In observance of the recent World Cancer Day, Senator Camille Villar reiterated her push for equitable and preventive healthcare with the filing of a measure that establishes a ₱10-billion Cancer Medicine and Treatment Assistance Fund, to be administered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), for indigent and underprivileged cancer patients.
The bill seeks to institutionalize a nationwide program providing free cancer medicines and treatment through PhilHealth-accredited government hospitals in every province, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Beneficiaries will be identified jointly by these agencies to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.
“This bill is about saving lives.”
“This bill is about saving lives. We have to make quality cancer care affordable and accessible to every Filipino,” Villar emphasized.
The legislator underscored that cancer remains a leading cause of death in the Philippines and continues to impose crushing financial burdens on Filipino families.
“No Filipino should be denied treatment—or forced into poverty—because of cancer.”
“A single chemotherapy session can cost up to ₱100,000. No Filipino should be denied treatment—or forced into poverty—because of cancer,” the lady lawmaker said.
By creating a dedicated Cancer Fund, the measure aims to promote early detection and timely treatment, prevent delays caused by cost barriers, and reinforce the country’s commitment to universal health access.
It gives practical effect to the State’s constitutional duty to provide free medical care to the poor and ensure that life-saving health services are accessible to all.
The lady senator said the passage of these measures underscores that healthcare, particularly support, prevention, and access to essential services— remains a top priority in her legislative agenda.
She noted that alongside these bills, she has recently filed additional measures focused on preventive health and expanded medical support, reflecting a sustained push to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and protect the most vulnerable sectors of society.
