Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Monday, August 11 called on Congress to constitute the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the provisions of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act and ensure its provisions are being implemented correctly.

In a privilege speech, Ejercito made the call in light of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s reminder that government hospitals are now enforcing a zero-balance billing policy during his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“With PBBM once again reminding us that our government hospitals are now zero billing, we are certain that this will not only give us more confidence, but also new hope – Bagong Pilipinas! Our hospitals will be overwhelmed and we will need funds to meet the needs of our countrymen,” Ejercito said.

That is why a review of the UHC Law is crucial, as it is a health reform law: “The realization and embodiment of our government’s care towards our people,” he said.

The senator also urged the House of Representatives to expedite the passage of the P74.4 billion supplemental budget for Philippine Health Insurance System (PhilHealth) which he filed as Senate Bill No. 1.

The bill primarily seeks to give additional subsidies for Philhealth to further improve their health benefit packages. Ejercito noted that this P74.4 billion subsidy is the same amount proposed by the executive department under the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

“It is true that health is wealth. But only if we fund it. We should invest more in our people’s health. A healthy population would mean a healthy workforce, hence, a healthy economy,” said the senator.

“I am hoping that the House of Representatives will pass the supplemental appropriation bill swiftly and the Senate will do its part without delay,” he stressed.