28/07/2026
No more GL. Wonderful!
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: President Ferdinand "BBM" Marcos, Jr. unveiled a series of major healthcare reforms during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), including the removal of the guarantee letter (GL) requirement for government medical assistance, the expansion of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHILHEALTH) benefits, and plans to establish a Virology and Vaccine Institute in the country.
The President announced that Filipinos seeking assistance under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program (MAIFIPP) of the Department of Health (DOH) will no longer need endorsements or GL from government officials or politicians. Under the newly launched e-MAIFIPP system, applications may now be submitted online through the eGovPH app or directly at DOH hospitals.
PBBM said applicants will now be required to submit only two requirements, as part of the government's effort to make the process of obtaining medical assistance faster, simpler, and more transparent.
The President also emphasized that the digitalization of MAIFIPP would put an end to the long-standing practice associated with patronage politics, where many patients had to seek guarantee letters from politicians before receiving medical assistance.
According to PBBM, more than 56 million Filipinos have already downloaded and are using the eGovPH app, which now serves as a central platform for easier access to various government services, including e-MAIFIPP. To date, the MAIFIPP program has already provided medical assistance to more than 8 million patients.
Alongside these reforms, the President also announced the expansion of PHILHEALTH benefits for children with developmental disabilities. The enhanced package includes doubled coverage for consultations and therapy, as well as an increase in the number of PHILHEALTH -covered therapy sessions from 90 to 150.
In addition to the expanded health insurance benefits, PBBM said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide additional financial assistance through “Project Aruga” to further support families caring for children with special developmental needs.
The President also shared that the number of families benefiting from PHILHEALTH programs has increased from more than 5 million in 2022 to over 7.5 million today. He attributed the growth to the administration's intensified membership campaign, streamlined registration process, and faster reimbursement of claims to hospitals and healthcare providers.
PBBM likewise highlighted the implementation of the “Zero Balance Billing Program” in DOH hospitals, which was first announced in 2025. He said nearly 3 million Filipinos have already benefited from the program, which covers basic accommodation services for qualified patients.
As part of the country's long-term strategy to strengthen public health preparedness against future disease outbreaks, the President also announced plans to establish the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines. The institute is expected to enhance the country's capabilities in virology research, vaccine development, and response to emerging infectious diseases.
Accordingly, these initiatives form part of a broader effort to make healthcare services more accessible, efficient, and equitable for all Filipinos, while reducing bureaucratic processes and expanding the use of digital technology in the delivery of government services.
*The Tagalog version can be read in the comment section.
