TACLOBAN CITY — The Northern Samar provincial government is crafting an ordinance aimed at strengthening the enforcement of laws that prohibit hospital detention and the collection of advance deposits from patients needing immediate medical treatment.

The proposed measure, sponsored by Second District Board Member Don Abalon, chair of the committee on laws, justice, human rights, and public accountability, seeks to ensure strict compliance with the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law and the Anti-Hospital Detention Law in hospitals and healthcare facilities across the province.

The measure was tackled during a public hearing last week, where the Sangguniang Panlalawigan convened hospital administrators, healthcare providers, and government agencies to discuss issues affecting patients’ welfare and access to medical services.
Among the concerns raised were the protection of patients’ rights, the need for improved referral systems, faster processing of medical and death certificates, and stronger coordination with government and private institutions in extending medical, burial, and financial assistance to indigent patients.

Stakeholders also discussed the use of promissory notes and guarantee letters as mechanisms to help financially challenged patients settle hospital obligations.
Dr. Ronald Ejercito, administrator of Catarman Doctors Hospital Inc., assured the public that the hospital accepts promissory notes and continues to maximize available patient assistance through its partnership with the Department of Health under the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program.

During the hearing, Abalon urged hospitals and clinics to include doctors’ professional fees in guarantee letter assistance packages, noting that this remains a common concern among patients.

The provincial board has given healthcare institutions, local government units, and concerned agencies additional time to submit recommendations before the ordinance proceeds to the next stage of deliberation.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Authored by Rep. Romualdez

TACLOBAN CITY– The House of Representatives have approved on third and final reading a measure that seeks to significantly expand the teaching of World War II in Philippine college history subjects, in a bid to strengthen students’ understanding of the country’s wartime experience and national heroism.

The approved proposal, House Bill No. 7808 or the “Study of Philippine History During World War II Act,” was principally authored by Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez.
It seeks to reshape how Philippine history is taught in higher education by requiring a stronger focus on the country’s experiences during the Second World War.

Under the measure, at least half of the Philippine History course in colleges and universities will be dedicated to World War II topics. Supporters of the bill said the change is intended to highlight the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of Filipinos during the Japanese occupation and the broader Pacific conflict, with the goal of fostering greater nationalism among students.

To support implementation, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in coordination with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), will be responsible for developing teaching materials and ensuring compliance once the measure becomes law.

Rep. Romualdez emphasized that the initiative is meant to preserve historical memory, particularly the role of Filipino soldiers and civilians who contributed to the resistance and liberation efforts during the war.

The measure has now been transmitted to the Senate for further deliberation.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A coalition of party-list lawmakers has filed a measure in the House of Representatives seeking to strengthen political parties, promote accountability, and curb political turncoatism in the country.

The Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc. (PCFI), led by TGP Party-list Rep. Jose “Bong” Teves Jr., Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, and 1Tahanan Party-list Rep. Nathaniel Oducado, filed House Bill No. 9139 or the proposed “Comprehensive Political Party Empowerment Act”.

The filing was witnessed by House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms Chairperson and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Adiong.
The proposed measure requires political parties to maintain clear ideological platforms, transparent nomination processes, democratic internal elections, and active governance structures even outside election periods.

It also seeks to institutionalize political education and leadership development programs to strengthen party-based governance.

A key provision of the bill is the prohibition of political turncoatism, including party switching after elections and actions deemed to undermine party loyalty. Elected officials found violating the provision may face forfeiture of office, while political parties encouraging such acts could face sanctions.

The bill likewise proposes the creation of a Political Party Development Fund to support political education, policy research, and organizational development, while introducing stricter transparency measures on political financing and support mechanisms for emerging parties.

Acidre said the measure aims to build a more principled and policy-driven political system.
Teves, meanwhile, said the proposal seeks to strengthen democratic institutions and help restore public trust in the country’s political process.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY— The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure establishing the College of Medicine at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City, a move aimed at expanding access to medical education and improving healthcare services in Eastern Visayas.

House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said the proposed medical school could pave the way for the establishment of Eastern Samar’s first teaching hospital, which would serve as a center for patient care, medical training, and research.

House Bill No. 8626 was authored by Libanan and Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales.

Once enacted, the measure will allow ESSU to offer a Doctor of Medicine program featuring a community-oriented and competency-based curriculum designed to address the region’s healthcare needs.

ESSU currently caters to nearly 25,000 students and operates a recognized College of Nursing and Allied Sciences across its campuses in Eastern Samar.

The proposed college is expected to help produce more medical professionals in the region while addressing the shortage of doctors and strengthening healthcare delivery in underserved communities.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)