Go: Stop politicizing health services

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday, 3 June, urged health officials not to politicize the government's medical assistance and health services.

This comes amid concerns raised by the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines over delayed payments under the Medical Assistance to Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program — allegedly due to the electoral defeat of some politicians who previously endorsed such medical aid.

“Why mix politics with helping our fellow Filipinos? My reminder to the Department of Health is this: do not use medical assistance for political purposes,” said Go.

As a long-time advocate of health reforms, Go reiterated that healthcare is a fundamental right, and that government health funds must directly benefit Filipinos in need.

“It is the right of every Filipino. That’s public money,” he emphasized.

The senator from Davao City also criticized the tendency of concerned agencies to pass blame on each other. “DBM, maybe you can answer this. Let’s not play ping-pong with the blame,” Go said in Filipino.

During a previous hearing, the Department of Health (DOH) reported a total MAIFIP allocation of PhP 41 billion under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Go, known as “Mr. Malasakit,” has consistently stressed that indigent patients should not suffer from bureaucratic delays. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, he has prioritized the delivery of accessible and affordable healthcare services for all Filipinos.

“Health is equivalent to the life of every Filipino,” Go said, adding that he remains committed to pushing for pro-poor legislation, especially in healthcare, during his second term as a lawmaker.

Tuesday’s hearing was the first chaired by Go following the midterm elections and came a day after the Senate resumed session.

“Elections are over. Politics should end. It’s time to get to work,” he said.