Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTRATIVES,
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._1317

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE JOCELYN F. FORTUNO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Our children have been guaranteed Constitutional and statutory rights if only to ensure that they
have the State to turn 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 care and nutrition in order to ensure that they will be in a right frame of mind and
‘good health. This Constitutional mandate has been bolstered by a statute which provides that every child
has the right to a balanced diet, proper medical attention and all basic physical requirements of a healthy
and vigorous life

It is thus crystal clear that the State has given special care and attention to children that they are
even exempted from criminal liabilities no matter how grave the crime will be, they will not languish in
jails with hardened criminals. They will only be committed to the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) to suffer for the commission of a crime.

The situation however calls for an urgent action when the children that the State has provided
ample rights and protection have become vietims of economic ills 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
order to put to reality the Constitutional and statutory provisions granting ample rights and privileges to
children

In view of the foregoing reasons, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought

ELNN F. FORTUNO.
fepresentative
Fifth District, Camarines Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTRATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILE No, 1317

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE JOCELYN F. FORTU!

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
of the 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 is 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 Dental Services.
~ There 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 Health (DOH), in
coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 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,