Manila, Philippines — Batanes Lone District Rep. Ciriaco “Jun” Gato Jr., Chairperson of the House Committee on Health, has refiled the Comprehensive Maternal Healthcare and Immunization Act (House Bill No. 1954) in the 20th Congress to provide free immunization for pregnant women and expand access to maternal care nationwide.
“The reintroduction of this bill is an urgent call to strengthen maternal healthcare and protect Filipino mothers and their newborns,” Rep. Gato said. “Vaccination is a proven, life-saving intervention, and we must act now to ensure every mother and child has access to these essential services.”
The measure expands HB 5684, filed in the 19th Congress by then-Las Piñas Rep. and now Senator Camille Villar, by integrating vaccines such as influenza and Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis), along with other vaccines recommended by the Department of Health, into the national maternal healthcare program. While HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), Hepatitis B, and syphilis testing are not currently included in HB 1954, Rep. Gato expressed openness to adding these provisions during the bill’s deliberations.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, at least 2,478 Filipino women died from maternal complications in 2021, or roughly six to seven every day. While the figure fell to 2,008 in 2022, maternal mortality remains alarmingly high, particularly in rural areas where many deaths go unreported.
House Bill No. 1954 has been referred to the House Committee on Health and is pending approval. Rep. Gato pledged to work closely with the committee and consult the Health Technology Assessment Council to evaluate the inclusion of additional vaccines for maternal health.
“We have the means to prevent needless deaths. I urge my colleagues in Congress to prioritize this measure and put mothers and children first.” Rep. Gato added.
The lawmaker also committed to working with Senator Risa Hontiveros, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and Senator Pia Cayetano, a staunch health advocate, to ensure the swift passage of a consolidated bill as it hurdles both chambers of Congress.
Leaders of the Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology (PIDSOG), Dr. Martha Millar-Aquino and Dr. Analyn Fallarme, expressed support for the measure during a courtesy visit, emphasizing the importance of stronger maternal health legislation.
“PIDSOG fully supports this refiled bill, and hopes Congress and, subsequently, the Senate act quickly to support it. By expanding immunization and maternal healthcare, we can save thousands of mothers and children each year,” said Dr. Millar-Aquino.
