Duterte to sign Universal Healthcare bill this week — Ejercito

VIGAN CITY, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is set to sign into law the Universal Healthcare bill this week, reelectionist Senator JV Ejercito said Monday.

Ejercito, principal author of the measure in the Senate, made the announcement during the campaign sortie here of Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), a political party founded by presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

“Ngayong linggong ito, naka schedule po na pirmahan ni Pangulong Duterte ang Universal Healthcare program,” Ejercito said.

“Bawat isa, taga Vigan, taga Ilocos Norte, bawat Pilipino, makikinabang,” he added.

Once enacted, the National Health Security Program mandates universal health care coverage and benefits to all Filipinos.

The proposed law seeks to enroll all Filipinos under the state-backed health insurance program. /kga