MANILA – Senator Loren Legarda welcomed the ratification of the P6.793-trillion 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on December 29, 2025, praising its focus on education, infrastructure, and social services, but expressed reservations over the P51 billion allocation for the controversial Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program under the Department of Health (DOH).
Legarda, a long-time advocate for universal healthcare, commended the record-high education budget (P1.28 trillion total sector funding) and infrastructure push, calling the GAB “a step forward for inclusive growth.” However, she flagged the MAIFIP funds—criticized by Church leaders and civil society as potential “health pork barrel”—as needing stricter safeguards to prevent patronage and ensure direct aid to patients.
“The budget reflects priorities for our people, but we must remain vigilant on programs like MAIFIP that risk politicization,” Legarda said, urging the DOH to redirect portions toward expanding zero-balance billing in LGU hospitals for dignified, non-political assistance.
The ratified GAB now awaits presidential signing (targeted early January 2026), with a brief reenactment of the 2025 budget in the interim. Legarda’s balanced stance underscores ongoing debates on transparency amid the administration’s anti-corruption drive.
Budget Snapshot (Key Highlights):
| Sector/Program | Allocation (P Billion) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Education (Total) | 1,280 | Record high; includes DepEd, SUCs |
| Health (MAIFIP) | 51 | Controversial; patronage concerns |
| Infrastructure | ~1,000+ | DPWH focus with scrutiny |
| Total GAB | 6,793 | Ratified December 29, 2025 |