A Senate measure seeks to establish a ₱10 billion Cancer Medicine and Treatment Assistance Fund to help cover the cost of treatment for indigent Filipinos.
Under Senate Bill No. 1057 filed by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, the fund will cover cancer diagnostics, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and maintenance medicines.
It will be administered by PhilHealth through accredited government hospitals in every congressional district.
The fund is intended for indigent and underprivileged cancer patients, to be identified by PhilHealth in coordination with the DOH, DSWD, and DILG. The measure also mandates clear eligibility guidelines, a streamlined application process, regular audits, and annual funding through the national budget to ensure transparency and fairness.
In a news release Friday, Estrada said the high cost of cancer treatment is pushing Filipinos into debt.
“Sa pamamagitan ng panukalang ito, makakasiguro sila ng agarang tulong sa pagpapagamot ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Mabibigyan sila ng pag-asa na gumaling dahil may pangtustos sa kanilang gastusin,” he said.
“This is about giving every Filipino, regardless of income, a fair chance at survival and recovery. Cancer should not be a death sentence for the poor.”