Medical Action Group

28/07/2026

No more zero-budget betrayal

Today, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. will deliver his fifth and penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA). Afterwards, he will turn over the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Congress. A group of petitioners who filed a Supreme Court case against the zero-budget allocation to the Phi...

09/07/2026

Joint Statement of Human Rights and Different Organizations
8 July 2026

Title: Right to Health for All

We, the undersigned human rights, health, and civil society organizations, express our deep concern about proposals to provide improved PhilHealth benefits only to members who pay premiums directly.

Health is not a reward for those who can afford to pay. It is a fundamental human right that belongs to every Filipino simply by virtue of being human.

Human rights are universal. They do not depend on a person's income, employment, age, disability, or social status. No one should receive less protection or lower-quality health care because they are poor, unemployed, elderly, or living with a disability.

The Philippine Constitution recognizes the right to health and places a clear obligation on the State to ensure health services are available, accessible, and affordable for all, with special attention to the most vulnerable. This commitment is strengthened by the Universal Health Care Act, which seeks to ensure that every Filipino receives quality health care without incurring financial hardship.

The government's duty is not only to provide health services but also to ensure they are delivered fairly, equally, and without discrimination. A Universal Health Care system that offers different levels of benefits based on a person's ability to pay runs counter to the principles of equality, social justice, and human dignity.

Universal Health Care is grounded in equity and justice. Those with greater means help support those with fewer resources so that everyone can enjoy the same level of protection. This is not charity—it is a shared responsibility and a recognition that health is a public good and a human right.

Indirect contributors are not receiving special favours. They are workers, farmers, fisherfolk, senior citizens, people with disabilities, carers, members of the informal sector, and millions of Filipinos who contribute their labor to society every day. They also pay taxes and help build our nation's economy. They deserve equal respect and equal access to health care.

We therefore call on the government to fulfil its constitutional and legal obligations by safeguarding the universal nature of PhilHealth benefits and fully implementing the Universal Health Care Act in an equitable, inclusive, and non-discriminatory manner.

A just society does not measure the value of a person's life by how much they can pay. Health is a human right.

Universal Health Care must serve every Filipino equally.

No one should be left behind.

Signed,

1. Medical Action Group (MAG)
2. Philippine Alliance Human Rights Advocates PAHRA
3. Philippines Human Rights Information Center (PhilRights)
4. Human Rights Online Philippines (HRonlinePH)
5. Ex-Political Detainees Initiative (XDI)
6. Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP)
7. Sectoral Transparency Alliance on Natural Resource Governance in Cebu (STANCe)
8. Alliance of Tri-People for the Advancement of Human Rights (ALTAHR)

08/07/2026

Universal Health Care is built on social solidarity not on rewarding those who can pay and excluding those who cannot.

𝗔𝗘𝗥 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝐢𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝐢𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝝞𝗽𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘁𝝾’𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝐢𝝾𝗻 𝝾𝗳 𝗨𝗻𝐢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝝞 𝝜𝗲𝗮𝝞𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲

Action for Economic Reforms (AER) expresses its strong objection to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto’s policy to expand PhilHealth benefits EXCLUSIVELY for "paying" direct contributors.

While we wholeheartedly support the increase and expansion of PhilHealth benefits, subject to a health and technology assessment, such benefits must be accorded to ALL PhilHealth members.

Having two tiers of benefits, which Executive Secretary Recto wants, creates first-class and second-class citizens. It is very discriminatory and very regressive.

For a public good like universal health care, excluding a large segment of the population from benefits enjoyed only by those with the ability to pay violates the Constitutional Right to Health and the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. A fundamental feature of the right to health is ensuring that everyone, regardless of class or income stratum, has access to the same benefits from UHC.

Those with the ability to pay are mandated by law to finance the health care not only of themselves and their families but of all citizens. This is in line with the principle of social solidarity in healthcare.

The Constitution and the UHC Act eschew discrimination and a hierarchy of rights. All rights, including the right to health are equal for all citizens.

Executive Secretary Recto must be called out for violating this fundamental law.

