Philippine Addiction Specialists Society

28/01/2026

TIWALA SUMMIT 2026
Isang Milyong Gabay 3
The Unmissable Recovery Coaching Event of the Year

🗓 March 7 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Baguio Convention

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If you care about recovery, mental health, addiction response, and real community support — you need to be in this room.

🎟 Early Bird: ₱1,000 only until Feb 7
✔ FREE packed lunch
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✔ Real stories. Real tools. Real impact.

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18/11/2025

18/11/2025

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗶𝗷𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀

We, the undersigned heads of health professional organizations, raise our united voice against the hijacking of Universal Health Care (UHC). The government has put up a deliberate, coordinated effort to divert and politicize the funds of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the nation’s primary payer for individual health services.

Over the past three years, Congress has taken actions that betray the intent of the UHC Act and the Sin Tax Reform Law, undermining the right of every Filipino to equitable, reliable, and publicly funded health care. These actions weaken our health system, perpetuate political patronage, and endanger millions of Filipino lives.

𝟭. 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰):
In 2024, ₱𝟲𝟬 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 was diverted from PhilHealth to the national treasury to fund programs like infrastructure, which are not under the mandate of PhilHealth. This violated existing laws and deprived millions of Filipinos the opportunity for higher health care benefits. The diversion, now challenged before the Supreme Court, must be corrected to restore the rule of law in health financing.

𝟮. 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱):
Despite laws mandating a national subsidy of premiums for indirect contributors, and availability of funds from Sin Taxes, PAGCOR and PCSO, congress has failed to appropriate a total of ₱𝟮𝟱𝟱 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 to PhilHealth since 2023. This included a zero budget in 2025, which was approved in a secret closed door bicameral conference meeting. Based on actuarial estimates, these deliberate violations of the UHC Act and the Sin Tax Law threaten to cripple the government's ability to provide adequate funds for health care in the near future. This is a clear breach of public trust.

𝟯. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲):
Instead of raising PhilHealth’s budget to accommodate greater
benefits, Congress doubled the Medical Assistance for Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) fund - from ₱24
billion to ₱49 billion. MAIFIP duplicates PhilHealth’s function and allows politicians to disburse assistance at their discretion. This revives the pork-barrel system under a new name and weakens PhilHealth - the agency designated by the UHC Act as the major payer for individual-based healthcare services in the country.

𝟰. 𝗘𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀:
Proposed House Bills No. 1316, 5364, 5207, and 5212 surreptitiously lower taxes on v***r products and suspended annual increases, reducing revenues for health programs and benefiting the industry’s interests over public welfare. This is clear evidence of legislators being influenced by strong market forces.

All of these actions form a coherent and deliberate pattern. Together, they reveal a system of political capture, transforming public health funds into instruments of patronage. This is not reform. It is the hijack of Universal Health Care for political self-interests.

𝗪𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿:
1. the addition of all previously diverted (₱𝟲𝟬 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰) and unappropriated funds (₱𝟮𝟱𝟱 𝗕 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯) to the legitimate PhilHealth budget of at least ₱𝟭𝟰𝟳 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, to fund additional PhilHealth benefits for all Filipinos;
2. the transfer of discretionary medical funds like MAIFIP to PhilHealth for funding of zero balance benefits for indigent patients;
3. rejection of v**e tax amendments that increase the number of smokers and v**ers and reduce health revenues; and
4. full disclosure and accountability in all congressional budget actions affecting UHC.

We also call on the Supreme Court to decide swiftly on cases challenging the 2024 fund diversion and the 2025 zero budget. Our people are suffering. Please hear their pleas for help.

𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲’𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁. 𝗜𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀.

