Senator JV Ejercito files 10 Priority Bills as 20th Congress opens
July 02, 2025
Pushes for PhilHealth supplemental budget, UHC reforms and Magna Carta of BHW
As the 20th Congress officially opens this week, Senator JV Ejercito filed his 10 priority bills, leading with a proposed ₱74.4 billion Supplemental Appropriations for PhilHealth to strengthen the country’s health insurance system and uphold the mandate of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.
Ejercito, principal sponsor of the UHC Act, emphasized the urgency of the measure in the face of rising medical costs and the need to protect vulnerable Filipinos.
“We cannot allow PhilHealth to fall short at a time when Filipinos need it most. This supplemental budget is urgent and necessary,” Ejercito said.
Under the proposed bill, it will fund PhilHealth premiums for indigent families, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and financially incapable patients (₱53.1B); enhance benefit packages including expanded dialysis, mental health care, nutrition support, and outpatient services (₱21.2B); and provide coverage for PAMANA beneficiaries in conflict-affected areas (₱127.6M).
Among the health-related priorities, Ejercito is also re-filing the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and the amendments to the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act— two measures that had gained significant momentum in the 19th Congress.
Both bills successfully passed the Senate, with the Magna Carta of BHWs initially adopted by the House of the Representatives. However, the lower chamber later withdrew its acceptance of the Senate version, stalling the measure in its final stages.
“Nakakalungkot na umatras ang Kamara sa Magna Carta of BHWs gayong tapos na ang deliberasyon at ipinasa na ito ng Senado. Ang ating mga barangay health workers ang nasa frontline ng ating kalusugan lalo na nung pandemic, sila ang tunay na bayani sa bawat komunidad,” Ejercito said.
“The Senate has done its part. I remain hopeful that in the 20th Congress, we can finally pass a unified version that will give our BHWs the recognition and support they truly deserve,” he added.
Meanwhile, the UHC amendments were deferred due to a request from the medical community for further review.
Ejercito’s top 10 priority bills for the 20th Congress include:
1. Supplemental Appropriations for PHILHEALTH (FY 2025)
2. Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Act
3. Lowering of PhilHealth Premium Contribution amending UHC Act
4. Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers
5. Suspension of Excise taxes on Regular Gasoline, Unleaded Premium Gasoline and Diesel
6. P250 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act
7. Security of Tenure Act (Anti-ENDO)
8. Agri-Food Terminal and Trading Centers Act
9. Commuters’ Rights and Welfare Act
10. Motorcycle Taxi Act
Ejercito emphasized that these bills will address urgent priorities: stabilizing the country’s healthcare system, lowering the cost of living, building infrastructure for growth, and protecting workers, farmers, and commuters.
“We are still recovering from the economic and health shocks of recent years. These bills are aimed at ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in our journey toward inclusive growth and social protection,” Ejercito said.
