Senators and members of the Congress faced criticism after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos approved the 2025 National Budget on December 30, 2024.
The National Budget included the zero subsidy for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
According to the officials who pushed for the zero-subsidy, PhilHealth would still function without additional government funding, as the agency had P600-B reserve funds.
Meanwhile, those who were not in favor of the zero subsidy for PhilHealth insisted that it would affect the marginalized sector who were also relying on the benefits of the agency.
Here are the senators and congressmen who signed the zero subsidy for PhilHealth:
- Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero
- Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito
- Francis “Tol” Tolentino
- Jinggoy Estrada
- Grace Poe
- Win Gatchalian
- Elizaldy Co
- Stella Quimbo
- Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr.
- David “Jay-Jay” Suarez
- Manuel Jose Dalipe
- Jude Acidre
- Neptali Gonzales
- Joboy Aquino II
- Raul Angelo Bongalon
- Romeo Acop
- Eleandro Jesus Madrona
Senators and congressmen who refuse to sign the zero subsidy for PhilHealth:
- Risa Hontiveros
- Imee Marcos
- Joel Villanueva
- Juan Miguel Zubiri
- Mark Villar
- Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel
- Bong Go
- Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa
- Michael John Duavit