Sen JV Ejercito seeks PHP74.4B subsidy for PhilHealth

Senator JV Ejercito is pushing for a PHP74.4 billion subsidy to support PhilHealth in fulfilling the zero-balance billing promise of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during his fourth State of the Nation Address, announced that the government will cover all expenses at DOH hospitals.

Ejercito emphasized the need for aggressive implementation and funding of UHC to ensure its success, calling on Congress and President Marcos to immediately pass a supplemental budget.

The senator's priority bills include Senate Bill No. 1, proposing PHP74.4 billion in supplementary appropriations for PhilHealth, aimed at ensuring free basic accommodation in DOH hospitals.

Additional funds would be allocated for enhanced benefit packages such as expanded dialysis, mental health care, nutrition support, and outpatient services.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa noted that zero-balance billing is currently being implemented in 87 DOH hospitals but excludes four government-owned and controlled corporations.

Ejercito lamented the slow rollout of benefits already mandated under the UHC law, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure all patients benefit from these services.