Manila: A Senate measure is pushing for the establishment of a PHP10 billion Cancer Medicine and Treatment Assistance Fund that will cover the cost of treatment for indigent Filipinos. Under Senate Bill No. 1057 filed by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, the fund will help cover the costs of cancer diagnostics, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and maintenance medicines.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program will be administered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) through its accredited government hospitals in every congressional district. This ensures that proper assistance reaches patients in their communities. The fund will specifically benefit indigent and underprivileged cancer patients, to be identified by PhilHealth in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

To ensure transparency and fairness, the measure mandates clear eligibility guidelines, a streamlined application process, and regular audits to safeguard public funds. It also requires that the fund be sustained annually through the national budget. In a news release Friday, Estrada highlighted the financial burden of cancer treatment, which often drives Filipinos into debt.

Estrada stated, "Through this measure, they can be assured of immediate assistance for the treatment of their loved ones. They will have hopes for survival because they have provisions for medical expenses." He emphasized the importance of providing every Filipino, regardless of income, a chance at survival and recovery, stating that cancer should not be a death sentence for the poor.