EMPLOYEES OF private educational institutions are no longer required to undergo laboratory examinations at the facilities of the Manila Health Department but must still pay the remaining P365 fee to secure health and occupational permits.
A clarificatory memorandum released by the Manila Health Department on Oct. 7 showed that the fee consists of the P100 payment for the health permit, P235 for an occupational permit and a P30 convenience fee. Meanwhile, the laboratory fees will depend on the institution’s chosen medical facility.
“For private sector employees of educational institutions, who will not be required to undergo laboratory examination at the Manila Public Health Laboratory, shall pay only a total of P365.00 for Occupational Permit and Health Permit/Certificate,” the memorandum, signed by the city health department chief Arnold Pangan, read.
According to the local health department, the bundle feature will make the process “more cost-efficient and time-efficient” as workers only have to pay a P30 convenience fee to obtain their health certificate and occupational permit instead of paying P30 twice if they opt to process their permits separately.
Previously, workers in the city, including those from private educational institutions, had to pay P625 to undergo procedures conducted by the Manila public health laboratory to obtain a health certificate.
However, the city’s facilities have been described by several employees as “unsanitary” and “below average.” Some groups also complained the requirement “exploits” workers.
The Manila Health Department said that the initial cost would still be retained for employees who opt to conduct laboratory tests within the city health department’s designated testing site.
Tax receipt not a substitute for health permit
In the same memorandum, the Manila Health Department reiterated its initial stance that workers employed in the city, including tax receipt holders, must secure a health certificate.
“It has come to our attention that there may be some confusion regarding the roles and purposes of these two documents. Specifically, there appears to be a misconception that a professional tax receipt (PTR) can serve as a replacement for or be considered equivalent to a health certificate,” the Manila Health Department said, repeating its statement in a letter dated Aug. 22.
The directive is contrary to a view contained in a UST memorandum which stated that professionals with an updated tax receipt no longer need to obtain a health permit.
“Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code further notes that… such person who has paid the corresponding professional tax shall be entitled to practice his profession in any part of the Philippines without being subjected to any other national or local tax, license, or fee for the practice of such profession,” the memorandum signed by UST Vice Rector for Finance Fr. Roberto Luanzon, Jr., O.P. read.
“As such, professionals who are able to acquire their professional tax receipt with the City of Manila are exempted from the [health permit] requirement,” it added.
According to the Manila Health Department memorandum, a PTR is part of a professional’s legal obligation for tax compliance and does not certify the health status of an individual.
Meanwhile, a health certificate, issued by a health authority, ensures that an individual has undergone and passed the required health examinations and immunizations in accordance with Presidential Decree 856.
“Hence, given the distinct purposes of these two documents, it is crucial to understand that a PTR cannot and should not be used as a substitute for a Health Certificate,” the city health department said.
‘Temporary facility meets DOH standards’
Despite complaints about the Manila Health Department’s designated facilities for laboratory examinations, Pangan assured employees that the temporary facility has obtained all regulatory permits from the Department of Health (DOH), including a license for operation.
“The laboratory meets all standards for conducting its services safely and effectively,” his memorandum read.
The Manila Health Department said the procedures required for health permit compliance would soon be conducted in a “permanent” and “newly constructed” four-story building that would “enhance” the capacity and service quality of its public health laboratory. F
