MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a resolution seeking a comprehensive Senate inquiry into the alarming rise of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the Philippines, citing an urgent need to strengthen the country’s existing health policies and interventions.

Senate Resolution No. 1370 tasks the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and other appropriate panels to look into the reported surge in infections and review the effectiveness of current programs on HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and education.

“The alarming increase in HIV infections requires immediate action from all sectors, including Congress, to address the far-reaching social and economic impacts related to the ballooning number of HIV cases in the country,” Estrada said.

Citing data from the Department of Health (DOH), Estrada flagged the country’s average of 57 new HIV cases per day in the first quarter of 2025, equivalent to 1,700 monthly cases — a 50 percent jump compared to the same period last year.

The DOH’s HIV and AIDS Surveillance Report also noted a worrying increase in cases among younger Filipinos. Infections among those under 15 years old spiked by 133 percent, while cases among the 15 to 24 age group rose by 106 percent. The youngest reported case was a 12-year-old child from Palawan.

As of March 2025, the Philippines has recorded a total of 148,831 HIV cases since 1984. With the upward trend showing no signs of slowing, health authorities project that up to 252,800 Filipinos could be living with HIV by the end of the year.

Estrada’s call for an inquiry comes as the Philippines now leads the Western Pacific Region in new HIV cases, prompting Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to push for a whole-of-government approach in addressing the crisis.

“The government must act quickly—especially by ensuring that medicines are readily available and accessible—to help stop the virus from spreading even further,” Estrada said. He stressed that the proposed inquiry will focus on bolstering prevention programs, improving access to life-saving treatment, and enhancing public education, particularly for the youth.