Medical Action Group

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]

MAG Calls for Audit of MAIFIP to Protect Universal Health Care

Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines — The Medical Action Group (MAG), a health and human rights organization, expressed serious concern over the ₱51 billion allocation for the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) in the 2026 national budget. MAG warned that the program, in its current form, risks being shaped by political influence and favoritism, rather than serving as a genuine health safety net for the poor and marginalized.

MAG emphasized that MAIFIP has increasingly resembled a discretionary mechanism vulnerable to patronage and accommodation. Instead of guaranteeing equitable access, it risks undermining the very objectives of Universal Health Care (UHC). To safeguard fairness and integrity, MAG called for a full and independent audit by a third party body, with civil society participation, to ensure transparency, accountability, and a clear preferential option for the poor.

Dr. Juan Perez III, former MAG Co Chair and health policy expert, underscored the urgency of protecting public health financing from political interference and said that: “MAIFIP must be protected from political influence if it is to serve its intended purpose under Universal Health Care. Public health financing should be transparent, accountable, and strictly needs based, ensuring that assistance reaches the poorest and most vulnerable without discretion or political intervention.”

MAG further stressed that health assistance must be rights based, not politically mediated. The organization urged policymakers to align and integrate MAIFIP fully under the UHC law to avoid duplication and misuse. While welcoming the inclusion of an “anti epal” provision in the 2026 budget, MAG highlighted the need for clear implementing rules and strong enforcement mechanisms to prevent political exploitation.

To ensure sustainability and equity, MAG recommended that MAIFIP be phased out by 2028, with resources consolidated under UHC. This would guarantee that public health programs deliver transparent, equitable, and dignified access to services, free from political control.

“Health is a human right, not a political favor,” Dr. Perez added. “Public health programs must prioritize the poor and ensure that services are delivered fairly, transparently, and without political interference.”

Contact Person:

Ms. Edeliza P. Hernandez, RN
Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (+632) 454.7513

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📷DokNet Billones

Yakap sa mga Bilanggo

The Medical Action Group (MAG), in partnership with PhilHealth, has formalized an agreement to expand healthcare access for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) on April 17, 2026.

This agreement supports PhilHealth enrollment and the accreditation of healthcare providers under the Yakap Program to ensure inclusive, accessible, and rights-based health services within detention facilities

Together, we move closer to a system where no one is left behind, even those behind bars.

Healing the Community Is Not a Crime: A Solidarity Statement of the Medical Action Group (MAG)

The Medical Action Group (MAG) expresses its strong solidarity with Dr. Ana Marie Rilloraza, a community physician arrested on March 11, 2026 in Tarlac City, and with all health professionals and human rights defenders who continue to face threats, harassment, and criminalization.

Dr. Rilloraza’s arrest reflects a dangerous and hostile environment where health workers engaged in community-based service are vulnerable to red-tagging, arbitrary arrest, and unjust detention.

As we commemorate Women’s Month, we highlight that many of those at the forefront of community health and human rights work are women who continue to serve despite the risks—both as health professionals and as human rights defenders.

As health professionals, they play a critical role not only in delivering care but also in upholding the right to health, especially in marginalized and underserved communities. Their work is inherently humanitarian and grounded in medical ethics, impartiality, and respect for human dignity, placing them at the frontlines of human rights work. Many are compelled to volunteer and serve in underserved areas precisely because of the persistent gaps, and at times neglect, and, at times, neglect of government's duty in ensuring the people’s right to health and access to adequate health services. Yet those who step in to fill these gaps, and selflessly respond where the system falls short, are not only unsupported, but are subjected to harassment, arrest, detention, and even physically harmed. The pattern of intimidation, attacks, and legal persecution undermines both their safety and their ability to serve. When health workers are targeted, entire communities are deprived of essential health care and social protection.

MAG underscores that:
- Criminalizing health professionals in the course of their noble work cuts the bridge for communities’ access to essential health care services;
- Medical neutrality and humanitarian service must be respected at all times;
- The protection of human rights defenders, including health workers, is a State obligation under domestic and international human rights law.

