DBM Oks P10.38 billion for zero balance billing

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P10.38 billion to support the implementation of the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) program, aimed at easing the financial burden of hospitalization and improving access to health care.

In a statement, the DBM said that the approved funding will support the rollout of ZBB in DOH hospitals nationwide and six pilot local government unit (LGU) hospitals.

“No Filipino should have to choose between getting the medical care they need and protecting their family from a hospital bill they cannot afford. This P10.377-billion release is about making sure that when our people get sick, the government is there to help carry the burden,” Acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said.

Of the total, P9.38 billion will support ZBB in 12 DOH hospitals in Metro Manila.

This allocation covers DOH hospitals including Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, National Center for Mental Health, National Children’s Hospital, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Rizal Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital and Tondo Medical Center.

The remaining allocation of P6.04 billion will support the implementation of ZBB in DOH regional hospitals and other government health facilities outside Metro Manila.

The DBM also downloaded P1 billion to support the implementation of the ZBB Program in six pilot LGU hospitals in Benguet, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Aklan and Sarangani.

“The funding expands the reach of the program beyond DOH-run hospitals and brings government support closer to patients seeking treatment in their own provinces and communities,” the agency said.

The approved funding is chargeable against the DOH budget under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

The ZBB program is part of the government’s broader efforts to advance Universal Health Care by helping ensure that eligible patients admitted to participating government hospitals can receive covered health services with minimal or no remaining hospital bill, subject to applicable guidelines and eligibility requirements.