Duterte signs into law medicine scholarship program, 3 other measures

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure that will establish a scholarship program for poor students aspiring to become doctors.

In a text message to reporters on Monday (Jan. 4), Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he just received from Malacañang the signed copy of “Doktor Para sa Bayan Act” or Republic Act 11509.

The new law sets up a medical scholarship and return service program, which grants scholarships to deserving students aspiring to become physicians.

It seeks to encourage students to take up medicine and help improve the country’s doctor-patient ratio.

READ: Senate ratifies final version of medical scholarship bill

According to Sotto, Duterte also signed into law the Alternative Learning System Act (RA 11510), Amendments to Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (RA 11511) and the law authorizing the President to expedite the processing and issuance of National and local permits, licenses and certifications in times of national emergency (RA 11517).

Malacañang has yet to release copies of the newly-signed laws as of posting time.

TSB