Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that the new guidelines on the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Persons (MAIFIP) will provide clarity—not confusion—and genuinely make it easier for patients to access financial aid.
Hontiveros said the revised rules must end patronage politics as required by the 2026 budget and clearly spell out the process and requirements for assistance.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, she stressed that patients should no longer go office to office seeking guarantee letters (GLs) from politicians just to get treatment.
The senator also emphasized that reforms in the 2026 budget, including the “anti-epal” provision, should continue beyond one fiscal year.
Hontiveros said she is ready to interpellate Senate Bill No. 1593 or the proposed Universal Health Care Medical Assistance Program (UHC MAP), which will provide direct financial aid to hospitals and patients.
Under the proposal, patients would apply through hospital medical social workers and receive assistance within 72 hours, without political intervention.
“Tuldukan na natin ang panlilimos para sa GL,” Hontiveros said, adding that medical aid should be given directly, fairly, and without conditions.IMT