In a Presidential Communications Office (PCO) release, Recto belittles indirect contributors (indigents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities) by framing them as freeloaders who are winners because their care is "libre" and “not paying” their premiums. He stated:
“So kung nagbayad ka (paying member) ng P50,000 to P60,000, ang indigent ay libre. Walang bayad. On the average, P30,000 dapat ang bayad, pero indigent ka, wala kang binayaran. So panalo ka. Kaya alam ko, yung mga nagbabayad, dapat taasan natin ang PhilHealth benefits.”

Under Article XIII, Section 11 of the Philippine Constitution, the State is mandated to implement a non-discriminatory approach to healthcare, explicitly dictating that "The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the under-privileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children."

This constitutional mandate is reinforced by Section 2 of the UHC Act, which explicitly states that the State must provide “all Filipinos access to a comprehensive set of quality and cost-effective, promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services without causing financial hardship,” and must prioritize “the needs of the population who cannot afford such services.”

The UHC Act is a social contract, and universal health coverage is built on social solidarity—a system where the healthy subsidize the sick, and those who earn more subsidize those who earn less.

Furthermore, society does not owe a debt of charity to indirect contributors; they are productive and likewise form the backbone of our economy. They pay consumption taxes like VAT on everything they buy, generating the value that sustains the nation. They do not contribute less to society, and they must not receive less care from their government.

We remind Executive Secretary Recto that the UHC Act reclassified and simplified the membership of PhilHealth to “direct” and “indirect” contributors—the latter precisely highlighting their indirect financial contribution to social health insurance.

Executive Secretary Recto has again demonstrated his utter disregard for those who do not have the capacity to pay and his ongoing distortion of the UHC framework: First, the PhilHealth fund transfer Scheme: As Finance Secretary, Recto was instrumental in the siphoning of PhP 89.9 billion in PhilHealth funds to finance other government projects that could otherwise be funded by the Department of Health budget, claiming these were merely "unused subsidies" for indirect contributors. The Filipino people are deeply grateful to the Supreme Court for its December 2025 decision, which declared the transfer void, and ordered the return of the PhP 60 billion to PhilHealth. Second, the discrimination in benefits: After the attempt to take away the funds owned by the PhilHealth members, Recto’s words divide the nation by creating a system that favors those that pay over vulnerable sectors.

If the Executive Secretary genuinely wants to raise benefits for direct contributors, the solution is to stop the consistent defunding of PhilHealth and increase PhilHealth benefits for all.

If the government fully gives the legally mandated funds for the implementation of the UHC Act, such as the premium due to all indirect contributors, then PhilHealth can expand benefits for all Filipinos, not just for those who have the capacity to pay.

29/06/2026

Justice Must Heal, Not Just Punish

Violence doesn’t start with children—it’s imitated from the world around them. When leaders glorify killings, make sexist remarks, or joke about r**e without consequences, they send the wrong message especially to young people that violence is normal and even acceptable. Over time, this weakens empathy, erodes respect for life, and puts children and communities in danger.

The recent school shooting in Tacloban City, which killed three students and injured others, is a painful reminder of this reality. In the same week, two stabbing incidents were reported in Cavite schools. These are not isolated cases. They are warning signs that demand urgent action.

The Medical Action Group (MAG) extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and prays for the recovery of those injured. We stand with the affected schools and communities as they face grief and fear.

“We mourn not only the children whose lives were taken, but also the loss of safety and trust that every child deserves. Every act of violence involving children is a call not only for accountability, but also for healing, protection, and prevention,” said Dr. Nemuel Fajutagana.

MAG sees these tragedies not just as crimes, but as public health and child protection issues. Violence among young people often stems from bullying, trauma, isolation, untreated mental health problems, family struggles, and harmful social influences. Ignoring these warning signs can have devastating consequences.

Some have called for lowering the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR). But punishment alone will not solve the problem. Children change more through rehabilitation, counseling, education, and family support than through jail time, which only makes them more vulnerable.

What we urgently need are stronger measures against bullying, better mental health services, conflict-resolution programs, safer schools, and stricter control of fi****ms. Schools must be safe spaces where children can learn and grow without fear.

