The Palace announced a significant expansion of maternity healthcare benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), aiming to ensure safer childbirth and reduce the financial burden on Filipino mothers.

Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro said the enhancement takes effect starting April 30 and forms part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen maternal healthcare access nationwide.

“Magandang balita, upang masiguro ang ligtas na panganganak ng bawat ina nang hindi nababahala sa gastusin… mas pinalawak at mas pinataas ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang maternity benefits ng PhilHealth,” Castro said during a press briefing.

Under the revised coverage, benefits for normal delivery have been increased to ₱29,000 from ₱9,750, while cesarean section coverage has been raised to between ₱58,000 and ₱62,000 from ₱37,000.

The Palace also noted that in certain cases—particularly ward admissions—mothers may no longer need to pay out-of-pocket expenses even in private hospitals.

The expanded package also includes improved prenatal and postnatal care services. Prenatal check-ups have been increased from four to eight visits, now covering vaccinations and laboratory tests, while postnatal care will include three follow-up visits.

Castro emphasized that the policy reflects the president's commitment to reducing maternal risks linked to financial constraints.

“Simple lamang ang ating layunin. Nais natin matiyak na ang bawat ina ay makakapagpanganak nang ligtas at hindi nag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng pambayad,” she added.

The administration also acknowledged the reality that many mothers have previously given birth without proper medical supervision due to cost barriers, stressing that the reforms aim to prevent avoidable maternal health risks moving forward.