Legal basis and framework
- Executive Order No. 451 requires issuance of certificates “pursuant to Republic Act No. 747,” as implemented by Executive Order No. 578 dated March 24, 1953.
- Executive Order No. 451 carries out the classification scheme under Republic Act No. 747, using the implementation rules under Executive Order No. 578.
- Executive Order No. 451 is issued under the President’s law-granted powers (“by virtue of the powers vested in me by law”).
Policy and purpose
- The government treats the medically indigent population as a primary concern.
- Government health facilities—such as government hospitals, charity clinics, health centers, and dispensaries—are established primarily for treatment and care of the poor.
- The Department of Health conducts socio-economic investigation of patients to determine financial condition, and the order improves effectiveness through treasurer cooperation.
Who must act and who benefits
- Municipal and city treasurers must issue certificates of indigency.
- The certificates are issued in favor of patients who may wish to take advantage of the benefits of Republic Act No. 747.
- The certificates must be based on the classification made under Republic Act No. 747, as implemented by Executive Order No. 578.
Required classification basis and evidence
- Treasurers must issue certificates based on the classification under Republic Act No. 747 as implemented by Executive Order No. 578.
- Municipal and city treasurers must determine the patient’s income for proper classification under the Act.
- The income determination is supported by information obtained through enlisted assistance from other government agencies, to ensure accuracy.
Cooperation with the Department of Health
- The order is designed to support the Department of Health socio-economic investigation through its operating field health units.
- Municipal and city treasurers must provide cooperation and assistance to help the Department of Health determine patients’ financial condition.
Authorization to enlist other agencies
- Municipal and city treasurers are authorized to enlist the assistance of other government agencies.
- The enlisted assistance must be used to accurately determine income of patients.
- The income determination is for the purpose of ensuring correct classification under Republic Act No. 747, as implemented by Executive Order No. 578.