Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has called for a Senate inquiry into the sharp rise in HIV cases in the Philippines, warning of a looming public health crisis.
Citing Department of Health (DOH) data, Estrada noted a 50% increase in new HIV cases compared to last year, with an average of 57 new infections reported daily in the first quarter of 2025.
Particularly troubling is the surge among younger age groups, including a 133% rise in cases among those under 15 and a 106% increase among 15–24-year-olds. The youngest case was a 12-year-old from Palawan.
As of March 2025, the country has recorded 148,831 HIV cases since 1984, with projections suggesting the number could reach over 250,000 by year’s end. The Philippines now has the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Western Pacific Region.
In Senate Resolution No. 1370, Estrada urged the Senate Committee on Health and Demography to lead a comprehensive review of current HIV prevention, treatment, and education policies.
“Current policies meant to educate the public about HIV and prevent its spread need to be regularly reviewed to make sure they’re being implemented effectively. HIV continues to pose serious risks to people’s health, and the government must act quickly — especially by ensuring that medicines are readily available and accessible — to help stop the virus from spreading even further,” he said.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has also called for a whole-of-government response to address the crisis.IMT
