Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito is calling for a higher allocation in the 2026 national budget to strengthen mental health programs, citing the growing number of Filipinos struggling with anxiety and depression.
Ejercito, author of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, met with the Philippine Council for Mental Health to explore ways to expand mental health services under the law.
“Sakto ang meeting natin ngayong World Kindness Day. Kailangan natin ng dagdag na ‘kindness’ sa araw-araw lalo na sa panahon ng online hate at matinding stress. Minsan, simpleng ‘kindness’ lang ang magliligtas sa isang tao,” he said.
The senator noted that free consultations, medicines, and the 24/7 NCMH Crisis Hotline are already covered under the UHC Act, but many Filipinos remain unaware of these services.
“May mga programa gaya ng hotline, libreng gamot at maintenance para sa mental health. Pero dagdag problema, hindi alam ng tao,” he added.
Ejercito vowed to fight for increased funding to make mental health care more accessible, saying, “Mental health is health. We must continue to care for both the body and the mind. I will fight for a bigger budget to make sure every Filipino can get the help they need, when they need it.”
He also filed the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill, or “Emman Atienza Bill,” which aims to address cyberbullying and online abuse — issues he said contribute to mental distress, especially among the youth.