“Lowering the MACR may look like a quick fix, but punishment cannot heal trauma, stop bullying, or strengthen families. We cannot punish our way out of a problem that requires prevention, care, and support,” Dr. Fajutagana emphasized.

Accountability is still essential. Those responsible must face justice, and authorities must investigate how minors gained access to fi****ms. Children should never have easy access to deadly weapons.

MAG also calls on government agencies and local governments to strengthen community-based programs that help at-risk children. These programs can guide young people away from harmful behavior and toward becoming productive members of society. Prevention and rehabilitation are investments in public safety.

We also urge the public and media to respect the dignity and privacy of all children involved whether victims, witnesses, or suspects. Sensational reporting can cause further harm and hinder recovery of those badly affected.

Justice and compassion must go hand in hand. As the nation grieves, MAG calls on schools, families, communities, and government institutions to reject the normalization of violence and build a culture of peace, accountability, and child protection. Greater investments in school safety, mental health services, violence prevention, firearm regulation, and community support are urgently needed.

“The true measure of justice is not how harshly we punish, but how effectively we protect children, heal communities, and prevent violence from happening again. Let this tragedy move us beyond grief toward meaningful action that safeguards every child’s right to live, learn, and grow in safety,” Dr. Fajutagana concluded.

Contact Person:

Ms. Edeliza P. Hernandez, RN
Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (+632) 330.3171

22/06/2026

MAG and UHC Collective statement on ES Recto asking for increased PHIC benefits for direct members:

Recto proposal will worsen the plight of the poorest in health and could violate health human rights of all as defined by SC
Executive Secretary Recto is directly challenging the SC decision on the transfer of PHIC funds issued last December by proposing a different health benefit for direct members and leaving out the indirect members. To quote the Supreme Court decision (page 107, Dec. 5. 2025): “Special Provision 1(d) of the 2024 GAA and DoF Circular No. 003-2024 infringed the people’s right to health and right to an affordable, sustainable, and accessible public healthcare insurance.”

By increasing benefits for one sector alone Recto will violate the people’s right to health again:

The SC stated “Indeed; Article XIII, Section 11 of the Constitution holds this facet of the right to health as a prime goal, and specifically mandates the State to endeavor to make health services available to all at affordable costs. As the right to have affordable and accessible healthcare for all has been raised to the level of constitutional or fundamental right, it has become a core content or the minimum standard of the right to health.”

UHCA as a Social Contract

The Universal Health Care Act is simply a social contract (kasunduan ng gobyerno at mamamayan) that binds government to provide affordable and accessible healthcare for all, not just a few. It is founded on the principle of solidarity (pagkakapit-bisig) where the poor are supported by those with means (may-kaya) and those who are sick are given access to healthcare that are not being used by those who are well and healthy.

Even the poor contribute their share when they pay EVAT and sin taxes, and the well off share a portion of their income through PHIC contributions. How will Recto calculate the contribution of the poor and indirect members?

By allowing population health to improve by attending to those who are sick, community health rises and health outcomes improve. If resources in health are spent efficiently and effectively, the health system will be ready for future health events for those who are not sick today.

The poor have not fared well in terms of health
Under this administration, the poor have been paying more for their health than the richest, as shown in the 2025 Philippine National Health Accounts released last week by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Tables 25-27 show that from 2023 to 2025 the poorest quintile’s expenditure for health increased by over 40% (from P208.993b in 2023 to P351.130b in 2025).

On the other hand, the richest quintile’s expenditure increased by only 24% (from P389.314b in 2023 to P517.092b in 2025).
This administration’s record has led to the poor spending more for their own health during its reign and yet wants to give more benefits for the richer segment of the population to gain popularity or pogi points. By challenging the ruling of the Supreme Court, this administration risks violating our health human rights again.

Statement by Dr Juan Antonio Perez III, MD, MPH
With Medical Action Group and Universal Health Care Collective

June 20, 2026
[email protected]

02/06/2026

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]

MAG Calls for Audit of MAIFIP to Protect Universal Health Care

Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines — The Medical Action Group (MAG), a health and human rights organization, expressed serious concern over the ₱51 billion allocation for the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) in the 2026 national budget. MAG warned that the program, in its current form, risks being shaped by political influence and favoritism, rather than serving as a genuine health safety net for the poor and marginalized.

