MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has proposed the creation of a ₱10 billion Cancer Medicine and Treatment Assistance Fund to help indigent and underprivileged Filipinos afford cancer treatment.

Estrada said the high cost of cancer care forces many Filipinos into debt or compels them to forgo life-saving treatment due to the heavy financial burden on patients and their families.

“Kapag mahirap ka at may cancer, doble ang bigat na pinapasan mo. Karaniwan na nating naririnig ang panlilimos ng tulong pinansyal ng mahihirap nating kababayan para ipangtustos sa kaanak nilang may iniindang cancer. Sa pamamagitan ng panukalang ito, makakasiguro sila ng agarang tulong sa pagpapagamot ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Mabibigyan sila ng pag-asa na gumaling dahil may pangtustos sa kanilang gastusin,” Estrada said.

Under Senate Bill No. 1057, the proposed ₱10 billion fund will help cover the costs of cancer diagnostics, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and maintenance medicines.

The program will be administered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its accredited government hospitals in every congressional district to ensure assistance reaches patients in their own communities.

The fund will specifically benefit indigent and underprivileged cancer patients identified by PhilHealth in coordination with the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

To ensure transparency and fairness, the measure mandates clear eligibility guidelines, a streamlined application process, and regular audits to safeguard public funds. It also requires the fund’s annual allocation through the national budget.

Estrada said the proposal is anchored on compassion and social justice.

“This is about giving every Filipino — regardless of income — a fair chance at survival and recovery. Cancer should not be a death sentence for the poor,” he said.

If enacted, Estrada said the Cancer Medicine and Treatment Assistance Fund for Filipinos would be a major step toward inclusive healthcare and ensure that access to cancer treatment is not limited by economic status.