DOJ Backs Health Insurance Coverage for Senior Citizen
The Department of Justice has backed the enactment in Congress of proposed measures seeking to provide benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. for senior citizens.
In a two-page legal opinion, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima recommended the passage into law of consolidated Senate Bill No. 712 and House Bill No. 4593, which provide for mandatory Philhealth coverage of senior citizens.
She stressed that the two bills are consistent with section 9, article II of the Constitution, which requires the government to provide adequate social services; and section 11, article XIII, which mandates prioritization of elderly in health services.
“It is imperative upon the government to ‘give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of the elderly and their full participation in society, considering that senior citizens are an integral part of Philippine society,” De Lima said, citing the government’s plan of action for senior citizens.
The De Lima also cited the Vienna International Plan, which aims to strengthen the capabilities of government to deal with needs of elderly persons.
The bills would further amend Republic Act 7432 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
The DOJ suggested that the funds for implementation of the proposed laws be sourced from R.A. 10351 or the Sin Tax Law, which intended to “generate government’s revenue to fund Universal Health Care.”
It issued the opinion upon request of the office of legal affairs in the Palace.
source: manilastandardtoday.com
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