MANILA — Senator JV Ejercito voted in favor of ratifying the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on House Bill No. 4058, or the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 General Appropriations Bill, but expressed reservations over the increased allocation for the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP).

In his explanation of vote delivered on December 29, Ejercito said his concern stemmed from the “steep rise in the budget allocated for the MAIFIP,” which he noted had doubled compared to the amount proposed in the National Expenditure Program (NEP). He said he earlier raised the issue through a written manifestation during the bicameral conference.

“Ayon sa Universal Healthcare Law, hindi na dapat problemahin ng pasyente ang pambayad sa pagpapaospital. Wala na siyang dapat intindihin kundi ang pagpapagaling,” Ejercito said.

He explained that social funds from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation were consolidated into a general universal healthcare fund to streamline assistance, adding that while MAIFIP remains helpful, funding should gradually be reallocated to strengthen PhilHealth benefits, expand coverage, and support Zero Balance Billing.

“Kumbaga, Mister President, siguro dapat i-phase out habang inaayos na ang universal at gumaganda ang benepisyo ng PhilHealth. Dapat dahan dahan na sigurong i-phase out na ang MAIFIP,” he said.

Ejercito stressed that MAIFIP should be treated as an exception rather than the norm, saying the focus should be on direct funding for hospitals and PhilHealth. He warned that continued increases in MAIFIP funding could divert the country from the objectives of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.

“Ang gusto po ng UHC ay ang mga pasyente: walang utang na bayarin sa ospital; walang utang na loob sa mga pulitiko,” he said.

Despite his reservations, Ejercito said he affirmed the bicameral report, citing the efforts of Senate Committee on Finance Chair Senator Win Gatchalian to ensure transparency and reform in the budget process.

“I recognize the serious and tireless effort of our hardworking Chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Senator Win Gatchalian, to ensure a transparent and reform-oriented budget,” he said.

Ejercito acknowledged that disagreements are part of the bicameral conference process, saying, “This is a process of reconciliation and compromise between two chambers. Sabi nga, we win some, we lose some.”

He cited several budget items he supported, including increased subsistence allowances for uniformed personnel under the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine National Police, Philippine Public Safety College, and Philippine Coast Guard. The daily allowance will increase from Php150 to Php350 starting next year.

“Just to be clear, Mister President, yung sinasabi po na ito ay pork barrel ay hindi po totoo,” Ejercito said, stressing that the funds would directly benefit uniformed personnel.

He also welcomed budget allocations aimed at addressing shortages in fire trucks and fire stations across local government units, increased funding for tourism including motorcycle tourism, and continued support for foreign-assisted projects of the Department of Transportation to speed up major rail infrastructure projects.

Ejercito warned against the reenactment of the national budget, saying it could worsen economic conditions and slow progress.

“The final version of the Fiscal Year 2026 General Appropriations Bill we ratified today, though not perfect, will help our country, for the meantime, to keep afloat amidst drowning controversies brought about by the flood control scandal,” he said.

He said the ratification of the 2026 budget was a step toward a people-centered budget, adding that Congress would continue to ensure that public funds are spent properly and free from corruption.

Ejercito concluded by congratulating Gatchalian, Senate President Vicente Sotto, and Senate leadership for what he described as a “reformed, oriented people’s budget.”