Hontiveros, chair of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, said the passage of Senate Bill 1937 into law would strengthen Republic Act 9439. Under the law, patients who have partially recovered and who wish to leave the hospital or clinic but are financially incapable to settle their hospitalization expenses are allowed to leave by executing a promissory note covering their unpaid obligation. The promissory note is secured by a mortgage or guarantee of a co-maker who will be jointly and severally liable with the patient for the unpaid obligation. But the law does not cover patients who are admitted in private rooms. Indigent patients may secure a guarantee letter from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Hontiveros said.

Source: Philippine Star February 27, 2019 16:00 UTC