Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 254?

Authored by HON. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article XIII, Section 11 of the Constitution provides the state
policy of adopting 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.

However, our lack of focus on the health sector is evident as the
total health budget only accounted for 2.38 percent of the national
budget in 2009.

More than a decade has elapsed since the enactment of Republic
Act No. 7875, otherwise known as the "National Health Insurance Act
of 1995," mandating that affordable health care coverage be made
available to all citizens. The country is far from the target. The bill
seeks to address this by ensuring that all benefits under Republic Act
No. 7875 are made available to every Filipino citizen. In view of the
foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

a S35 Oy ;

JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2547

Authored by HON. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

AN ACT ;

TO ENSURE THAT EVERY FILIPINO IS GRANTED WITH BASIC
HEALTHCARE SERVICES, PROVIDING FOR THE PURPOSE A
MANDATORY UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE COVERAGE, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.

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
"Mandatory Universal Healthcare Coverage of Every Filipino Act
of 2010."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Pursuant to Section 15, Article
II of the Constitution the State hereby declares the policy of protecting
and promoting the right to health of the people and instilling health
consciousness among them. Towards this end, 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 every Filipino at affordable cost.

SEC. 3. Mandatory Universal Healthcare Coverage of Every
Filipino. — Every Filipino citizen shall be entitled to mandatory
universal healthcare coverage by their immediate and automatic
inclusion to Philippine Health Insurance coverage and membership as
provided for under Republic Act No. 7875, as amended, otherwise
known as the "National Health Insurance Act of 1995". Accordingly, all
the benefits under R.A.No. 7875 as amended shall also be made
applicable and available to. every Filipino citizen. Provided, That
contribution of indigent members shall be funded by the National
Government through the General Appropriations Act, without prejudice
to other sources of contribution.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The
Secretary of Health, in coordination with the Philippine Health
Insurance Corporation (PHIC) shall, within sixty (60). days from the
effectivity of this Act, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations
for the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.


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H.B. NO. 2547

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SEC.5. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the provisions not affected thereby
shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, including R.A. No. 7875
as amended, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or other issuance
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen

(15) days after its publication in two (2) national newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,