MANILA — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) commended both Houses of Congress for fully aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to restore the additional P60 billion to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) under the 2026 proposed national budget.
The President earlier instructed government to ensure that PhilHealth receives the full funding necessary to strengthen universal health care. In response, the House of Representatives incorporated the restoration in the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), and the Senate likewise upheld the directive in its Committee Report, thereby bringing PhilHealth’s total expected subsidy for 2026 to over P113 billion.
Under the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program, the National Health Insurance Program was initially allotted P53.13 billion. With the reinstated funding as directed by the Chief Executive, public support for PhilHealth will more than double—bolstering the agency’s capacity to deliver stronger, more reliable, and more inclusive health-insurance services to all Filipinos.
DBM Officer-in-Charge Secretary Rolly Toledo emphasized that this decisive action demonstrates the strong cooperation between the Executive and Legislative branches.
“We thank both Houses of Congress for upholding the dirdctive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.s directive. This united effort reflects our shared commitment to strengthening universal health care and ensuring that every Filipino has access to reliable, affordable, and responsive health coverage,” OIC-Secretary Toledo said.
The restoration of the P60 billion was made possible after the DPWH’s proposed budget underwent a rigorous review, which freed up P255.5 billion for realignment to priority social programs.
OIC-Secretary Toledo affirmed that once the FY 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) is enacted, the DBM will ensure timely and transparent fund releases.
“Once the budget becomes law, we will move with speed and precision so that every peso goes directly into service for the people. We will release the PhilHealth subsidy in full and strictly in accordance with all special provisions,” he said.