Senator Risa Hontiveros has urged Congress to realign part of the proposed P255 billion flood control budget for 2026 to address the 90,375-bed gap in public hospitals.
The DOH reported that only 28,153 hospital beds are available nationwide, far below the mandated 118,528.
Hontiveros, chair of the Senate health panel, said funds would be better spent on health facilities than on questionable flood control projects.
She noted that Malacañang has allowed realignment of funds to DOH programs such as the Health Facilities Enhancement Program, medicine supply, and medical aid for indigent patients.
Hontiveros stressed the need for 90,000 additional hospital beds with equipment and staff, saying patients should no longer be forced to share beds.
She also vowed to work with fellow senators to ensure bigger health allocations in the 2026 budget.IMT
