The recently proposed “Maalagang Republika: Rural Financing Health Development Program” has drawn sharp criticism—and rightly so. A draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) involving PhilHealth, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and the Tingog Party-list, represented by Congresswoman Yedda Romualdez, reeks of political opportunism at the expense of genuine health reform. It underscores the entrenched “epal” politics that plague the Philippines, where politicians prioritize their visibility and influence over the welfare of the people.

Why is Tingog Party-list Involved at All?
The MOA draft raises glaring questions about the role of Tingog Party-list. Why does this program—a government-led initiative to construct healthcare facilities and enroll beneficiaries into PhilHealth—need the involvement of a political party? The government agencies in question, PhilHealth and the DBP, are more than capable of executing these responsibilities independently. By inserting Tingog into this equation, the process becomes unnecessarily politicized, creating opportunities for influence-peddling and patronage.

Health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon has rightly called this MOA “patently illegal and unconstitutional.” The Constitution mandates that public funds and programs serve the public interest—not the political ambitions of a few individuals or groups. Allowing Tingog Party-list, chaired by the wife of Speaker Martin Romualdez, to serve as a middleman in healthcare initiatives consolidates power within a political dynasty.

This should alarm every Filipino who values fair governance.

Patronage Politics Hurts Ordinary Filipinos
The MOA also highlights the larger issue of patronage politics. Why do Filipinos still have to beg for medical assistance through politicians’ offices? The current system forces patients to go through burdensome processes—writing letter requests, making repeat visits to congressional offices—when funds could simply be allocated directly to government hospitals. This not only delays much-needed aid but also perpetuates the narrative that politicians are “benefactors” rather than public servants.

As one frustrated taxpayer put it: “Bakit di na lang idiretso sa government hospital ang pondo? Kada pasyente ay mabibigyan ng subsidy maliban sa coverage mula sa PhilHealth.” This sentiment captures the disillusionment of many Filipinos who see their hard-earned contributions to PhilHealth being mismanaged or politicized.

PhilHealth: A System in Shambles
The deeper problem lies in PhilHealth itself. Many contributors, particularly regular employees whose premiums are automatically deducted, struggle to access benefits when they need them most. Tales of delays, denials, and inefficiencies abound, leaving members feeling shortchanged. Instead of addressing these systemic issues, this MOA attempts to bypass them by creating a politically charged “solution” that ultimately benefits the Romualdez family more than the Filipino people.

The Broader Issue of Oligarchic Control
This issue isn’t confined to healthcare. Many consumers have observed additional charges—such as transaction fees—when paying water or internet bills to companies under large corporations like Ayala. It’s another layer of frustration for citizens who already feel burdened by inefficient governance and monopolistic practices.

What Needs to Change
Remove Political Interference in Public Services: Programs like this should remain under the purview of government agencies without interference from political entities like Tingog Party-list.
Direct Allocation of Funds: Health subsidies should go directly to government hospitals, allowing every patient access to benefits without having to grovel before politicians.

PhilHealth Reform: A complete overhaul of PhilHealth’s systems is necessary to ensure timely and efficient delivery of benefits to contributors.

Demand Accountability: Citizens must question why so much power is concentrated in the hands of Speaker Romualdez and his family. Are we seeing public service or self-service?

The Time for Vigilance
Filipinos must remain watchful of political maneuvers that consolidate power in the hands of a few. The involvement of Tingog Party-list in this healthcare initiative exemplifies how political dynasties exploit public programs to solidify their influence. Let us demand better governance—one that prioritizes the needs of the people over the ambitions of the powerful.

True healthcare reform will never come from politicians seeking credit. It will only come when government agencies are allowed to perform their duties efficiently and free from interference. Until then, the audacity of epal politics will continue to undermine the progress we so desperately need.

(Tambuli Ng Bayan-Ronnie Estrada)