Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT EXPANDING THE COVERAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE LAW 
AND THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED CANCER CONTROL ACT TO INCLUDE 
POST-CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION THERAPY MEDICATIONS, 
ESTABLISHING A CANCER MEDICATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, AMENDING 
SECTIONS 4 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11223 AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11215, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. 
While the passage of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act (Republic Act No. 11223) and the 
National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) (Republic Act No. 11215) were significant 
milestones in ensuring that Filipino cancer patients receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and care, 
there remains a critical gap in the continuum of cancer care—particularly in the coverage of 
post-chemotherapy and radiation therapy medications. 
Patients who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy continue to face 
significant health challenges, including managing side effects, preventing recurrence, and 
maintaining quality of life. Many of these patients rely on supportive medications such as pain 
management drugs, anti-nausea treatments, immune boosters, and nutritional supplements to 
recover and regain their strength. Unfortunately, the high cost of these post-treatment 
medications often forces families to make impossible choices between continued care and other 
essential needs. 
July 10, 2025
10:31 am
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This measure seeks to expand the benefits provided under the UHC and NICCA by 
including post-treatment medications as part of the covered services. It proposes to 
institutionalize a Cancer Medication Assistance Program (CMAP) under the Department of 
Health (DOH) to ensure the availability and affordability of these life-saving medicines, 
especially for indigent and low-income patients. 
By amending Sections 4 of Republic Act Nos. 11223 and 11215, this bill strengthens the 
State’s commitment to comprehensive cancer care, ensures that no Filipino cancer patient is left 
to shoulder the burden of costly post-treatment medications alone, and upholds the constitutional 
right to health and access to essential services. 
In light of the continuing struggle of cancer patients and their families, the immediate 
passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT EXPANDING THE COVERAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE LAW 
AND THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED CANCER CONTROL ACT TO INCLUDE 
POST-CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION THERAPY MEDICATIONS, 
ESTABLISHING A CANCER MEDICATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, AMENDING 
SECTIONS 4 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11223 AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11215, 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 “Expanded Cancer Care and Support 
Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to uphold the right to health of 
all Filipinos, particularly those battling cancer, by ensuring comprehensive, continuous, and 
affordable cancer care, including post-chemotherapy and radiation therapy medications. The 
State shall strengthen the Universal Health Care system and the National Integrated Cancer 
Control Program to provide equitable access to life-saving treatments and support services. 
SECTION 3. Expansion of Universal Health Care Coverage. – Section 4 of Republic Act No. 
11223 (Universal Health Care Act) is hereby amended to include the following provision: 
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“Post-Treatment Cancer Care: The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) 
shall cover the cost of post-chemotherapy and radiation therapy medications prescribed 
by licensed oncologists, including but not limited to: 
a) Pain management medications (e.g., opioids, non-opioid analgesics);​
b) Anti-nausea and antiemetic medications;​
c) Immune system boosters and supportive care drugs;​
d) Dermatologic and skin care treatments for radiation-induced side effects;​
e) Nutritional supplements and related supportive therapies. 
Coverage shall extend up to one (1) year post-treatment, or longer as medically necessary based 
on the attending oncologist’s certification.” 
SECTION 4. Expansion of the National Integrated Cancer Control Program. – Republic 
Act No. 11215 (National Integrated Cancer Control Act) is hereby amended to include: 
a) Post-Treatment Care as a Core Component – The National Integrated Cancer Control 
Program shall include a comprehensive post-treatment care framework that ensures 
access to supportive medications and therapies for cancer patients completing 
chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 
b) Establishment of the Cancer Medication Assistance Program (CMAP) – A dedicated 
program under the Department of Health (DOH) to: 
1.​ Procure, distribute, and ensure availability of post-treatment cancer medications 
in all government hospitals and accredited private institutions;​
 
2.​ Provide subsidized or free medications to indigent and low-income cancer 
patients;​
 
3.​ Prioritize the needs of patients in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas 
(GIDAs).​
 
SECTION 5. Eligibility for Coverage. – The following individuals shall be eligible for 
coverage under this Act: 
a) All patients who have completed chemotherapy or radiation therapy, certified by an 
oncologist or cancer specialist;​
b) Patients with valid prescriptions for post-treatment medications as part of their cancer 
care plan;​


c) Indigent and low-income patients, as determined by the DSWD’s means-testing 
system, shall receive full subsidies for medications under the CMAP. 
SECTION 6. Funding. – The implementation of this Act shall be jointly funded by: 
a) PhilHealth – Through expanded benefit packages under the Universal Health Care 
program;​
b) The Department of Health (DOH) – Through annual appropriations in the General 
Appropriations Act (GAA), including dedicated funding for the CMAP;​
c) Additional Sources – Such as grants, donations, and international partnerships, subject 
to existing laws. 
SECTION 7. Monitoring and Accountability.  
 
a) The DOH and PhilHealth shall jointly monitor the implementation of this Act, 
including the availability of medications, beneficiary data, and program outcomes. 
b) An annual report shall be submitted to Congress detailing: 
1.​ The number of patients served; 
2.​ Types and costs of medications provided;​
 
3.​ Gaps in access and areas for improvement.​
 
SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). – Within ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the DOH, PhilHealth, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), 
the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other relevant agencies shall 
issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 9. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, 
the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, and rules inconsistent with this 
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
 


Approved, 
 
 
 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List