Manila: Malaca±ang announced on Monday that the proposed increase in funding for the Medical Assistance for Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) is designed to expand zero balance billing and enhance access to healthcare services, particularly in local government unit (LGU) hospitals.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the Department of Health (DOH) is advocating for an increased MAIFIP budget to better meet zero balance billing requirements, including in hospitals that do not fall directly under the DOH's jurisdiction.

In a press briefing, Castro emphasized, "May mga ospital po dito na hindi po kaugnay ng DOH hospitals at nais pong palawakin pa ang serbisyo sa ating mga mamamayan sa pamamagitan po ng pagbibigay din po ng zero balance billing sa LGU hospitals (There are hospitals that are not affiliated with DOH hospitals, and the aim is to further expand services to our people by also providing zero balance billing in LGU hospitals)."

Castro assured that the funds will bypass politicians, addressing concerns from various groups and individuals that the program might undermine human dignity.

When questioned about the possibility of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vetoing the proposed budget increase, Castro clarified that the matter does not involve political discretion. "Didiretso po ito sa local government units, sa LGU hospitals, at ang magpapatupad din po nito ay DOH (It will go directly to the local government units, to LGU hospitals, and the DOH will also be the one implementing it)," she added.

The proposed 2026 national budget outlines an increase in MAIFIP funding from PHP24.23 billion to PHP51.6 billion. The Palace highlighted that this budget augmentation aims to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure that indigent and financially incapacitated patients receive necessary medical assistance without a financial burden.