03 JUL 201

Republic of the Philippines i [oF
HOUSE OF REPRESENTRATIVES ( é
Quezon City, Metro Manila

IXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUS

E BILLNo._1010

Introduced by: HON, SALVIO B, FORTUNO

XPLANATORY NOTE

Our children have been guaranteed Constitutional and statutory rights if only to ensure that they
have the State to tum to when the time comes that they are in dire need of the mantle of protection by the
State, Specifically, the Constitution provides that the State Shall defend the right of children to assistance
‘which include proper are and nutrition in order to ensure the they will be in a right frame of mind and
Sood health. This Constitutional mandate has been bolstered by a statute which provides that every chitd
has the right to a balanced diet, proper medical attention and basie physical requirements of a healthy
and vigorous life

1s thus crystal clear that the State has given special eare and attention to children that they are
joie ag bted fiom criminal liabilities no matter how grave the erime Will be, they will not languish in
Zils with hardened criminals, They will only be commited te the Department of Social Welfare and
Pevelopment (DSWD) to suffer for the commission of a erime

The situation however calls for an urgent action when the children that the State has provided
ample tights and protection have become victims of economic ill of society that they are refused medical
or dental treatment in hospitals or medical centers in times of need.

This bill therefore is intended to provide free medical and dental Services to indigent children in
OWNEF {0 ut to reality the Constitutional and statutory provisions sranting ample rights and privileges to

children,

Tn view of the foregoing reasons, the approval of this bill is camestly sought

10 B. FORTUNO
Fifth Disyict, Camarines Sur



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTRATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1010

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by: HON. SALVIO B, FORTUNO

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES TO INDIGENT CHILDREN,
CREATING AN INDIGENT CHILDREN SECTION AND PENALIZING ANY VIOLATION
THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title, This Act shall be known as the “Free Medical and Dental Services
for Indigent Children Act of 2011",

SEC. 2, Declaration of Policy. - The State has the primary responsibility to promote the right to
health of all the citizens, particularly the less fortunate children, Toward this end, it hereby declared a
Policy of the State to ensure the protection of their guaranteed rights by providing free medical and dental
services to all indigent children

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. ~ As used in this Act, the term “Indigent Children” shall refer to
those who are fifteen (15) years of age and below, whose parents or guardians have no visible means of
income to provide for their medical and dental needs,

SEC. 4. Creation of Indigent Children Section; Mandatory Free Medical and Demat Services,
cHiete is hereby created in every hospital, medical center and other medical institution an Indigent
Children Section to provide the mandatory free medical and dental treatment to indigent children.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), shall promulgate the

necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC, 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its Publication in any
newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,