Department of Health (DoH) Secretary Ted Herbosa clarified Wednesday that politicians can no longer use government funds to back personal “guarantee letters” for hospital bills, citing new anti-patronage provisions in the 2026 national budget.

The move addresses long-standing concerns that the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program was being used by officials to advance political interests.

Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, public officials are prohibited from participating in the distribution of financial aid.

Herbosa explained that while constituents may still seek help from elected leaders, any financial pledges made via guarantee letters must be funded by the officials themselves, not the Department of Health.

“Do they need a guarantee letter from them to get assistance? No,” Herbosa said. “They can go straight to the Department of Health. If they are qualified and we have the funds, we will provide them.”

The DoH is currently drafting new implementing rules to align with the 2026 budget. Herbosa expects the new guidelines to be finalized by mid-February. Until then, the program will operate under 2025 protocols.

Under the agency’s “zero-balance billing” policy, indigent patients in basic ward accommodations at DoH-run hospitals are not required to pay for services, medicines or professional fees.

Herbosa noted that the DoH has allocated P1 billion to expand this program to more local government unit hospitals, prioritizing provinces like Sarangani, Laguna and Aklan.

“The senator can guarantee, but they will pay for it. It cannot come from the GAA,” Herbosa said. “When he guarantees, he will look for the money.”

Herbosa also dismissed rumors of his impending replacement, stating he continues to serve at the pleasure of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to improve the national health care system.