Bill filed for establishment of emergency medical care facilities for tourists
A LAWMAKER has filed a bill that aims to establish emergency and trauma facilities in tourism hubs in the country following recent reports of accidents involving tourists. Biñan City Rep. Marlyn B. Alonte filed House Bill 3873, which requires the Department of Tourism and Department of Health to jointly develop standards for trauma and emergency medical care for all three- to five-star resorts and hotels. “To address the gap in emergency medical care at tourist destinations, House Bill 3873 establishes in every Department of Health regional medical center at least ten (10) trauma and emergency care field facilities in cities and municipalities where there are clusters of tourism resorts,” Ms. Alonte said in a statement on August 14. Under the measure, tourists without health care insurance might be charged with a minimal amount that could be included in the hotel bill. “If they don’t have HMO (health maintenance organization) or health care coverage for medical emergencies, a small and affordable charge can be included in their hotel bill upon booking that would represent the premium for emergency health care coverage,” said Ms. Alonte. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras
Sanctions vs schools, officials proposed for ‘tolerating’ recruitment in leftist movement
A SENATE committee is considering the imposition of criminal and administrative liabilities against schools and its administration for “tolerating” the recruitment of students by leftist groups. The Philippine National Police-Manila Police District (PNP-MPD) made the proposal Wednesday during the continuing hearing of the committee on public order and dangerous drugs on the alleged illegal recruitment of minors by groups linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines. “We know for a fact there are some school or school administrators, who are tolerating one way or another, and nakita naman natin kanina na alam ng (we saw here earlier that) school administrators (do know),” PNP-MPD director Vicente D. Danao, Jr. said during the hearing. “Wala po tayong batas (We have no law) administratively and criminally penalizing these people, even if the occurrence of such recruitment is happening before their eyes,” he said. Mr. Danao also pushed for the imposition of stiffer penalties for those involved in the recruitment of minors, which at present is a prison term of six months to six years, and a fine of P700. Senator Ronald M. dela Rosa, the panel chair, said he will consider the recommendation. — Charmaine A. Tadalan
