Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced an increase in maternity benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to help Filipino mothers cope with the rising cost of childbirth.

“Maraming ina ang nanganganak na walang doktor. Hindi dahil ayaw nila ng tamang pang-aalaga, kundi dahil hindi nila kaya ang paggastos. Ito ang nais nating baguhin,” Marcos said in a video statement posted on his official Facebook page.

Under the directive, PhilHealth will expand and increase maternity benefits starting 30 April 2026.

“Para sa normal na delivery sa ospital, mula P9,750, magiging P29,000 na ang sasagutin. Para naman sa cesarean section, mula P37,000 ay magiging P58,000 hanggang P62,000 na,” he said.

He added that mothers giving birth may also avail of zero-balance billing if admitted to the ward section of a government hospital.

“Pinalawak din ang prenatal care mula apat na check-up, magiging walo na ang sasagutin ng PhilHealth, kasama na ang mga bakuna at saka laboratory tests. At pagkatapos naman manganak, may tatlong follow-up visit na sakop na rin,” he said.

Marcos said the measure aims to ensure that Filipino mothers can give birth safely without worrying about hospital expenses.

“Simple lamang ang ating layunin, nais natin na matiyak na ang bawat ina ay makakapagpanganak nang ligtas at hindi nag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng pambayad. Nais natin na walang buhay ang malalagay sa panganib dahil lamang sa kakulangan ng pera,” he added.