MAG emphasized that MAIFIP has increasingly resembled a discretionary mechanism vulnerable to patronage and accommodation. Instead of guaranteeing equitable access, it risks undermining the very objectives of Universal Health Care (UHC). To safeguard fairness and integrity, MAG called for a full and independent audit by a third party body, with civil society participation, to ensure transparency, accountability, and a clear preferential option for the poor.

Dr. Juan Perez III, former MAG Co Chair and health policy expert, underscored the urgency of protecting public health financing from political interference and said that: “MAIFIP must be protected from political influence if it is to serve its intended purpose under Universal Health Care. Public health financing should be transparent, accountable, and strictly needs based, ensuring that assistance reaches the poorest and most vulnerable without discretion or political intervention.”

MAG further stressed that health assistance must be rights based, not politically mediated. The organization urged policymakers to align and integrate MAIFIP fully under the UHC law to avoid duplication and misuse. While welcoming the inclusion of an “anti epal” provision in the 2026 budget, MAG highlighted the need for clear implementing rules and strong enforcement mechanisms to prevent political exploitation.

To ensure sustainability and equity, MAG recommended that MAIFIP be phased out by 2028, with resources consolidated under UHC. This would guarantee that public health programs deliver transparent, equitable, and dignified access to services, free from political control.

“Health is a human right, not a political favor,” Dr. Perez added. “Public health programs must prioritize the poor and ensure that services are delivered fairly, transparently, and without political interference.”

Contact Person:

Ms. Edeliza P. Hernandez, RN
Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (+632) 454.7513

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18/05/2026

📷DokNet Billones

15/05/2026

📷DokNet Billones

27/04/2026

No Peace Without Justice!

Medical Action Group Solidarity Statement for Those Killed in Negros Occidental

The Medical Action Group (MAG), a health and human rights organization, expresses deep concern over the recent military operation in Toboso, Negros Occidental conducted by the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, resulting in the deaths of 19 individuals, including University of the Philippines student Alyssa Alano and community journalist RJ Ledesma.

MAG recognizes the responsibility of the state security forces to maintain peace and security, especially in areas affected by armed conflict. But MAG emphasizes that these efforts must always respect human rights, civilian safety, and humanitarian law. Security and rights are not opposing goals but rather they must go hand in hand to build a long and lasting peace.

This incident is a tragedy for the families of those who died and a reminder of the risks faced by students, journalists, and health workers. Their loss calls for urgent answers. MAG joins civil society groups and institutions in urging a transparent, impartial, and independent investigation to clarify what truly transpired, ensure accountability, and prevent further harm.

Excessive force, red tagging, and disregard for civilian protection undermine both security and public confidence. Protecting communities means safeguarding lives while pursuing peace. The deaths of Alano and Ledesma highlight the need to guarantee that noncombatants such as students, journalists, and even health professional are shielded from violence and attack.

The Medical Action Group stands in solidarity with the families of the victims, the communities of Negros, and organizations and individuals who continue to demand justice and accountability. “We all grieve with the families and communities who lost loved ones. Their pain is our collective pain, and their call for truth is our call for justice. No peace is possible without justice.” MAG Chairperson Dr. Nemuel Fajutagana said.

MAG reiterates that peace and security should never come at the cost of innocent lives. Every Filipino deserves to live safely, with dignity, and without fear. The families of those who died deserve clear answers, and our communities deserve justice. No peace is possible without justice, and accountability is the only way to rebuild trust and ensure this does not happen again.

18/04/2026

Yakap sa mga Bilanggo

The Medical Action Group (MAG), in partnership with PhilHealth, has formalized an agreement to expand healthcare access for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) on April 17, 2026.

This agreement supports PhilHealth enrollment and the accreditation of healthcare providers under the Yakap Program to ensure inclusive, accessible, and rights-based health services within detention facilities

Together, we move closer to a system where no one is left behind, even those behind bars.