Senator Criticizes DOH Health Promotion Spending
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano sharply criticized the Department of Health’s (DOH) health promotion budget amid ongoing service delays. During the Senate Finance Committee’s organizational meeting and the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s briefing on the 2026 National Expenditure Program, Cayetano questioned the DOH’s allocation for health promotion, highlighting concerns about the proper use of funds.
“Secretary Ted [Herbosa] has commercials on YouTube, etc. When I looked at the budget, I saw there was funding to promote health. But if you look at one of his commercials, he’s not actually promoting health,” the senator said in Filipino, emphasizing a disconnect between spending and urgent health service needs.
Concerns Over Messaging and Mandate
Cayetano noted that instead of focusing on critical public health issues, some DOH advertisements stray beyond the department’s mandate. He expressed confusion over the content of these commercials, which sometimes resemble campaigns more fitting for other agencies.
“I even thought he was appointed to the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) because he talks about not drinking and driving, and not texting and driving. As far as I know, he’s the secretary of Health,” the senator added, pointing out that such messaging creates a gap between the department’s stated role and its promotional materials.
Calls for Budget Prioritization on Urgent Needs
The senator urged the Department of Budget and Management to reconsider how the health promotion budget is allocated. He suggested itemizing the funds to focus more directly on essential health programs, such as vaccine procurement, rather than broad or misplaced advertising campaigns.
“If there’s a commercial and the product is good, then that’s okay. But if there’s a commercial while there are many problems on the ground, it feels like there’s a disconnect. Let’s just allocate the budget to vaccines instead,” Cayetano stated, emphasizing the need for prioritizing frontline health services over promotional spending.
Moving Forward With Transparent Budget Use
Officials and community members echoed calls for transparency and greater accountability in the DOH’s health promotion spending. They stressed that public funds should directly address pressing health challenges, especially amid service delays affecting many Filipinos.
As the government prepares its 2026 budget, local leaders noted the importance of aligning health promotion efforts with tangible improvements in healthcare delivery. The debate highlights the ongoing need to balance communication strategies with immediate public health priorities.
For more news and updates on health promotion budget, visit Filipinokami.com.
