Camille Naredo

Doctors monitor patients at the Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital pediatric ward on Tuesday.

Doctors monitor patients at the Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital pediatric ward on Tuesday. The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring hospitals in Metro Manila to ensure that Dengvaxia fast lanes are ready to accept Dengvaxia vaccinated patients who might have flu-like symptoms.

Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Dangvaxia fast lane

Agatha Gregorio

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Asenso Pinoy Party-list Representative Henry Oaminal Jr. on Wednesday suggested that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) take the lead in the implementation of a proposed law on prohibiting the detention of patients and cadavers in hospitals.According to Oaminal, these agencies should take an active role in coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) in the prosecution of the crime.&quot;I would wish to propose that we add a provision to the bills we discussed right now to include and oblige as well the DOJ and the DILG to take the lead in the implementation… If there are hospitals that were found to have violated the measures being discussed right now, the DOJ will be taking an active role in coordination with DOH in the prosecution of the crime,&quot; Oaminal said during a House Committee on Health meeting on Wednesday.&quot;Kasi nga po if wala namang nagpo-prosecute, wala rin pong matatakot and wala rin pong susunod.&quot;APEC party-list Representative Sergio Dago-oc further suggested that the proposed law include &quot;stages of offenses,&quot; so that committing the crime would not immediately lead to revocation of hospitals’ license to operate.Dago-oc also recommended including high penalties so that hospitals are encouraged to release patients or cadavers instead of risking high financial loss. &quot;I am in full support, pero basta magkaroon tayo ng stage o mga parameters na halimbawa first offense, kailangan may penalty tayo… Baka puwedeng may mga stages of offenses bago &#x27;yung worst talaga na ipasara na siya,&quot; Dago-oc said.&quot;Baka puwede natin lakihan &#x27;yung penalty– not necessarily i-close &#x27;yung ospital… Alin mas malaki &#x27;yung P40,000 na hindi nabayaran o &#x27;yung penalty na P1 million? I-release talaga nila &#x27;yun,&quot; the lawmaker added.The DILG’s Paulo Florentino recommended the House committee and lead agencies talk to leagues of local government units (LGU) about enforcement of the proposed measures, but also showed support for them.&quot;These bills give LGUs a more solid legal basis when residents seek their help as they guide barangays, cities, and municipalities in referring cases to the proper authorities and supporting families to assert their rights,&quot; Florentino said.&quot;It is recommended that the honorable committee and lead agencies consult the leagues of LGUs particularly on the enforceability and operability thereof on the ground,&quot; Florentino added.A motion to consolidate House bills 302, 1138, 6832, 7442, and 7476 against hospital detention of patients due to non-payment of medical expenses was seconded during the hearing.House Bill 7476, in particular, seeks enhanced penalties, clear enforcement mechanisms, and additional patient remedies for RA 9439, which prohibits detention of patients in hospitals on the grounds of non-payment of bills.

Asenso Pinoy Party-list Representative Henry Oaminal Jr. on Wednesday suggested that the DOJ and the DILG take the lead in the implementation of a proposed law on prohibiting the detention of patients and cadavers in hospitals.

Asenso Pinoy Party-list Representative Henry Oaminal Jr. on Wednesday suggested that the DOJ and the DILG take the lead in the implementation of a proposed law on prohibiting the detention of patients and cadavers in hospitals.

Lawmaker proposes DOJ, DILG lead measures vs. hospital detention of patients over non-payment

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Lawmaker proposes DOJ, DILG lead measures vs. hospital detention of patients over non-payment

Agatha Gregorio,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 11, 2026 07:00 PM PHT

Read More:

Department of Justice

Department of the Interior and Local Government

DOJ

DILG

hospitals

non-payment

House of Representatives

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription. If you don’t see it, please check your spam or junk folder.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.