Heal PH eyes House seat, pushes for better healthcare access for Filipinos

National

IN A bid to improve healthcare access for underserved Filipinos, Heal PH, a new party-list, is campaigning for a congressional seat in the 2025 midterm elections.

Heal PH, led by Dr. Jonathan Flavier (1st nominee), son of the late Senator Juan Flavie, retired Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag (2nd nominee); and retired General Benito Antonio de Leon (3rd nominee), promises to provide accessible and comprehensive medical services, particularly for marginalized communities.

During the MyTV Cebu Openline News Media forum on Tuesday, November 19, the nominees outlined their legislative priorities, focusing on bridging healthcare gaps and ensuring no Filipino is left behind.

Central to Heal PH’s platform is a proposed health card program for low-income families, which aims to provide free access to essential medical services and specialized treatments.

Tayag, who retired in April after 35 years at the DOH, emphasized the party’s commitment to delivering comprehensive and unlimited healthcare coverage, especially for vulnerable sectors.

Known as the 'Dancing Doctor' for his creative use of dance to promote health awareness, Tayag previously served as Director IV of the DOH’s Bureau of Local Health Systems Development and the National Epidemiology Center.

He added that low-income Filipinos often avoid seeking healthcare, even when experiencing symptoms, due to fear of financial burdens.

Tayag explained that the Heal PH Guaranteed Healthcare Card, an alternative to PhilHealth, aims to ensure Filipinos receive the medical attention they deserve. He added that the party intends to push for this initiative through legislative measures.

De Leon, who served in government for 44 years, emphasized the urgent need to address healthcare inequities, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

“Nakita ko 'yong kakulangan. I know the government is doing something about this, but there is still a significant lack of healthcare attention granted... ilabi na to sa mga pobre kaayo ba,” he said, sharing his observations from assignments in far-flung areas where medical services were often out of reach.

De Leon’s background in public service and leadership, including a stint at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, brings a strategic perspective to Heal PH’s legislative agenda.

Flavier draws inspiration from his father, who championed grassroots health initiatives during his tenure as health secretary and senator.

Flavier noted that although he was unable to directly serve during his father’s time in the Ramos administration, he now has the opportunity to continue his father’s work.

He also added that healthcare can be bolstered by adapting to the changing times by not only creating more physical infrastructures but also adapting digitalization like service delivery through telemedicine.

"When you say hospital care, it does not have to be an infrastructure, that is very expensive, there are ways to adapt," he said, adding "the one I like most is where you have existing hospitals, 'yon ang ayusan natin huwag 'yong gagawa ng mga bago."

Flavier also explained the group’s formation, describing Heal PH as a “health alliance” united by a shared concern for the country's healthcare system, despite their diverse professional backgrounds.(MyTVCebu)