FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No__ 3631

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to provide hospital benefits and other privileges to teachers
and their dependents in all government hospitals

It is often mentioned that teachers are our unsung heroes. Despite the
meager salary that teachers get, they remain loyal to their responsibility of molding
the values and character of the youth. In schools, the teachers are considered the
substitute parents of our children under our civil laws. They are also often required to
serve during elections, risking their lives and limbs to uphold the right to suffrage.
Due to the complexities of their job, our teachers are exposed to health risks such as
pharyngitis, hypertension, anemia, hyperacidity and lung related diseases, among
others. There is a need therefore to provide special attention to our teachers,
especially on their health concerns.

This bill seeks to provide hospital beds and fast lane facilities for the teachers
and their dependents in all government hospitals. This way, teachers will be assured
of easy access to their hospitalization needs. Moreover, the provision for special
discounts and increase in health insurance coverage will surely lessen the burden of
paying the high costs of medication and consultations.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly requested.

MAXIMO: RIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

3631

House Bill No..

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR HOSPITAL BENEFITS AND OTHER PRIVILEGES FOR
TEACHERS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Teachers’ Hospital
Benefits Act’.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is the policy of the State to adopt an integrated
and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make
essential health and other social services available to all people at affordable costs.
Towards this end, the State shall protect the interests and promote the well-being of
Filipino teachers and their dependents through the provision of medical services

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act:

a) ar refers to:
A person who teaches any subject, including practical and vocational
arts, at the day-care, pre-school, elementary, secondary, and post-
secondary levels of institution in public and private schools;
ii, An individual who provides guidance and counseling in all public and
private schools;
ii, A person who provides instructional supervision in all public and private
schools; and
iv. A person employed as school physician, school dentists or school
nurse.
») Dependent refers to:
Legitimate spouse:
i Legitimate, illegitimate or legally adopted children, chiefly dependent
upon and living with the teacher if such child is not more than eighteen
(18) years of age, unmarried and not gainfully employed or is over the
age of majority but incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to a
mental or physical defect; and
iii. The teachers’ parents who are dependent upon the teacher for
support.


SEC. 4. Mandate. - To ensure the availability, accessibility and affordability of
medical benefits, all government hospitals are hereby mandated to:

a) Provide for health care services to all teachers and their legal dependents
which shall include preventive, promotive, diagnostic, curative and
rehabilitative programs;

b) Conduct medical and other relevant diagnostic examination to ensure the
physical and mental capability of all teacher applicants; and

¢) Set-up a system that will effectively monitor the health condition of teachers
and their dependents,

SEC. 5. Benefits and Privileges. — To carry out the purposes of this Act, all
government hospitals shall:
a) Provide at least thirty (30) hospital beds for teachers and their dependents:
b) Grant at least ten percent (10%) discount on consultations and other hospital
needs for teachers and their dependents; and
) Provide fast-lane facilities to serve teachers and their dependents.

SEC. 6. Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. — The Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation is hereby mandated to increase by ten percent (10%) the health care
coverage of teachers and their dependents for medical expenses.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulation — Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Health shall formulate the rules and
regulations necessary or the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional

or invalid, such sections or parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force and
effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of
general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved.