Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada delivers his message during the launching of the Orange Health Card project at the City Hall on Friday (Jan. 3, 2014). The card entitles the holder to free admission to any government hospital in Manila. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to institutionalize a universal health care for all Filipino citizens 18 years old and above.
Rep. Winston Castelo (2nd District, Quezon City), author of House Bill 2312, the funds shall be sourced from the earnings of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
“To better harness the people’s future role in society, Filipinos should enjoy the entitlement of a universal health care,” Castelo said.
He said the funds intended for charity by profit-generating public establishments of Pagcor and PCSO can be utilized for the needed money for the universal health care program for Filipinos.
Castelo also said the Pagcor and PCSO generate so much proceeds for government to the tune of billions of pesos annually.
He said the government is already funding some government hospitals but most of these are located in urban centers.(MNS)