MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) has proposed attaching a special provision to the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program in the 2026 budget, directing most or additional funds toward expanding the zero-balance billing policy to local government unit (LGU) hospitals. This comes amid controversy over the bicameral conference committee’s approval of a P51 billion allocation for MAIFIP—up from P42 billion in 2025 and higher than the executive’s P24.23 billion proposal—criticized as a potential “health pork barrel” reliant on political guarantee letters.
DOH Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo clarified on December 15, 2025, that while the department supports aid for indigent patients, MAIFIP’s current model (requiring documentation and often politician endorsements) is less efficient than direct hospital funding. “Any additional funds would be directed instead to expanding the zero-balance billing to LGU hospitals,” Domingo said, noting this would cover more patients without intermediaries, aligning with Universal Health Care (UHC) goals where PhilHealth is the primary payor.
The proposal aims to extend zero-balance billing—currently in DOH-run hospitals (no out-of-pocket for ward accommodation)—to Level 2 and 3 LGU facilities handling serious cases. This addresses gaps in provinces without DOH hospitals, reducing patient burdens like traveling for aid or begging for letters.
Context: Budget Hike and Backlash
The bicam’s P51 billion approval (House pushed from Senate’s P29 billion) drew fire from critics like Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who called MAIFIP a “violation of human dignity” for forcing the poor to seek political favors. Progressive groups echoed concerns of patronage, especially with defunded programs like AKAP and TUPAD lumped as “pork.”
Palace and House defenders argue cuts would harm 1.1 million beneficiaries, with funds going directly to hospitals (not politicians) under the provision. DOH’s realignment pitch seeks efficiency: “Redirecting ensures faster, broader coverage without old models’ requirements.”
As bicam deliberations continue, the proposal tests balancing immediate aid with systemic reform—turning controversial funds into direct, dignified healthcare access.
MAIFIP Budget Evolution (2026):
| Version/Source | Amount (P Billion) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NEP (Executive) | 24.23 | Baseline |
| Senate | 29 | Reduced |
| House | 49.2 | Pushed restoration |
| Bicam Approved | 51 | Amid patronage concerns |
| DOH Proposal | Redirect majority/additional to zero-balance in LGUs | Special provision for efficiency |