Senator Alan Peter Cayetano criticized the Department of Health (DOH) for spending on commercials despite ongoing delays in health service delivery.
During a Senate finance committee meeting and the DBCC briefing on the 2026 budget, he questioned whether the health promotion funds were being used appropriately.
Cayetano pointed out that some DOH advertisements, including those by Secretary Ted Herbosa, focus on topics outside the department’s core mandate, like anti-drunk driving campaigns.
He argued that such spending creates a disconnect between DOH messaging and actual health services, urging the budget to instead prioritize vaccines and urgent health needs.
Cayetano also called on the Department of Budget and Management to itemize the health promotion budget for more targeted and effective programs.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 4, 2025
