Go calls for tighter oversight of health funds in New Year message

Bong Go marked the New Year with a renewed call for stricter oversight of public health funds, stressing that government resources must directly benefit patients—especially the poor and financially incapacitated.

In a New Year message, Go said his priority for 2026 is ensuring that health funds translate into actual patient care rather than being stalled by inefficiencies or bureaucracy.

“Ang pinakamagandang regalo sa bagong taon para sa mga Pilipino ay ang masigurong ang pondo para sa kalusugan ay tunay na napapakinabangan,” Go said. “Pera po ito ng taumbayan, kaya dapat siguruhing nagagamit ito nang tama at naaayon sa layunin nito.”

“Wishing everyone a happy, healthy new year!,” he added.

Go reiterated his support for policies aimed at easing the financial burden of illness, particularly through the sustained implementation of the Malasakit Centers Law, which he authored. He emphasized the need to ensure that Malasakit Centers operate smoothly and without delays.

“Kapag maayos ang takbo ng Malasakit Center, mas nababawasan ang iniisip ng pasyente pagdating sa bayarin,” Go said. “Kaya mahalaga ang maayos na pagpapatupad at pagbabantay dito.”

There are currently 167 Malasakit Centers operating nationwide, which the Department of Health said have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos.

The senator also called for the full utilization of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation funds, warning against leaving health resources unused while patients struggle with medical costs.

“Hindi dapat pahirap sa nagkakasakit dahil may pondong hindi nagagamit,” Go said. “Responsibilidad ng mga ahensya na siguraduhing napapakinabangan ito ng lahat dahil bawat Pilipino ay dapat miyembro ng Philhealth.”

Go added that bringing healthcare services closer to communities—especially in underserved areas—remains a key priority to prevent illnesses from worsening.

“Kung mailalapit ang serbisyo sa tao, mas maaga maaagapan ang karamdaman at mas maiiwasan ang malalang sakit,” he said.

He concluded by expressing hope that 2026 would bring stronger accountability in the use of public health funds, ensuring that resources are felt where they matter most.