May 13, 2026
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered concerned agencies to ensure that every Filipino will have free medical benefits and will not have to worry about hospital expenses.
“Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., patuloy na isinusulong ang kalusugan ng mamamayan sa tulong ng mas pinalawak na PhilHealth benefits,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Office Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.
“Malinaw ang nais ng Pangulo, ang tiyakin na bawat Pilipino ay may pagkakataong magpagaling nang hindi nag-aalala sa gastusin. Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang pagpapagamot ay karapatan ng lahat at hindi pribilehiyo lamang ng iilan,” Castro also said.
On May 11, President Marcos visited The Medical City in Pasig City to personally visit the beneficiaries of the expanded services of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
The President was accompanied by PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado.
Castro said the Chief Executive visited the hospital’s various facilities to determine whether beneficiaries are able to use the benefits offered by PhilHealth.
While President Marcos is aware that many Filipinos prefer to prioritize other expenses over seeking medical treatment, Castro said the President has ordered PhilHealth to further expand out-of-patient benefits to lessen public expenses.
Among the expanded benefits are the Zero Balance Billing, Medical Assistance to Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program, Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, and the Expanded Maternity Care Package, Castro said.
President Marcos also visited the newly renovated RA Bengzon Patient Access Ward located on the 10th floor of The Medical City.
The facility features a new emergency department where more Filipinos will have access to quality but affordable health services.
Aside from the state-of-the-art emergency department, the RA Bengzon Access Ward also has a 51-bed ward, specialized isolation rooms, and mother-and-baby-friendly spaces. | PND