LEGARDA ADVOCATES FOR SUSTAINABLE FINANCING THROUGH PHILHEALTH AUTOMATIC FUNDING

Sen. Loren Legarda urged the immediate passage of the PhilHealth Automatic Funding Act to address funding gaps that weaken the Universal Health Care Law and leave millions of Filipinos facing high out-of-pocket medical costs.

She highlighted that PhilHealth has been deprived of over ₱220 billion from unpaid sin taxes and statutory shares from PCSO and PAGCOR. In comparison, ₱60 billion was returned to the National Treasury in 2024, undermining public trust in the health system.

Legarda criticized the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program for creating bureaucratic hurdles that prevent patients from accessing timely care, calling for its gradual phase-out and the redirection of funds to PhilHealth.

She emphasized that automatic funding and stronger oversight through quarterly reports and the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee would ensure transparency, timely use of health funds, and accountability for officials who abuse them.

Legarda framed the reforms as a moral imperative, stressing that protecting Filipino families’ health and dignity must be a national priority.

Source: PhilNews24 | February 5, 2026