HB 9898

House·20th Congress·Filed Jun 18, 2026

An Act Imposing Higher Penalties for the Detention of Patients And/Or the Bodies of the Deceased Patients (Cadavers) in Hospitals, Medical Clinics, or Any Other Similar Facilities Due to Nonpayment of Hospital Bills or Medical Expenses, Amending Republic Act No. 9439 and for Other Purposes

In plain language

The bill would make it illegal for hospitals and clinics to hold patients or their bodies because they can’t pay, and it raises fines and adds possible jail time for staff who do so.

HealthJustice and Judiciary

Automated summary by BatasWatch. It may miss nuance — read the bill text before citing it.

Author · Representative

Carmelo Jr. G. LazatinReceipts →

Official sources

Similar in what they’d do, filed by any lawmaker.

SB 217· Filed Jul 7, 2025
Amending R.a.no. 9439 (Detention of Patients and Cadavers in Hospitals)
Consolidated/substituted in the committee reportSen. Risa Hontiveros
SB 960· Filed Aug 5, 2025
Strengthening the Rights of Patients Against Hospital Detention
Consolidated/substituted in the committee reportSen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
SB 1511· Filed Nov 12, 2025
Strengthening the Protection of Patients Against Hospital Detention
Pending second reading, special orderSen. Risa Hontiveros
HB 1138· Filed Jul 2, 2025
An Act Increasing the Penalties for the Detention of Patients and Cadavers in Hospitals, Medical Clinics, or Any Other Similar Facilities on Grounds of Nonpayment of Hospital Bills or Medical Expenses Amending Republic Act No. 9439 Entitled "An Act Prohibiting the Detention of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics on Grounds of Nonpayment of Hospital Bills or Medical Expenses," and for Other Purposes
Pending with the Committee on HEALTH since 2025-07-29Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez
HB 7442· Filed Jan 27, 2026
An Act Strengthening the Rights of Patients Against Hospital Detention on the Ground of Nonpayment of Hospital Bills and Medical Expenses and Providing Stiffer Penalties for Violations Therefor, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9439 Otherwise Known as �an Act Prohibiting the Detention of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics on Grounds of Nonpayment of Hospital Bills or Medical Expenses�
Pending with the Committee on HEALTH since 2026-02-02Rep. Jorge Daniel S. Bocobo

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HB09898 · Sources: BatasWatch