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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian seeks stronger mental health programs amid rise in suicide cases

Gatchalian seeks stronger mental health programs amid rise in suicide cases

Published Mar 29, 2026 02:11 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday, March 29, called on authorities to intensify the rollout of comprehensive mental health programs to protect vulnerable Filipinos and prevent further loss of life.


Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday, March 29, called on authorities to intensify the rollout of comprehensive mental health programs to protect vulnerable Filipinos and prevent further loss of life.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (Senate PRIB photo)
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (Senate PRIB photo)

Gatchalian made the call amid the alarming rise in suicide cases in Metro Manila, followed by a report by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), which found that suicide cases in the National Capital Region more than doubled in the first three months of 2026.

According to the NCRPO, there were 111 cases from January 1 to March 23 this year, almost thrice the 38 cases recorded in the same period in 2025.

Based on the NCRPO’s findings, many cases stemmed from emotional distress, relationship issues, financial pressure or personal loss.

Most of the time, the struggles are unnoticed, but leave subtle warning signs if families, peers, and communities can notice if they are attentive.

While the NCRPO did not immediately provide the information regarding the demographics of the cases, the agency did attribute the increase to a lack of regulation in online and gaming platforms, especially when it comes to cyberbullying.

Gatchalian said it is imperative for the government to resolve the issue as it is mandated under the Mental Health Act  or Republic Act No. 11036.

“Sa gitna ng patuloy na pagdami ng mga kaso ng suicide sa bansa, mahalagang patatagin natin ang mga programang  magtataguyod sa kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na pagdating sa mental health (Amid the continued increase in suicide cases in the country, it is important that we strengthen programs that will promote the safety and well-being of our countrymen, especially when it comes to mental health),” said Gatchalian.

“Ngayon higit kailangan ng ating mga kababayan ang suporta sa mental health, lalo na’t hinaharap natin ang matinding krisis na nakakaapekto sa pang-araw araw nating pamumuhay (Now more than ever, our countrymen need mental health support, especially as we face a severe crisis that affects our daily lives),” he added.

Gatchalian noted that under the 2026 national budget, P742.6-million is allotted for the implementation of the Mental Health Program as mandated under the Mental Health Law.

Related Tags

mental health Sherwin Gatchalian ncrpo mental health Philippines SUICIDE
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