Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong on Monday rejected Health Secretary Ted Herbosa’s claim that patients no longer need guarantee letters from politicians to access services in government hospitals, saying the practice remains widespread and exposes deeper issues in the health assistance system.
“I was surprised by that pronouncement because it’s not true,” Magalong said. “Here in Baguio – and based on what we’re hearing from other mayors – guarantee letters are still required.”
He noted that the Baguio city government continues to issue guarantee letters for indigent patients referred to Baguio General Hospital, showing thick files of documents issued in 2025 alone.
“These guarantee letters are required so patients can receive treatment,” he said. “I don’t know where that statement is coming from.”
Magalong admitted that the system creates opportunities for political patronage and corruption, alleging some lawmakers convert medical assistance into “medical missions” with padded costs and kickbacks, sometimes reaching 30%.
“That’s exactly what we want to avoid,” Magalong said. “Medical services should be equitable and not tied to politicians.”
He called for the abolition of the guarantee letter system and suggested funds be released directly to hospitals under strict monitoring.
“The best solution is to remove politicians entirely and release the funds straight to hospitals,” he said. “But there must be strong auditing because corruption can also happen there.”