Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called for a stronger rollout of mental health programs following a sharp rise in suicide cases in Metro Manila.
Data from the National Capital Region Police Office showed 111 suicide cases from January 1 to March 23, 2026, nearly triple the 38 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Gatchalian stressed the need to expand support systems to protect vulnerable Filipinos.
“Sa gitna ng patuloy na pagdami ng mga kaso ng suicide sa bansa, mahalagang patatagin natin ang mga programang magtataguyod sa kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na pagdating sa mental health,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that P742.6 million has been allocated under the 2026 national budget to fund programs under the Mental Health Act of 2018, but emphasized that stronger implementation is needed to address the crisis.IMT
