Senator Risa Hontiveros has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to issue clear and simplified guidelines for the implementation of the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), stressing that access to aid should be easier for patients and their families.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Hontiveros said medical assistance policies must eliminate patronage politics and ensure transparent, straightforward procedures for those seeking help.
She cited provisions in the 2026 National Budget, approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives, which prohibit patients from going door-to-door to politicians’ offices to request guarantee letters for medical treatment.
Hontiveros also expressed support for retaining the “anti-epal” provision, authored by Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, even in future budgets to prevent political branding in government aid.
The senator backed Senate Bill No. 1593, or the Universal Health Care Medical Assistance Program, which aims to channel financial assistance directly to hospitals and patients.
Hontiveros emphasized that medical aid should be given without conditions, saying help must be accessible to all who need it—“no favors, no strings attached.”
