JV Ejercito pushes for additional funding for mental health programs
November 13, 2025
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito is calling for additional funding to strengthen the country’s mental health programs and services, especially as more Filipinos continue to struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Ejercito, author and sponsor of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, met today, November 13, 2025, with the Philippine Council for Mental Health to discuss ongoing mental health initiatives under the law and other related measures.
“Sakto ang meeting natin ngayong World Kindness Day. Kailangan natin ng dagdag na ‘kindness’ sa araw-araw lalo na sa panahon ng online hate at matinding stress. Minsan, simpleng ‘kindness’ lang ang magliligtas sa isang tao,” Ejercito said.
Under the UHC Act, Ejercito noted that the government already funds several mental health services, including consultations, access to maintenance medicines, and hotlines such as those operated by the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Some DOH hospitals and rural health units also provide free mental health medicines and therapy sessions.
NCMH Crisis Hotline provides 24/7, free telemental services such as supportive counseling, psychosocial support, and referral.
“May mga programa gaya ng hotline, libreng gamot at maintenance para sa mental health. Pero dagdag problema, hindi alam ng tao. Kaya kailangan nating palakasin ang information campaign at dagdagan pa ang pondo para mas maraming matulungan,” Ejercito emphasized.
According to PhilHealth, there are currently 91 mental health access sites and 10 DOH-identified specialty centers nationwide catering to patients. The General Mental Health Package covers up to P9,000 per patient per year, while the Specialty Mental Health Package provides up to P16,000 per patient per year.
Ejercito vowed to push for higher funding in the ongoing 2026 national budget deliberations, citing the growing need for accessible and sustainable mental health support across the country.
“Mental health is health. We must continue to care for both the body and the mind. I will fight for a bigger budget to make sure every Filipino can get the help they need, when they need it,” he said.
It can be remembered that Ejercito recently filed Senate Bill No. 1474, the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill or the “Emman Atienza Bill,” a measure that seeks to address the growing wave of cyberbullying, fake news, and online defamation in the country, especially against vulnerable users such as the youth.
