House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has hailed President Marcos “zero-billing” initiative, which provides for free medical services in 22 public hospitals nationwide. 

“The zero-billing program is a clear demonstration of the President’s unwavering commitment to the Filipino people, ensuring that no one is left behind in receiving the medical care they need,” Romualdez said. 

“By covering all in-patient, out-patient, and emergency services in 22 public hospitals across the country, the President is turning his vision of universal healthcare into reality,” added the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives. 

President Marcos launched the program on the occasion of this 67th birthday Saturday, Sept. 14. 

On the President’s directive, the Department of Health (DOH) has allocated P328 million to fund the zero-billing initiative, covering not only hospital bills but also drugs, medicines, and essential medical services such as chemotherapy, dialysis, dental services, and laboratory procedures. 

The program has been implemented in key tertiary hospitals across the National Capital Region (NCR), Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Romualdez highlighted the life-changing impact of the initiative, stressing that it relieves Filipinos, especially those in vulnerable communities, from the burden of costly medical services. 

“Whether it’s dialysis, chemotherapy, or emergency treatment, the government is stepping up to provide real, tangible relief to our people,” said the Leyte 1st district congressman. 

The zero-billing program includes eight major hospitals in the NCR, such as the National Kidney and Transplant Institute and the Philippine General Hospital, along with 14 other hospitals across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

“This extensive coverage shows the administration’s genuine concern for the health and welfare of Filipinos in every region of the country,” Romualdez noted. 

“This is the kind of leadership we need—decisive action that directly benefits the people. I stand firmly with President Marcos in this endeavor and pledge my full support in ensuring healthcare remains a top priority for our government,” he continued. 

The House chief also emphasized that this initiative is just the beginning, as the government continues to explore ways to expand healthcare services and make medical care more accessible and affordable for all. 

The House celebrated the President’s birthday Saturday wirh the simultaneous distribution of assistance to 287,000 beneficiaries across the country, Romualdez said. 

House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada Jr. reported that 287 districts and locations participated in the event. Distributed in each of these areas were P5,000 in financial aid to 1,000 beneficiaries under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).