Subsidized gov't programs are sustainable — Marcos
Published Sep 10, 2025 12:52 pm
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PCO)
President Marcos has assured the public that subsidized government programs are financially sustainable and designed for long-term implementation.
Marcos said this after critics questioned the sustainability of government initiatives such as the hospitals’ zero balance billing and the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” program.
In the latest episode of his podcast, which aired on Tuesday, Sept. 9, the President dismissed doubts about the affordability of subsidies.
“Basta’t ‘yung pera pumunta sa tama, lahat ‘yan kaya nating bayaran (As long as the money goes to the right place, we can pay for all of that),” he said.
“Ganoon lang kasimple ‘yan (It’s really that simple),” he added.
Marcos stressed that his administration does not launch programs that cannot be sustained over time, citing his business-minded approach to governance.
“Healthcare is expensive. But what’s that money for? It’s not to be kept in the bank,” he said, noting that sufficient allocation has been made for health services.
“It’s there to spend so that people can have healthcare for free or cheap. That’s the whole point of PhilHealth,” he added.
The President pointed out that the zero balance billing scheme, aligned with the Universal Health Care Act, is meant to provide equitable healthcare access to Filipinos.
Under the directive, PhilHealth members who are indigent, senior citizens, or persons with disabilities (PWDs) admitted to Department of Health service wards will be fully covered for their hospitalization expenses.
Marcos also mentioned the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” program, which sells rice at P20 per kilo through Kadiwa centers.
The initiative aims to stabilize rice prices, ensure food security, and make basic goods more affordable, particularly for low-income households.
The President said the program represents his administration’s broader effort to keep essential commodities within reach of all Filipinos.
“There is no point in carrying out a program that will be halted after five or 10 years, or after the people become dependent on it,” he said.