22/09/2025
‼️PBBM’s Allocation of ₱60B to PhilHealth a Crucial Move for Universal Health Care, says Sec. Herbosa‼️
The Department of Health supports President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s decision to allocate ₱60 billion to PhilHealth. As Chair of the PhilHealth Board of Directors, DOH sees this move as crucial for ongoing efforts to expand health benefits and services for all Filipinos.
The ₱60 billion given back by PhilHealth to the national treasury following the command of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) was used for health. It paid for Health Emergency Allowances (₱27.45 B), Medical Assistance to Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients (₱10 B), medical equipment (₱4.1 B), health facilities enhancement including three DOH health facilities (₱5.06 B), and government counterpart financing for foreign-assisted projects that also deal with the social determinants of health (₱13 B).
This new allocation of ₱60 billion to PhilHealth aligns with the DOH's objective to increase the government's share in current health expenditures, from around 40% to 70%, which will significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs of Filipino patients.
As its supervising agency, DOH will continue supporting PhilHealth in its role to pay the health benefits of all Filipinos. Right now, Zero Balance Billing happens at DOH hospitals because DOH pays more than PhilHealth. Over time, PhilHealth should be paying most, if not all, of the hospital bill.
We thank President Marcos, Jr. for recognizing the tireless work of our healthcare workers. They are dedicated to making essential health services more accessible to every Filipino family. We are with you in building a Bagong Pilipinas, kung saan Bawat Buhay Mahalaga.
TEODORO J. HERBOSA, MD
Secretary of Health