the National Health Insurance Act and the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation. However, foreign nationals who are residents of this country
should also be allowed to avail of the benefits of the National Health Insurance Act as long
as they comply with the requirements including the payment of premiums.

These foreign nationals who have relocated to the Philippines and chosen our
country as their second home came for commercial purposes, established their own
businesses, or have settled as retirees or immigrants in the Philippines for personal or family
reasons. During their stay, they have brought in considerable investments, patronized local
businesses, contributed to the local economy, and in some cases have taken a role in nation
building. They are as much a part of our public as our own citizens, They deserve
consideration for their contributions and, to a certain extent, similar treatment.

Therefore, this bill seeks to grant foreign nationals residing in the Philippines
coverage in the National Health Insurance Act

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

RUFUS B. RODRI


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7875, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “NATIONAL
HEALTH INSURANCE ACT OF 1995", AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT 10606, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 7875, as amended, is hereby further amended

to read as follows:
“SEC. 6. Mandatory Coverage. - All citizens of the Philippines AND
FOREIGN NATIONALS WHO ARE RESIDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
shall be covered by the National Health Insurance Program. In
accordance with the principles of universality and compulsory coverage
enunciated in Section 2(b) and 2(\) hereof, implementation of the
Program shall ensure sustainability of coverage and continuous
enhancement of the quality of service: Provided, That the Program shall
be compulsory in all provinces, cities and municipalities nationwide,
notwithstanding the existence of LGU-based health insurance programs
Provided, further, That the Corporation, Department of Health (DOH),
local government units (LGUs), and other agencies including
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other national government
agencies (NGAs) shall ensure that members in such localities shall have
access to quality and cost-effective health care services.”

Sec. 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or other
issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

Sec. 3. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least
two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,