House Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed continued support for President Marcos' zero-balance billing initiative, which he described as a significant step toward achieving universal health care in the country.

This, as the Department of Health (DOH) reported that the policy had already benefited around 298,221 patients, or equivalent to ₱26.4 billion in combined hospital charges for patients admitted under basic accommodation in DOH-run hospitals.

“Buo ang suporta natin sa Pangulo at sa kanyang hangarin na pagandahin ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang kanilang kalusugan. Titiyakin natin na mananatiling prayoridad ang universal healthcare habang binabalangkas ng Kongreso ang panukalang budget para sa 2026,” the Speaker stressed.

(Our full support goes to the President and his goal of improving the lives of our fellow citizens, especially their health. We will ensure that universal healthcare remains a priority as Congress drafts the proposed budget for 2026.)

Romualdez noted that since President Marcos highlighted the initiative in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July, the DOH has expanded its coverage from 22 to more than 80 hospitals nationwide.

“The impressive amplification of the zero-balance billing policy is further proof of the President’s tireless commitment to ensure that all Filipinos have access to health care services and treatment without having to spend a single peso,” Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman, said.

“The House of the People fully supports this laudable initiative, and we are committed to allocating the resources necessary to guarantee its continued implementation and wider access,” he added.

Romualdez described the zero-balance billing program as the very heart of the Marcos administration’s brand of governance—empathy and compassion translated into concrete action.

Earlier, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa hailed the gains of the program, as he cited the sharp increase in daily admissions at DOH hospitals—from 3,297 to 4,067 patients—after President Marcos urged Filipinos to avail themselves of the zero-balance billing policy.

The initiative is funded by the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and direct allocations to DOH hospitals, on top of benefits from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

Herbosa described it as a milestone that brings the nation closer to achieving universal health care as mandated by Republic Act (RA) No.11223 or the Universal Health Care Act.

For 2026, the DOH is seeking a ₱260.2 billion budget to accelerate the implementation of universal health care, including the continued expansion of zero-balance billing in over 80 DOH hospitals.

“Public funds for better public health care are always a good investment in our people and their future. The House of Representatives will also see to it that these resources are spent wisely and solely for their intended purpose, such as the zero-balance billing program, to ensure that public funds truly benefit our citizens," Romualdez said.

The House leader likewise urged the DOH and its attached agencies to continue enhancing and modernizing public health services through technology and more responsive programs.