Marcos: Medical aid application now online, no more guarantee letters needed

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Monday, July 27, that Filipinos seeking medical assistance from the national government will no longer need to secure guarantee letters or seek endorsements from politicians. The announcement was made during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA). Under the new system, patients can now apply for the Department of Health's Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program online through the eGovPH app or at Department of Health hospitals. The president stated that only two requirements are now necessary for applicants. "There's no more need for guarantee letters, so people no longer have to wait in line or beg politicians for help," Marcos said, highlighting the digital platform's aim to simplify the application process and eliminate long queues at government offices. Marcos also touted the growing adoption of the eGovPH app, reporting that over 56 million Filipinos have downloaded and are using the platform. The MAIFIP program has reportedly extended medical assistance to more than 8 million patients to date.