Senator Mark Villar has filed a bill seeking to grant all Filipinos covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) free annual medical check-up, complete with basic laboratory tests such as blood sugar and cholesterol screening.

The initiative aims to make healthcare more accessible, particularly for low-income families, following recent data from the Social Weather Stations showing that 63% of Filipinos considered themselves poor in the last quarter of 2024 — the highest in recent years. Villar said poverty continues to deprive millions of access to nutritious food, decent housing, and affordable healthcare.

“Nakakabahala po malaman na milyon-milyong Pilipino ang namumuhay sa kahirapan, na wala man lang access sa masustansyang pagkain, maayos na tirahan, at abot-kayang healthcare,” Villar said, noting that preventive healthcare is key to improving lives.

Under the proposed measure, Filipinos will be entitled to a free yearly check-up that could help detect illnesses early, enabling timely treatment and better health outcomes. Villar stressed that this will not only promote healthier lifestyles but also remove a significant financial worry for many families.

“Gusto po natin na hindi na dagdag isipin para sa ating mga kababayan ang usapin ng check-up at laboratory tests,” he said. “We want our fellow Filipinos, especially those struggling in life, to have one less burden to carry and not hesitate when it comes to taking care of their health.”

The senator believes the bill could pave the way for a more inclusive healthcare system that values preventive care as much as treatment. “Every Filipino should have the chance to live a long, healthy, and dignified life,” Villar added.

If enacted, the program would serve as a safety net for millions, offering early detection against serious diseases and reinforcing the government’s commitment to public health.