Malacañang on Tuesday pushed back against criticism from Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong over the use of guarantee letters, with Palace officials questioning why the practice remains common if it is considered improper.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro responded to Magalong’s remarks describing the guarantee letter system as “epal,” a Filipino term often used to refer to attention-seeking political behavior.
Castro said that if the mayor believes guarantee letters should no longer be used, he should explain why the system continues to be widely utilized in Baguio City. She added that the continued presence of guarantee letters raises questions about how local officials view and apply existing rules.
The Palace official also clarified that provisions related to the so-called Anti-Epal policy are not yet in effect. According to Castro, the Anti-Epal provision is included in the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act but has not been implemented.
The exchange follows earlier statements from Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who said guarantee letters from politicians are not required for patients seeking treatment in government hospitals under the zero-balance billing program.
Herbosa cited Section 19 of the General Appropriations Act, which prohibits politicians from intervening in the distribution of financial assistance. The provision is intended to ensure that access to medical services is not influenced by political endorsement or personal connections.
The zero-balance billing program, implemented by the Department of Health, allows indigent and financially incapable patients to receive medical care in DOH hospitals without out-of-pocket expenses.