Signed (as of 16 November 2025)
1. Philippine Medical Association (PMA)
2. Philippine College of Physicians (P*P)
3. Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS)
4. Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET)
5. Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives (PLGPMI)
6. Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA)
7. Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes (AIHO)
8. Asia-Oceania Research Organization on Gynecologic Infections and Neoplasia (AOGIN)
9. Asia-Pacific Center for Evidence-Based Health Care (APCEBH)
10. Child Neurology Society (CNS)
11. Kalusugan ng Mag-Ina (KMI)
12. ANG NARS
13. Pain Society of the Philippines
14. Pediatric Nephrology Society of the Philippines (PNSP)
15. Philippine Academic Society of Social and Community Medicine (PASCOM)
16. Philippine Academy for Head and Neck Surgery (PAHNSI)
17. Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP)
18. Philippine Academy of Occupational Therapists (PAOT)
19. Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO)
20. Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists (PAPP)
21. Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM)
22. Philippine Addiction Specialists Society (PASS)
23. Philippine Ambulatory Pediatrics Association (PAPA)
24. Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity (PSSOO)
25. Philippine Association of Medical Journal Editors (PAMJE)
26. Philippine Association of Nutrition (PAN)
27. Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS)
28. Philippine Association of Speech-Language Pathologists (PASP)
29. Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP)
30. Philippine College of Emergency Medicine (PCEM)
31. Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM)
32. Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM)
33. Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine (PCGM)
34. Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS)
35. Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Physicians Association
36. Philippine Heart Association (PHA)
37. Philippine Hospital Association
38. Philippine League Against Epilepsy
39. Philippine Lipid and Atherosclerosis Society (PLAS)
40. Philippine Neurological Association (PNA)
41. Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS)
42. Philippine Orthopaedic Association (POA)
43. Philippine Physical Therapy Association (PPTA)
44. Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA)
45. Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA)
46. Philippine Society Of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (PSO-HNS)
47. Philippine Society for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (PSCPC)
48. Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (PSCAP)
49. Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (PSDBP)
50. Philippine Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (PSGE)
51. Philippine Society for Literature and Narrative Medicine (PSLNM)
52. Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID)
53. Philippine Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (PSPGHAN)
54. Philippine Society for Reproductive Medicine (PSRM)
55. Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (PSAAI)
56. Philippine Society of Cardiovascular Catheterization and Interventions (PSCCI)
57. Philippine Society of Climacteric Medicine (PSCM)
58. Philippine Society of Clinical and Occupational Toxicology (PSCOT)
59. Philippine Society of Critical Care Medicine (PSCCM)
60. Philippine Society of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology (PSECP)
61. Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG)
62. Philippine Society of General Internal Medicine (PSGIM)
63. Philippine Society of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (PSHPM)
64. Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH)
65. Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO)
66. Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN)
67. Philippine Society of Pediatric Hematology (PSPH)
68. Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians (PSPHP)
69. Philippine Society of Reproductive Immunologists (PSRI)
70. Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAPI)
71. Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP)

Watch the video "Ihinto na ang Pag-Hijack sa Pondo ng PhilHealth!" here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GurGjznTp/

13/07/2025

The Philippine Addiction Specialists Society cordially invites all to the Basic Course Training on Motivational Interviewing this August 5-7, 2025 at the QCX Museum in Quezon City, Metro Manila! This engaging and hands-on workshop was organized by our dedicated PASS members, who are also esteemed members of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). Their expertise and passion ensure a rich and meaningful learning experience.

Designed to provide a solid foundation in the principles and spirit of Motivational Interviewing, the course emphasizes practical, real-world applications of the technique in your own work.

To register now, scan the QR Code in our poster, or visit tinyurl.com/PASSMI
Limited slots are on a first-come first-served basis - register now!

Registration fees for the workshop are as follows:
PHP 5,000.00 for Regular Fee; and
PHP 4,000.00 for PASS Members (20% discount)
**Please note that all participants must facilitate their own transportation and accommodations.

PASS is also planning to hold this same training course in Cebu in the coming months! Please follow our page to for further announcements soon!

For any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us through the following:
Email Address: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/addictionspecialists.phils

04/07/2025

As the Philippine Addiction Specialists Society, we stand in full support of Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña of 51 Akbayan Partylist call to curb the proliferation of E-Gambling billboards along EDSA. From an addiction specialists perspective, the normalization of gambling in our public spaces is not merely a matter of aesthetics—it poses a serious public health threat, especially to vulnerable populations who may be driven by desperation and socioeconomic stress to seek quick “wins.” We echo Rep. Cendaña’s warning: when opportunities for stable income and accessible social services are lacking, gambling becomes a dangerous coping mechanism rather than a harmless pastime.

We urge policymakers to recognize E-Gambling advertising as a systemic risk factor for the development and escalation of gambling disorders. Effective regulation of public marketing, coupled with robust treatment and prevention programs, must be part of a comprehensive strategy to protect Filipinos from the harms of gambling addiction.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://web.facebook.com/share/p/14HWW19JD7Z/

𝗖𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮ñ𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀: 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘-𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲

Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña criticized the unchecked rise of E-Gambling billboards along EDSA, which normalizes gambling in public spaces:

“Basic necessity na ba ngayon ang sugal? Hindi na pagkain o damit ang nasa naglalakihang billboard sa EDSA, pero E-Gambling na. Kaya’t hindi nakapagtatakang imbis na ipambili ng essential goods ang sahod, sa sugal ito napupunta,” said Rep. Cendaña.