We therefore call on the government to:
- Ensure the immediate protection of Dr. Rilloraza’s rights, including her right to due process and humane treatment;
- End the practice of red-tagging and all forms of harassment against health professionals and human rights defenders;
- Guarantee a safe and enabling environment for humanitarian and public health work;
- Address systemic gaps in public health services to ensure that no community is left dependent solely on volunteerism for essential care.

MAG stands with Dr. Rilloraza and all those who continue to serve the people despite risks and repression. The defense of the right to health is inseparable health professionals' commitment to hippocratic oath.

Healing the community is not a crime. It is a duty that must be recognized, supported, and protected.

Medical Action Group (MAG)
March 2026

Medical Action Group (MAG)
26 February 2026

SOLIDARITY STATEMENT

In Defense of the Right to Peaceful Assembly

The Medical Action Group (MAG) expresses its firm solidarity with Edel Romnie Parducho, MAG’s Resident Psychologist and Member of the Board of Trustees, and youth activist Threcha May "Three" Odeña of SPARK, who were arrested on 25 February 2026 during the commemoration protest of the EDSA People Power Anniversary.

Mr. Parducho is also a staff member of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA). Beyond his institutional roles, he has dedicated his professional life to advancing human rights and strengthening the mental health and psychosocial well-being of human rights defenders (HRDs) who face constant threats, harassment, and psychological strain in the course of their work. He has been instrumental in building psychosocial support systems for defenders by providing counseling, facilitating resilience-building workshops, and helping create safe spaces where advocates can process trauma, manage stress, and sustain their commitment to justice and accountability. In a context where HRDs are frequently exposed to intimidation, surveillance, harassment, and burnout, his work has ensured that care, solidarity, and mental well-being remain central to advancing human rights.

Edel Parducho and Threcha May "Three" Odeña of Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) were arrested by officers of the Eastern Police District and brought to the Mandaluyong City Police Station. The PNP Arrest and Booking Sheet reflects charges under Article 148 (Direct Assault), Article 151 (Resistance and Disobedience), Article 153 (Tumults and Other Disturbances) of the Revised Penal Code, Section 13(a) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 880 (Public Assembly Act), and Physical Injuries. An inquest proceeding has been scheduled.

MAG underscores that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental constitutional guarantee under the 1987 Philippine Constitution. It is a cornerstone of democratic participation and a vital space through which citizens express grievances, advocate reforms, and hold institutions accountable. This right is likewise protected under international human rights standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the Philippines is a State Party.

The EDSA People Power Anniversary symbolizes the collective assertion of democratic freedoms. It is a historic reminder that peaceful civic action has shaped our nation’s path toward restoring constitutional order and civil liberties. Activities commemorating this milestone are expressions of democratic memory and engagement.

Reports indicate that the arrest occurred during police efforts to manage and disperse portions of the assembly while clearing traffic lanes, where physical contact allegedly occurred between officers and protest participants. In such situations, authorities are bound by the principles of necessity, proportionality, and maximum tolerance in handling public assemblies.

In the light of their arrest, MAG urge the Philippine government to:

- Immediately release Edel Romnie Parducho and Trecha May "Three" Odeña who were arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly;

- Dismiss all unfounded charges arising from the exercise of constitutionally protected freedoms;

- Conduct Independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the conduct of law enforcement personnel;

- Strictly adhere to the principle of maximum tolerance in the policing of public assemblies;

- Take concrete measures to ensure the safety and protection of human rights defenders, including safeguards against harassment and intimidation.

We reiterate the urgent need to defend and uphold the right to peaceful assembly as our democratic duty. We must collectively reclaim the democratic space where citizens can freely speak, organize, and participate in public life without fear. Equally vital is the protection of human rights defenders who stand at the forefront of advancing justice, accountability, and human dignity.

To defend peaceful assembly is to defend democracy itself.