SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday lauded Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) expansion of benefits as instructed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., particularly its new outpatient emergency care coverage and increased case rate packages for critical illnesses, calling it a significant step toward making universal healthcare more accessible and affordable for Filipinos.
“Ito ang klase ng repormang diretsong nararamdaman ng tao. Mas maraming Pilipino na ngayon ang makakapagpagamot agad, hindi na kailangang maghintay ng matagal o matakot sa gastos bago magpunta sa ospital,” Speaker Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP), said.
With the introduction of the Facility-Based Emergency (FBE) benefit in accordance with the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package, PhilHealth members can now receive emergency medical attention in accredited hospitals even without being admitted. Previously, many low-income patients were turned away or forced to delay treatment because PhilHealth only covered hospital confinement.
At the same time, PhilHealth has significantly increased case rate packages for nearly 9,000 medical conditions, providing higher financial coverage for pneumonia, cancer treatments, heart surgeries, maternal health services, and other costly treatments.
Speaker Romualdez noted that these adjustments provide much-needed financial relief for Filipino families. “Ang sakit, hindi dapat nagiging pabigat sa bulsa ng bawat Pilipino. Dati, ang isang simpleng sakit tulad ng pulmonya ay maaaring magdulot ng pagkabaon sa utang. Ngayon, mas malaki na ang sagot ng PhilHealth, at mas maraming buhay na ang maliligtas.”
While celebrating this milestone, Speaker Romualdez acknowledged that further improvements are necessary to make healthcare more accessible and efficient.
He emphasized the need for faster claims processing, better hospital accreditation to ensure more facilities can provide PhilHealth-covered treatments, and stronger public awareness campaigns to educate Filipinos on their expanded benefits.
As leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives, Speaker Romualdez reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing healthcare reforms that protect Filipinos from financial burdens and ensure that quality medical services are available to all.
He stressed that expanding PhilHealth’s coverage is only the beginning—what matters now is ensuring that these benefits are implemented effectively and reach those who need them the most.
“Malaking hakbang ito, pero hindi pa tapos ang laban. Ang totoong pagsubok ay siguraduhin na walang Pilipinong napagkakaitan ng serbisyong medikal. Dapat madali, mabilis, at episyente ang proseso. Ang serbisyong pangkalusugan ay hindi dapat isang pribilehiyo—dapat ito’y karapatan ng bawat Pilipino,” Speaker Romualdez stressed.
“Sa dulo, hindi lang ito tungkol sa budget o benepisyo. Tungkol ito sa buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Kaya dapat tayo mismo—gobyerno, ospital, at taumbayan—ay magkaisa upang tiyakin na ang serbisyong ito ay tunay na mararamdaman ng lahat,” the lawyer-House leader ended.
