Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2339

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT PROMOTING PLASMA DONATION AND COLLECTION FOR COVID-19
PATIENTS, ESTABLISHING PLASMA BANKS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES:

While the Philippines is still arranging the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines for Filipinos,
the virus remains a threat to lives and health of our people. For the time being, the
convalescent plasma therapy, a treatment which uses the antibodies of coronavirus
survivors to boost the immune systems of those critically ill may aid in our fight against
COVID-19.

Convalescent plasma may be used as a treatment for patients with serious or
immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections and people who have been
determined by a healthcare provider to be at high risk of progression to severe or life-
threatening disease. This bill seeks to promote the donation and collection of
convalescent plasma which is vital for the recovery of COVID-19 patients.

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

LY ral

LUIS RAYMU! RAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Que3on City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House BILL No.2339

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT PROMOTING PLASMA DONATION AND COLLECTION FOR COVID-19
PATIENTS, ESTABLISHING PLASMA BANKS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR, 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 "Plasma Donation and
Collection Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and promote the right to health
of the people and instill health consciousness among them. Studies show that the use
of antibodies of coronavirus survivors can be used as treatment for patients with
serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections, and people who have
been determined by a healthcare provider to be at high risk of progression to severe
or life-threatening disease. Towards these ends, the State shall promote the donation
and collection of convalescent plasma.

Sec. 3. Plasma Donation and Collection. - The government, through the Department
of Health (DOH), shall promote the donation and collection of convalescent plasma or
plasma from COVID-19 recovered patients. Provided that, such recovered patients
shall qualify the eligibility criteria, as may be determined by 14 DOH, for collection and
donation of plasma. Provided further that, such collection, storage, and all activities in
relation to the procedure be coordinated at the national level through effective
organization and integrated blood supply networks.

Sec. 4. Establishment of Plasma Banks. - One (1) year after the effectivity of this Act,
all hospitals, private and public, shall have a facility where plasma can be collected
and stored. All hospitals with existing plasma storage facilities and capable of
collecting and storing plasma shall be deemed to have complied with the provisions of
this Act.


Sec. 5. Proper Safeguards and Handling. - To guarantee the integrity of the plasma
and other blood products, that shall be collected, all plasma banks, as accredited by
DOH, shall ensure that all plasma and other blood products collected have been
labeled accordingly, tested and found to be negative of blood transmissible diseases,
and observed an established chain of custody, according to acceptable standards.

Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to initially Implement the provisions
of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the DOH.
Thereafter, such sums, as may be needed, for Its continued implementation shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). The DOH shall provide
technical and financial support to hospitals under the supervision of local government
units In the setting-up and maintenance of the plasma banks.

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DOH shalll issue the necessary rules and regulations for the
implementation of this Act.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - Alll laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or other
issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Separability Clause. -If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall
remain In force and effect.

Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the
completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation in the Philippines,

Approved,