Senator Raffy Tulfo has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to withdraw a $10-million commitment to the World Health Organization, asserting that the estimated ₱620-million fund would serve Filipinos better if redirected toward national medical needs.
During a Senate Committee on Finance hearing on the DOH’s proposed 2027 budget, Tulfo denounced the pledge—originally made in October 2024 by former Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa—and contrasted it with the far lower contributions of neighboring countries.
Under the existing agreement, the Philippines is scheduled to pay the sum in four annual installments of $2.5 million through 2028.
“Ang yabang naman natin samantalang yung Singapore, nag-donate 100,000 Singaporean dollars lang. Tayo $10 million? Hanggang ngayon binabayaran natin yan in tranches,” Tulfo said.
“Hindi naman tayo mayabang na bansa. Ang yabang natin. Bakit? Kasi mayabang yan si Herbosa. Gusto niya yatang maging director ng WHO,” he added.
In response to queries regarding whether the commitment could be revoked, Acting Health Secretary Edwin Mercado stated that the agency is reviewing the pledge alongside the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
“Pero ang aking direksyong ay gamitin muna para sa ating local needs,” Mercado said.
Tulfo urged the DOH to stop further installments immediately rather than prolong the review, insisting the money should fund essential medicines locally.
“I-cancel niyo na. Wag ninyo nang pag-aralan. Hindi naman siguro tayo makukulong. Pwede ba tayong kasuhan ng WHO? Voluntary naman yung donation. I-cut niyo and ibigay niyo lang in the form of medicine,” Tulfo added.