MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente C. Sotto III expressed support for 13 House and Senate bills seeking the establishment, upgrading, and renationalization of provincial hospitals, saying the measures could help improve healthcare access and address hospital bed capacity.

During a joint committee hearing, Sotto endorsed the proposed measures and asked to be made a co-sponsor.

“What I would want to do this morning is to endorse all these local bills, and if I may, be made a co-sponsor,” Sotto said.

The Senate Committee on Health and Demography, together with other committees, is deliberating on six bills proposing the establishment of new hospitals in Zambales, Davao de Oro, Zamboanga Sibugay, Capiz, and Bukidnon.

Lawmakers are also considering seven measures seeking the upgrading and renationalization of existing hospitals in Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon, Capiz, and Romblon by placing them under the supervision, control, and management of the Department of Health.

Sotto also raised the issue of whether the country’s hospital bed capacity is keeping pace with the growing needs of patients and said he hopes the proposed measures would help address the gap.

Senate Committee on Health and Demography Chairperson Sen. Risa Hontiveros welcomed Sotto’s support for the bills.

“Thank you very much, SP Pro Temp. Wala nang mas masaya pa kung hindi co-sponsor kayo sa mga bills ng Committee on Health and Demography,” Hontiveros said.

Sotto said he supports the proposed measures, expressing hope they would expand access to healthcare services for more Filipinos.