Photo credit: Bong Go

During the recent Senate plenary session on the proposed 2025 budget for the Department of Health (DOH), Senator Bong Go voiced concerns over the funding plans for Regional Specialty Centers, a key initiative aimed at providing Filipinos with easier access to specialized healthcare. With only PHP 3.5 billion proposed for 2025, Go warned that the allocated budget might be inadequate for the project’s ambitious goals.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go emphasized the importance of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, a law he helped push forward. This legislation is designed to ensure Filipinos across the country can access specialized medical care closer to home, without having to travel to Metro Manila.

“With this law, hindi na dapat kailanganing pumunta ng Maynila ang mga pasyente na may malulubhang karamdaman (patients with serious illnesses should no longer need to go to Manila),” Go explained, highlighting the potential of these centers to bridge healthcare gaps by setting up specialty care within existing DOH hospitals across the country.

However, Go noted that the PHP 3.5 billion budget for 2025 falls far short of the previous PHP 11 billion allocated in 2024. He expressed concern about the decreased funding, especially when the government has committed to improving healthcare. "Bakit bumaba from PHP 11 billion sa 2024, naging PHP 3.5 billion (sa 2025) kung importante po itong specialty centers at kaya nga po isinabatas natin ito?” Go asked, questioning the budget reduction.

Senator Pia Cayetano, who was presenting the health budget, explained that the cut was due to ongoing construction supported by the previous year’s budget, which is still being utilized. She added that around 172 out of 349 designated centers are operational, while others are in various stages of development. Cayetano also mentioned that additional funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for equipment is awaiting approval from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Go acknowledged Cayetano’s phased approach but pressed that continued monitoring is essential. “Importante po rito that we are on track, ‘no? At hindi maging white elephant po ito,” Go said, underscoring the importance of ensuring that these specialty centers don’t end up underused or neglected.

In his closing remarks, Go reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for sufficient resources to fully implement the Regional Specialty Centers Act. His priority remains clear: accessible, quality healthcare for all Filipinos—wherever they may live.