With dengue cases surging across the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has urged the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to ensure that affected patients receive full and timely coverage for their medical needs.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Go pressed the agency to accelerate its reforms and guarantee that its services remain accessible to Filipinos burdened by high healthcare costs.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, has long posed a significant public health challenge in the Philippines, especially during the rainy season. This reality underscores the importance of timely medical attention and financial support for those affected, particularly in lower-income communities.
“Kapag nagkaroon ng dengue ang isang Pilipino, hindi lang sakit ang pinoproblema nila kundi pati ang gastusin sa ospital. Dapat tiyakin ng PhilHealth na hindi magiging pabigat ang pagpapagamot at may sapat na tulong para sa mga nangangailangan,” Senator Go said, emphasizing the importance of coverage for dengue patients.
As of February 15, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported 43,732 dengue cases nationwide, marking a 56% increase from the 27,995 cases recorded during the same period last year. Despite this surge, the case fatality rate has slightly decreased to 0.38% from 0.42% in the previous year, indicating improved healthcare delivery and better health-seeking practices.
The National Capital Region (NCR), Calabarzon, and Central Luzon account for more than half of the total cases, with children aged 5 to 14 being the most affected demographic.
Following his repeated appeals, PhilHealth has reaffirmed its commitment to improving its benefit packages. The agency is set to increase case rates, expand coverage for the country’s leading causes of mortality, and provide additional financial assistance for essential healthcare needs. Among the expected improvements are free medicines, assistive devices such as eyeglasses and wheelchairs, and the inclusion of dental, visual, emergency, and preventive care in its benefit structure.
Senator Go also pushed PhilHealth to expedite the review of outdated policies that have long posed barriers to healthcare access. Last year, the agency finally abolished the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) policy, a move largely driven by Senator Go’s persistent calls for reform. The policy previously restricted patients from claiming multiple benefits if they were hospitalized for the same illness within 90 days.
While its removal was a step forward, Senator Go also highlighted another issue—the 24-hour confinement rule, which required patients to be admitted for at least a day before qualifying for PhilHealth coverage. This has been addressed by PhilHealth’s move to expand emergency care packages as appealed previously by Go.
“Kung may sakit ka, kailangan mo ng tulong, hindi mo dapat hintayin pang lumala bago ka magka-benepisyo. Dapat hindi maging hadlang ang patakaran sa agarang tulong na kailangan ng pasyente,” Senator Go stressed.
Senator Go has consistently advocated for reforms that ease the financial burden on ordinary citizens, reminding agencies that government funds must be used for the direct benefit of the people.
“Pera po ito ng taumbayan, bawat piso ay pinagpaguran. Dapat po itong gamitin sa paraan na talagang makikinabang ang mga mamamayan,” he said.
As part of his broader health advocacy, Senator Go also urged Filipinos to practice the 5S strategy in their homes and communities to help combat dengue. The 5S strategy—Search and Destroy, Self-Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation, Support Fogging/Spraying, and Sustain Hydration—is a proactive approach to dengue prevention.
With dengue cases expected to rise further in the coming months, Senator Go called on PhilHealth to work swiftly in implementing its promised reforms. He urged the agency to prioritize efficiency, transparency, and patient-centered policies, ensuring that Filipinos—especially the most vulnerable—receive the support they rightfully deserve.
“Dapat maayos at mabilis ang serbisyo ng PhilHealth. Walang Pilipinong dapat matakot magpagamot dahil lang sa gastusin. Ang mandato ng gobyerno ay tumulong, hindi pahirapan ang mga pasyente,” Senator Go added.
PhilHealth has assured that it will continue working with lawmakers and health officials to refine its policies and provide comprehensive coverage, particularly for illnesses like dengue that pose a recurring threat to public health.
