THE House committee on ways and means has approved the measure seeking to establish the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) as a prime state hospital and preserve its viability and existence.
Former President and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo authored the bill.
Arroyo was confined in the said hospital for nearly four years, from October 2012 to July 2016, when she was under hospital arrest for her plunder charge.
In the explanatory note of the bill, Arroyo acknowledged that the VMMC has played a key role in history, unlike any other hospitals.
“The VMMC is one of the landmark institutions dedicated to honor the bravery and nationalism of Filipino soldiers. It is one of the historical institutions that remind us of the patriotism of our soldiers, [who are] ready to fight and defend our sovereignty,” she said.
She noted that the hospital has also served notable leaders in the country, including former Presidents Sergio Osmeña and Carlos Garcia, as well as the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr.
Arroyo also cited the outstanding services provided by the VMMC, saying: "The Veterans Hospital has emerged as one of the leading state hospitals in the Philippines, equipped with excellent facilities and competent staffing.”
Under the bill, the VMMC shall be treated in a manner consistent with its institutional mission to serve the veterans and shall be autonomous in the exercise of its jurisdiction to be able to execute more flexible operations.
The VMMC is mandated under the bill to undertake a scientific research on the various aspects of health disorders for public dissemination, promote trainings for hospital employees, and extend medical outreach programs to the public, among others.
To be able to accomplish these objectives, the VMMC, acting through its Board of Trustees, shall be authorized to take on the following powers: (1) acquire and hold properties, (2) enter into contracts, (3) open accounts in banks and other financial institutions, (4) enter into agreements and arrangements with other hospitals or institutions, and (5) establish VMMC branches in other cities or provinces in the Philippines, among others.
The VMMC, under the bill, may also request for assistance from any department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of the government, including the Government-owned and Controlled Corporations.
Arroyo called for the immediate passage of the measure for the benefit of the veterans and their dependents.
“Recognizing the invaluable sacrifices and services of our veterans and military retirees, it is only imperative that a medical facility dedicated to serve their and their dependents’ medical needs must be stable, viable, and provided with ample resources to ensure that they receive quality medical and health services,” she said. (SunStar Philippines)