Duterte OKs institutionalization of Malasakit Centers

President Rodrigo Duterte with Sen. Christopher Go. (Photo from the office of Sen. Christopher Go)

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday signed into law a measure seeking to institutionalize Malasakit Centers in hospitals run by the Department of Health (DOH).

Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11463 — the Malasakit Center Act — in a ceremony in Malacañang before lawmakers and members of the Cabinet.

The law is a pet project of Duterte’s trusted aide, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go.

Under the new law, 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.

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