Establishment of the Philippine Heart Center (PHC)
- Presidential Decree No. 673 (s. 1975) originally established the PHC.
- PHC is the sole specialty hospital in the Philippines dedicated to cardiovascular diseases.
- It is committed to providing the highest standards of cardiovascular care responsive to Filipino health needs.
Rationale for the PHC Annex in Clark Freeport Zone
- Cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death as of 31 October 2022 per the Philippine Statistics Authority.
- Most patients currently travel to the National Capital Region where PHC is located, posing access issues.
- Clark Freeport Zone, due to its infrastructure and location as a gateway to Central Luzon, is an ideal site for bringing specialty healthcare closer to the population.
Presidential Authority and Legal Foundation
- Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution grants the President control over executive departments and mandates faithful execution of laws.
- The President exercises this power to order the establishment of the PHC Annex.
Section 1: Establishment of PHC Clark
- Mandates the creation of the Philippine Heart Center Annex in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga (PHC Clark).
- PHC Clark will focus on 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.
- Existing PHC development plans shall be amended to include programs and initiatives for PHC Clark.
- Coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and other relevant agencies is required.
- Compliance with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan 2020-2040 is mandated.
Section 3: Funding
- Financial needs will be charged against DOH appropriations and/or PHC's annual corporate operating budget.
- Funding must comply with applicable budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules.
- PHC may enter agreements with other government agencies to source additional funds.
- Subsequent funding requirements shall be coordinated with the Department of Budget and Management and included in annual budgets subject to usual processes.
Section 4: Agency Support
- PHC may request assistance from all government departments, agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units.
- Full cooperation is mandated to ensure effective implementation.
Section 5: Separability Clause
- If any part of the Order is declared invalid, illegal, or unconstitutional, other provisions remain effective.
Section 6: Repealing Clause
- Any orders, rules, regulations, or issuances inconsistent with this Order are repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 7: Effectivity
- The Order takes effect immediately upon issuance on March 8, 2023.