SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed deep concern over the tragic death of a man in Rosario, Cavite, which has sparked discussions about the state of the country’s healthcare system.
The victim, who reportedly experienced severe pain, was found lifeless on the side of the road after leaving a nearby clinic without being examined.
Initial investigations on Thursday, January 2 revealed that the victim had boarded a mini-bus from Cavite City heading toward Rosario. The bus driver, noticing the man in distress, dropped him off near the municipal hall so he could seek medical attention at a nearby clinic. However, the man quickly left without consulting a doctor and was later discovered lifeless by the roadside.
The incident has drawn criticism from netizens, many of whom blamed the country’s healthcare system. Several comments highlighted that poor Filipinos often hesitate to seek hospital care due to the fear of overwhelming medical expenses.
Senator Go, who has been a vocal advocate for accessible healthcare, lamented the loss of life and called for immediate action to address systemic issues.
“Hindi dapat mangyari na ang isang Pilipino ay mawalan ng buhay dahil hindi niya nakuha ang kinakailangang atensyong medikal. Quality healthcare is not a privilege for only a few—it is a basic right that must be available to all, especially the poor who need it most,” Senator Go said.
It can be recalled that concerns over the state of healthcare have also been heightened by reports that PhilHealth holds substantial reserve funds, reportedly amounting to over PhP 500 billion, while many indigent patients struggle with inadequate benefits. These issues have prompted some legislators to propose a zero-budget subsidy for PhilHealth next year.
For his part, Senator Go, as a crusader for health reforms, called for immediate improvements within PhilHealth, particularly in expanding its benefits and utilizing its substantial unspent funds. However, he also questioned the rationale behind the proposed zero-budget subsidy, labeling it “anti-poor” and inconsistent with the objectives of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.
“Sa halip na bawasan ang pondo, dapat ayusin natin ang sistema. Ang pangangalaga sa kalusugan ay hindi dapat maging pabigat, lalo na sa mahihirap,” he emphasized.
In recent months, Senator Go has been vocal in urging PhilHealth to address its deficiencies, including its outdated policies and lagging reforms. He emphasized the importance of accelerating the expansion of benefit packages to include coverage for leading causes of mortality, dental care, and other critical healthcare services.
The senator also emphasized the need to bolster healthcare infrastructure and expand services to ensure that no Filipino is left behind. He pointed to initiatives such as the Malasakit Centers program, which aims to provide medical assistance and streamline access to medical services.
A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Center program was first launched in 2018 and was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which the senator principally sponsored and authored. To date, 166 operational centers have helped more than 15 million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH.
Senator Go likewise vowed to continue pushing for legislative measures to enhance the country’s healthcare system, including increased funding for medical facilities, the construction of Super Health Centers, and the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers to bring healthcare services closer to communities.
“Ang insidenteng ito ay muling nagpapaalala sa atin na kailangan nating paigtingin ang ating sistema ng pangkalusugan. Dapat nating tiyakin na ang bawat Pilipino, anuman ang estado sa buhay, ay may access sa abot-kayang at de-kalidad na serbisyong medikal,” he added.
The senator also called on healthcare providers and government agencies to work together in addressing barriers to medical access. “We need a healthcare system that is compassionate, responsive, and accessible. No one should feel afraid or hesitant to seek medical attention,” he stressed.
