Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. wants mental health emergency, psychiatric, and neurological services to be included in the PhilHealth Mental Health Benefit Package for Out-Patient.
Lazatin filed House Bill No. 2933 or “Expanding The Primary Care Package Under PhilHealth To Include Benefit Package For Mental Health And For Other Purposes”.
In the bill’s explanatory note, the legislator said that “there is a dearth of mental health services including hospitals and facilities in the country for individuals facing mental health challenges.”
The current benefit packages for out-patient offered by PhilHealth amounts to P9,000 for General Health Services and P16,000 for Specialty Health Services annually.
“Due to the expensive treatment for mental health disorders, the current benefit package is not enough.”
The lawmaker noted that due to the expensive treatment for mental health disorders, the current benefit package is not enough; hence, the need to expand its coverage to include other services in order to make a significant impact in addressing mental health concerns.
The issue of mental health has always been front and center for Lazatin.
During his time as Angeles City Mayor, Lazatin implemented a rescue program for mentally-challenged individuals roaming the streets of Angeles.
During his time as Angeles City Mayor, Lazatin implemented a rescue program for mentally-challenged individuals roaming the streets of Angeles. Upon rescue, the individuals were brought to third-party, private mental health institutions and underwent treatment, paid for by the City Government.
From 2020 to June 2025, when Lazatin stepped down as City Mayor, the Angeles City Government has rescued and sponsored the treatment of 210 mentally-challenged individuals.
