QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 154)
The EO cites: (1) Article II, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution (policy to affirm labor, protect rights and promote welfare); (2) RA 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995), particularly its mandate for adequate and timely social, economic and legal services; (3) RA 10801 (OWWA Act) providing OWWA support/financing for welfare projects; and (4) RA 11223 (Universal Health Care Act) adopting a people-oriented approach to health services. It also references Article VII, Section 17 (President’s control of executive departments and faithful execution of laws).
It is to be located in San Fernando City, Pampanga. It is intended primarily to cater to the health care needs of OFWs and their qualified dependents.
It must establish, operate and maintain medical facilities including a medical and diagnostic center for the welfare of OFWs and their qualified dependents (and possibly the general public, if warranted).
It is tasked to promote and conduct scientific research on the prevention, care and treatment of occupational diseases common to OFWs, including underwriting research on biological, demographic, social, economic, eugenic, physiological aspects of OFW occupational disorders.
To develop and encourage public interest in, and disseminate/exchange information on (i) prevention, treatment and control of diseases common to OFWs, and (ii) OFW occupational health and physical fitness, including health promotion and rehabilitation and related fields.
It must encourage and undertake training of physicians, nurses, medical technicians, health officers and social workers on the practical and scientific conduct/implementation of OFW occupational health services.
The hospital is to assist and support universities, research institutions and other hospitals/medical facilities in studies related to health concerns of OFWs.
Chairperson: Secretary of DOLE. Co-Chairperson: Secretary of DOH. Members: Secretary of DBM; Administrator of OWWA; Administrator of POEA; and two (2) representatives of land-based and sea-based OFWs.
They are appointed by the President from a list of nominees submitted by the Chairperson. Each nominee must be at least forty (40) years old and an OFW with at least three (3) years of work experience abroad at the time of nomination.
It must determine and undertake steps, in coordination with the Governance Commission for GOCCs, for the formal establishment and/or incorporation of the OFW Hospital in accordance with RA 10149 (GOCC Governance Act of 2011), relevant DOH regulations, and other relevant laws/rules.
Upon incorporation, the ICOH assumes, performs and carries out the functions and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, while retaining the same composition/structure, consistent with relevant laws and regulations.
EO provides (among others): (1) formulate and implement measures/programs to attain hospital objectives; (2) formulate/promulgate policies for sound administration, maintenance and operations; (3) appoint a qualified Administrator and define his/her functions/responsibilities; (4) determine organizational structure and staffing pattern; and (5) perform other necessary functions.
The Chairperson must establish an office in the OFW Hospital through OWWA to assist in identifying, documenting, processing and approving applications for benefits. Through OWWA and POEA, it must establish a referral system for efficient delivery of medical/health care services, including facilitation and conduct of pre-employment medical examinations for departing OFWs.
The Co-Chairperson ensures that necessary permits and licenses to operate the Hospital are obtained. It also endorses and encourages medical specialists in other government hospitals (e.g., Philippine Heart Center, NKTI, Lung Center, PGH) to hold clinics in the OFW Hospital and provide professional services.
OWWA is directed to take appropriate steps to improve OFW and dependent access to health care services, including granting benefits and medical assistance programs, subject to availability of funds and relevant laws. All other government agencies and GOCCs are directed to render assistance to the ICOH and the Board of Trustees.
Initial and establishment/initial operation funding is charged against available appropriations of DOLE. Thereafter, the ICOH/Board of Trustees must coordinate with DBM to ensure subsequent funding needs are included in the annual General Appropriations Act, subject to the regular budget process.
The ICOH or the Board of Trustees must submit an annual report on implementation to the President through the Executive Secretary.
Separability: if any provision is declared invalid/unconstitutional, remaining provisions not affected continue in force. Repeal: all issuances/orders inconsistent with EO 154 are repealed or modified accordingly.
It takes effect immediately. This means the directive to establish the OFW Hospital and create the ICOH applies right away, allowing early administrative steps (e.g., organization, coordination, planning, and licensing preparation) subject to lawful constraints.