Malasakit Center bill awaits Duterte signature

MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking to institutionalize Malasakit Centers in hospitals run by the Department of Health (DOH) now only needs President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed this Monday after the House of Representatives concurred with the Senate version of the bill.

“Yes, for his signature as an enrolled bill,” Sotto said in a text message.

Under the proposed Malasakit Center Act of 2019, or Senate Bill No. 1076, a one-stop-shop center for medical and financial assistance provided by the DOH, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office will be established in all 73 DOH-run hospitals nationwide.

According to Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go, author and sponsor of the bill, there are currently 50 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

Go said the establishment of the one-stop shops would prevent the long queues of those seeking assistance from different government agencies.