Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Wednesday said the need for guarantee letters (GL) from politicians has been completely removed under the zero balance billing program of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration.
“Wala nang GL because may zero balance (billing) na… hindi ka na dadaan sa politiko,” Herbosa said during a press briefing at Malacañang.
He explained that the policy directly addresses the long-criticized system where access to medical services was tied to political patronage.
Under the program, patients admitted to basic accommodations in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals no longer have to pay.
“Pumila sila sa outpatient department… wala silang binayaran, naoperahan sila, nakauwi sila,” he added, highlighting the program’s impact.
Herbosa also cited his hospital visits as evidence that patients are already benefiting from the zero balance billing system.