AS OF JULY 2025, “Zero Balance Billing” is now in full swing across 87 DOH hospitals nationwide—including 10 major government hospitals in the Visayas. That means free medical care (no bills, no balance) for patients in basic or ward-level admissions. No catch. No cash. At least, on paper.
VISAYAS HOSPITALS NOW OFFERING ZERO BILLING:
• Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center (Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo)
• Western Visayas Medical Center (Iloilo City)
• Western Visayas Sanitarium (Santa Barbara, Iloilo)
• Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital (Bacolod City)
• Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (Cebu City)
• Eversley Childs Sanitarium (Mandaue City)
• St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital (Cebu City)
• Cebu South Medical Center (Talisay, Cebu)
• Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (Tacloban)
• Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (Tagbilaran, Bohol)
That’s real coverage from north to south Visayas. But what do the people think?
“Libre na gyud, pero functional ba?” – What People Are Saying
Grateful but Watchful
Some families were overwhelmed with relief. One patient shared that their ₱650,000 surgery was completely covered under the ZBB and PhilHealth combo. No out-of-pocket expense. Just healing.
“Nangluya ko pag-abot, pero nakauli ko nga buhi, walay bayad. Kalipay nga dili mabayran.”
Still Buying Medicine?
But not all stories were as smooth. On Reddit and local forums, netizens shared:
“The room is free—but we still had to buy our own meds from Mercury.”
Hospital supply chains are often broken. No meds = no miracles.
“Gift Gimmick?”
Some citizens weren’t buying the birthday rollout.
“He called it a gift. Uhm, no. It’s a responsibility.”
They’re right. Healthcare isn’t a favor—it’s a right.
Broken System, Brave People
One mother in Tacloban put it best:
“Free beds are good. But if no nurse comes when you ring the bell, what’s the point?”
Zero billing doesn’t erase understaffing, underfunding, or delays.
Let’s Break It Down:
What’s Working:
• Free medical care for the poor and struggling.
• Expanded access across the Visayas.
• Major savings for surgeries, labs, and inpatient care.
What’s Not:
• Shortage of supplies, meds, and staff.
• Not yet rolled out in all hospitals.
• PR spin dilutes trust—people want performance, not promises.
“Zero billing shouldn’t mean zero service. And it shouldn’t be a gift—it’s the government doing its job.”
If this is serious policy, then:
• Stock the meds
• Hire the staff
• Fund the facilities
Otherwise, Zero Billing will just be another headline with no heart.
ZBB can be the beginning of real healthcare justice—but only if we fix the cracks. Because real care isn’t just free. It’s functional, fair, and full of dignity. And the Filipino people deserve nothing less.