Establishment of the Philippine Heart Center and Its Role
- Presidential Decree No. 673 (s. 1975) established the Philippine Heart Center (PHC).
- PHC is the sole specialty hospital in the Philippines dedicated to cardiovascular diseases.
- It upholds the highest standards for cardiovascular care responsive to Filipino health needs.
Epidemiological Justification
- Cardiovascular disorders are the leading cause of death in the Philippines as of October 31, 2022, per the Philippine Statistics Authority.
- Many patients currently must travel to the National Capital Region (NCR) for treatment at the PHC.
Strategic Location and Rationale for Annex
- The Clark Freeport Zone is a key transportation gateway to Central Luzon, equipped with world-class highways and an international airport.
- Establishing a PHC annex in Clark will decentralize cardiovascular care and bring specialized services closer to patients outside NCR.
Presidential Authority
- Under Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution, the President has control over executive departments and must ensure faithful execution of laws.
Section 1: Establishment of PHC Annex in Clark Freeport Zone
- The National Government shall establish the PHC Annex in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga (PHC Clark).
- PHC Clark will specialize in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
- Establishment is subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.
Section 2: Implementing Agency
- PHC is tasked with establishing, managing, and administering PHC Clark.
- PHC will amend its development plans to include programs and initiatives for PHC Clark.
- Coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and other government agencies is mandated.
- Alignment with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan 2020-2040 is required.
Section 3: Funding
- Funding for establishment and operations will come from DOH appropriations and/or PHC's corporate operating budget.
- Budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules apply.
- PHC may source additional funds via agreements with other government agencies.
- Coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is required for subsequent budgetary needs.
Section 4: Government Support
- PHC may request assistance from any government department, agency, government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units.
- Full support is sought to ensure effective implementation.
Section 5: Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared invalid, illegal, or unconstitutional, unaffected provisions remain in force.
Section 6: Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent orders, rules, regulations, or issuances are repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 7: Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon signing on March 8, 2023, in Manila.