House Bill No. 83

This bill seeks to amend Section 22 of Republic Act No. 4670, otherwise
known as the "Magna Carta for Public School Teachers" to provide for free
annual comprehensive physical check-up for public school teachers. It shall
include basic and diagnostic tests such as complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis
(macroscopic and chemical examination), fecalysis, chest x-ray, and complete
physical exam.

Article XIV, Section 5 (5) of the 1987 Constitution affirms that the State
shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure that teaching
will attract and retain its rightful share of the best available talents through
adequate remuneration and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment.
Public school teachers remain overworked and unappreciated. According
to a survey conducted among 6,731 public school teachers from March to April

2021,' more than 70% ofteacher-respondents deemed that teaching workload has
debilitating impacts on their physical and mental health. Moreover, about 10%
admitted to already falling ill due to burdensome duties.2
While Republic Act No. 4670 provides for the rights and privileges of
public educators, their healthcare protection remains blurry on what the coverages
are. Our public school teachers need to shoulder the burden of out-of-pocket
expenses just to access basic and diagnostic tests to ensure their welfare. The
amount of medical examination expenses varies depending on the teachers
location and typically ranges from P400.00 to P1,500.00.3
In this light, it is fervently intended to alleviate and improve the plight of
our public school teachers. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of
this bill is earnestly sought.