President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has pledged to act on complaints surrounding the government’s zero balance billing system, stressing that healthcare must be truly accessible and free of hidden burdens for Filipinos.
Speaking in Ormoc City, Leyte, during the turnover of patient transport vehicles, Marcos acknowledged that some patients continue to face difficulties despite the promise of no out-of-pocket expenses. Among the most common concerns he cited were long lines and incomplete services at government hospitals.
“As a matter of fact, mula rito we will be going to Tacloban to look at the… tetestingin namin ’yung sistema ng zero billing dahil mayroon kaming nadidinig na mahaba ang pila, na mahirap pa rin,” the President said. He explained that the goal is to streamline the process so patients can get a consultation, secure prescriptions, and obtain medicine at accredited pharmacies without worrying about payment.
He emphasized that the Department of Health (DOH) is accrediting more pharmacies to ensure patients can claim prescribed medicines at no cost. “Titingnan natin paano natin aayusin para ang pasyente papasok, it’s an out-patient service… pagkatapos ng konsultasyon, pupunta siya sa pharmacy, pwede na siya bumili… mayroon ’yung reseta, may credit ’yun,” Marcos added.
The President underscored that this push builds on his earlier announcement in his State of the Nation Address, where he promised that all expenses of patients admitted to DOH hospitals would be covered in full.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa previously clarified that patients must be admitted to ward accommodations for PhilHealth to shoulder 100% of their bills, while PhilHealth reiterated that no additional documentation is required from patients in DOH facilities.
Marcos also called on the DOH to make sure hospital staff are fully trained and informed about the procedures under the zero balance billing system to avoid lapses in implementation.
As part of his visit, the President inspected the DOH-Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City, a Level 3 tertiary hospital with a capacity of 1,100 beds that serves not only Leyte but also Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Biliran, and nearby provinces.
Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering “accessible, equitable, and high-quality healthcare” for every Filipino, saying the promise of zero balance billing must be felt by patients the moment they step into a government hospital.
