The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) pledged the timely and transparent release of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funds to expand and improve coverage, as the agency is set to receive ₱113 billion in 2026.
The allocation includes ₱60 billion restored following a Supreme Court ruling and ₱53.13 billion originally proposed for next year.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto described the funding as “the boldest and most decisive investment in universal health care for vulnerable and underprivileged Filipinos in the country’s history.”
“A significant portion of the subsidy will be sourced from sin tax revenues — funds collected from alcohol and tobacco products that are channeled back into health care,” Recto said, emphasizing support for indigent families, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors without imposing additional burdens.
The Supreme Court, in a December 3 decision, ordered the return of the previously transferred ₱60 billion and prohibited the transfer of the remaining ₱29.9 billion fund balance.
President Bongbong Marcos had earlier instructed the restoration of the withheld funds in September.
“This administration promised to protect underprivileged Filipinos through better health care. With the ₱113 billion allocation, we are not just keeping that promise — we are exceeding it,” Recto added, highlighting the 2026 budget as a milestone in universal health care funding.