QUEZON CITY (PIA) — In a significant move to make quality healthcare more accessible for all, the newly signed Fiscal Year 2026 National Budget has allocated nearly P129.8 billion to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
“These funds shall support preventive healthcare and the improvement of PhilHealth benefit packages, lowering the out-of-pocket expenses of Filipino families,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the official signing of the P6.793 trillion national budget on Monday, January 5.
Notably, the allocation includes the restored P60 billion, which was transferred to the National Treasury in 2024. The restoration of these funds directly aligns with the Supreme Court’s ruling, ensuring that resources intended for health remain dedicated to the welfare of PhilHealth members and beneficiaries.
This substantial funding further strengthens the national health insurer’s capacity to provide every Filipino with easier access to quality and affordable healthcare by expanding benefit packages, enhancing primary and preventive care programs, and reducing out-of-pocket costs.
With a P448.125-billion allocation, the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) provides the largest health sector budget in Philippine history, a testament to the government’s commitment to universal healthcare.
The 2026 GAA primarily earmarks P1 billion for the Department of Health’s Universal Health Care Fund to support the Zero Balance Billing Program in local government hospitals. This ensures that inpatient services for basic accommodations are fully covered. Additionally, this is complemented by significant allocations for disease surveillance, rapid response mechanisms, and sustainable health financing.
President Marcos Jr. emphasized that the 2026 GAA is anchored on a people-centered development agenda. By prioritizing human capital through a reliable healthcare system and responsible fiscal management, the administration fosters a resilient economy where every Filipino shares the fruit of development.
“Sa National Budget ng 2026, malinaw ang direksyon ng inyong pamahalaan: magiging mas masinop, mas maingat, mas responsable kami sa paggastos ng pondo ng bayan. Ang bawat programa at proyekto ay dadaan sa masusing pagsusuri upang masiguro na ito ay may malinaw na benepisyo sa mamamayan—lalo na sa sektor na higit na nangangailangan,” Marcos stressed, noting that the administration remains steadfast in its duty to maintain integrity in every peso spent.
(The 2026 National Budget sets a clear direction: the government will be more prudent, more careful, and more responsible in spending public funds. Every program and project will undergo a thorough review to ensure it provides clear benefits to our citizens—especially to the sectors that need it most.)
The enactment of the P6.793 trillion GAA for 2026 marks a significant 6.9% increase from the P6.352 trillion national budget of 2025. This upward trajectory empowers the government to invest in public works and social protection programs while effectively navigating global economic shifts. (JMP/PIA-NCR)