MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management has approved the release of ₱10.377 billion to support the implementation of the government’s Zero Balance Billing program in Department of Health hospitals nationwide and six pilot local government hospitals.

The funding is intended to help reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket hospital expenses for eligible patients admitted to participating government health facilities, subject to program guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said the allocation is aimed at easing the financial burden of hospitalization on Filipino families.

“No Filipino should have to choose between getting the medical care they need and protecting their family from a hospital bill they cannot afford,” De Leon said.

Of the total funding, ₱9.377 billion will support the implementation of Zero Balance Billing in DOH-run hospitals nationwide.

Around ₱3.342 billion has been earmarked for 12 DOH hospitals in Metro Manila, including East Avenue Medical Center, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Rizal Medical Center and the National Children’s Hospital.

Another ₱6.035 billion will fund the program in DOH regional hospitals and other government health facilities outside Metro Manila.

The DBM also released ₱1 billion for Zero Balance Billing in six pilot local government hospitals located in Benguet, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Aklan and Sarangani.

The agency said the allocation expands the program beyond DOH-operated facilities and brings financial support closer to patients in provinces and local communities.

The funding is charged against the Department of Health budget under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

The Zero Balance Billing program forms part of the government’s implementation of Universal Health Care and is designed to ensure that qualified patients in basic accommodation can receive covered hospital services with minimal or no remaining bill.

Separately, the DBM earlier released additional funding for the Philippine General Hospital in August, including ₱800 million specifically for Zero Balance Billing.

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