Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. __________ 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE IRENE GAY F. SAULOG 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Right to Health is universally recognized as a fundamental human right. 
In line with this principle, the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines has 
entrusted the State with the duty to protect and promote the Right to Health of the 
people and instill health consciousness among them.1 Furthermore, it underscores the 
necessity for an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development, aiming 
to provide essential goods, healthcare, and other social services at affordable costs for 
everyone, with a specific focus on the underprivileged, the sick, the elderly, the 
disabled, women, and children.2 
Championing the Right to Health of Filipinos means affording each of them an equal 
and fair opportunity to access healthcare services, irrespective of their financial status. 
In simpler terms, no Filipino should be denied healthcare services solely due to their 
economic circumstances. 
Regrettably, the economic conditions in the Philippines have resulted in a distressing 
statistic: six out of ten Filipinos die without receiving medical attention from a 
physician. Even more disheartening is the fact that the primary causes of death in the 
Philippines, including heart diseases, vascular disorders, pneumonias, malignant 
neoplasms/cancers, various forms of tuberculosis, COPD, diabetes mellitus, 
1 Article II, Section 15, 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. 
2 Article XIII, Section 11, Ibid.  
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nephritis/nephritic syndrome, and respiratory ailments, are conditions that can be 
treated and prevented with efficient and preventive measures in place.3 
Indeed, offering free annual medical checkups play a vital role in healthcare by 
enabling medical professionals to identify signs of diseases that patients may not be 
cognizant of. Through routine screenings, doctors can diagnose potentially severe or 
life-threatening conditions and proactively address associated risks before they escalate 
or worsen. Early detection substantially increases a person's likelihood of receiving 
timely and appropriate treatment, affording them early access to treatment options that 
can expedite the recovery process. 
Consequently, this bill aligns perfectly with the constitutional mandate to promote the 
Right to Health of all Filipinos by ensuring that every Filipino enjoys free access to 
preventive healthcare services, thereby fostering improved health among the Filipino 
populace. 
This is a refiled bill from the 18th Congress, where the Honorable Representative 
Michael T. Defensor authored the original measure, namely, House Bill No. 4093. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Hon. IRENE F. SAULOG 
Representative 
KALINGA PARTY-LIST 
3 “DOH: Leading Cause of Mortality in the Philippines” https://doh.gov.ph/node/1058 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. __________ 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE IRENE GAY F. SAULOG 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS 
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 of 2023.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes its duty to protect and promote 
the right to health of the people. In fulfilling this obligation, the State shall provide the 
necessary services to guarantee the health and wellness of every Filipino. Aside from 
enhancing programs that focus on preventive and curative medicine, there should be 
emphasis on improving the country’s health care system in terms of preventive 
interventions and strengthening the health-seeking behavior of citizens. In accordance 
with this objective, every Filipino shall be entitled to an annual medical check-up, 
through the programs administered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation 
(PhilHealth), which is free of charge in any government hospital and institution. 
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SECTION 3. Coverage. 
 
A. Population Coverage – In accordance with Section 5 of Republic Act No. 
11223, also known as the "Universal Health Care Act," every Filipino citizen 
shall be automatically enrolled in the National Health Identification Program 
(NHIP), which effectively makes every Filipino a member of PhilHealth, 
entitling them to the benefits under this Act. 
 
B. Medical Check-Up Coverage – PhilHealth, in consultation with the 
Department of Health (DOH), shall establish a program to provide Filipinos 
with free annual medical check-up including basic diagnostic and laboratory 
tests such as the following: Physical Examination, Complete Blood Count 
(CBC), Urinalysis, Stool Analysis, Creatinine, Blood Uric Acid, Chest X-Ray, 
Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Tests. The expansion of these laboratories and 
diagnostic tests will be contingent upon the availability of PhilHealth funds 
and the evolving healthcare needs of Filipinos. 
 
SECTION 4. Schedule of Free Medical Check-Up. The duration of availing of the free 
medical check-up shall be for the whole calendar year. PhilHealth shall establish a 
system to ensure that every Filipino will be accommodated and get the services they are 
entitled to. 
 
SECTION 5. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be 
charged against the total revenue of PhilHealth, composed of premium contributions 
from direct contributors and premium subsidies of the government for the indirect 
contributors, of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter. 
 
SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Department of Health, in 
coordination with PhilHealth, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for 
the proper implementation of this Act not later than ninety (90) days from its effectivity. 


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SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. – All other laws, decrees, executive orders, 
proclamations, other issuances, rules, and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified 
accordingly. 
 
SECTION 8. Separability Clause. – If any provision or part of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in 
full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
 
 
Approved,