Revilla still pushing for OFW hospital bill

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Bong Revilla will continue to push for the passage of his pet bill to establish and institutionalize an OFW hospital dedicated to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.

“Well of course, OFW hindi tayo nakakalimot dyan. Yung mga hospitals for OFWs, naipasa na natin sa Senate yun,” said Revilla, who was in Cebu last Saturday for the last day of the three-day Suroy-Suroy Sugbo Northern Escapade that culminated at the Liloan municipal grounds.

As of September 2024, Senate Bill No. 2822 Bill 2822, or An Act Enhancing the medical access of OFWs and their families by strengthening the OFW hospital or simply to be known as “OFW Hospital Act", was still pending its second reading.

The proposed measure aims to establish, operate, and maintain medical facilities, including a medical and diagnostic center to provide healthcare services to OFWs and their qualified dependents and the general public.

The OFW hospital would also serve as a referral facility for repatriated OFWs needing medical assistance and support as well as be part of the provincial and inter-regional healthcare provider networks to allow for a coordinated referral system for the medical repatriation program in accordance with Republic Act No. 11223 or the "Universal Health Care Act", among others.

Revilla also principally authored the increased of chalk allowance among public school teachers from ?5,000 to ?10,000 as well as making it illegal for students not to be allowed to take an exam under the “Anti No Permit, No Exam Act” and the “Expanded Centenarian Act” also known as the Revilla Act.

Revilla was accompanied by actress Beauty Gonzales and former child actor Niño Muhlach during the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo. (CEBU NEWS)