Rep. Cendaña also emphasized that the rise of online gambling reflects a deeper socioeconomic neglect—where economic mobility is no longer anchored on public services, but on luck.

“When our people are starved of opportunities, desperation becomes the only currency. Kung may sapat na sahod, maayos na trabaho, at abot-kayang serbisyo, hindi na nila kailangang kumapit sa swerte," he said.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://www.akbayan.org.ph/news/933-akbayan-to-file-bill-regulating-e-gambling-curb-gambling-addiction

19/03/2025

Good day to our Facebook Followers!

We are happy to announce that the ISSUP website is now back online!
In light of this good news, we would like to share an article and an upcoming webinar!

Motivational Interviewing: A Pathway to Partnership in Care
In this article, Dr Goodman Sibeko reflects on how MI is more than just a technique—it is a transformative way of engaging with clients. Read the article here: https://www.issup.net/knowledge-share/resources/2025-03/motivational-interviewing-pathway-partnership-care

The Role of Family in Substance Use Prevention
On Thursday, March 27 at 10PM - 11PM, ISSUP Nigeria will host a free webinar covering how important the family is in substance use prevention. Although the context of this webinar is set in Nigeria, the discussions here will surely provoke thoughts on Filipino-centered techniques and insights as well.
To register for the webinar, please visit: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2654466706550934102

18/02/2025

PASS is a proud collaborator with the Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH)! We recognize and support its mission to improve the policies and services in our country that address our countrymen's mental health needs.

Mental health matters, and together, we can make a real impact! If you are already part of a relevant NGO, we encourage you to raise this opportunity to them. Your voice will surely be heard to ensure better mental health support for all Filipinos.

Strengthen Mental Health Together! 🤝

The Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH) Secretariat is calling on NGOs working in Mental Health, Neurologic, and Substance Use (MNS) to join us in shaping policies and programs that drive real change.

✅ Gain recognition as a key stakeholder
✅ Understand your rights & responsibilities in the sector
✅ Collaborate with government agencies & fellow NGOs
✅ Contribute to policy discussions & program development

Sign up now: https://bit.ly/PCMHxNGO

Sign up by: February 19, 2025

📩 Inquiries?
Contact: [email protected]

22/01/2025

Good day to our Facebook Followers!

ISSUP Nigeria is hosting a webinar on the importance of family in the prevention of substance use! It will be held this January 30, at 10PM Manila time with the theme "The Role of Family in Substance Use Prevention".
We recommend sharing and attending this webinar not only for us addiction professionals, but to your fellow community members who want to reduce drug use in your community.

For more information and to register for the event, please visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4704635877671096157

15/01/2025

29/11/2024

Interested in taking the ICAP examinations or renewing your ICAP credential?

The Global Centre for Credentialing and Certification (GCCC) will soon hold an in-person proctored exam for ICAP - Treatment in Manila this January 17, 2025! To register for the exam, visit: https://portal.globalccc.org/exam/apply/in-person

If you can't attend the in-person exam, be sure to take the online proctored exam for ICAP instead! For For more information and to register, please visit: https://portal.globalccc.org/exam/apply

The GCCC now also offers an online way to renew your ICAP credentials! Please note however that an account to GCCC's portal website (among others) is necessary. To renew your ICAP credentials now, please visit: https://portal.globalccc.org/

29/11/2024

The International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR) shall hold a webinar on December 11, 2024 at 8PM titled "Higher Education in Action: ITTCs Driving Evidence-Based Substance Use Practices Worldwide." The webinar will focus on the roles that universities as International Technology Transfer Centers (ITTCs) can play in connecting the science of substance use prevention and treatment with practice and policy.

While a number of Philippine universities are ICUDDR members, no networks have been established yet in the Philippines. This is an opportunity for our colleagues in the academe to learn about the impact that ICUDDR and ITTCs can make in the addiction field.

To register for the webinar, please visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwuduGrqD8vGNftLSipDzKrbE_4rVB5nPYJ #/

For more information on ITTCs, see: https://ittcnetwork.org/ITTC/

ICUDDR - The International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction