SECTION 1. The authorized bed capacity of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City is hereby increased from four hundred (600) beds to six hundred (600)  beds. The Secretary of Health shall implement the increase in bed capacity of the CRMC consistent with the five (5)-year development plan of the hospital.

SEC. 2. The existing service facilities and professional health care services of the CRMC are also hereby upgraded commensurate to increase in its authorized capacity as herein provided for in Section 1.

The existing workforce, the budget for personnel services, maintenance and other operating expenses of the CRMC shall also be increased accordingly. The Secretary of Health shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Budget and Management and the Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission, and after the consultation with the Chief of CRMC, determine the additional plantilla positions to be created and filled up.

SEC. 3 . The Secretary of Health shall immediately include in the Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 4. All laws, decrees, executive orders, memorandum circulars or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby amended, repealed, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

(SGD.) VICENTE C. SOTTO III             President of the Senate

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO            Speaker of the House of Representatives