The bicameral conference committee approved an additional P16.52 billion in the 2026 budget to fully cover the Sin Tax earmarking deficit for PhilHealth, following the push of Senator Pia Cayetano.
Cayetano said the Sin Tax allocation for PhilHealth in 2026 should total P69.78 billion, but only P53.26 billion was included in the National Expenditure Program, leaving a P16.52-billion shortfall that she consistently flagged during budget deliberations.
She stressed that funding the deficit is a matter of legal compliance and vital to universal health care, while noting that sin tax arrears from previous years remain unpaid.
The senator said the added funds will help protect PhilHealth’s financial stability, ensure continuity of benefits, and support zero balance billing, reaffirming Congress’ commitment to fund health as mandated by law.
“The Sin Tax law is unequivocal. These revenues are earmarked for health,” added Cayetano.IMT
