For the first time in Philippine history, two health reform champions unite in the upcoming 2025 elections to guarantee that quality healthcare services reach the poorest Filipino families, ensuring access to health services for all.
Dr. Jonathan David ”Jondi” A. Flavier
Inspired by the legacy of the late Senator Dr. Juan Flavier (1995–2007), known for his advocacy of "Bringing a Doctor to the Senate," renowned physician Dr. Willie Ong and Dr. Jondi Flavier, first nominee of the HEALTH ALLIANCE PH (HEAL PH) Party-List 152, are both running in the May 2025 midterm elections. Their campaign message is clear:
Alongside them are former Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Eric Tayag and former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Major General Bennie de Leon, who join the HEAL PH team as key nominees.
Both Dr. Willie Ong and HEAL PH are committed to advancing the principles of Primary Health Care, as set out in the 1978 Alma Ata Declaration, and to fully supporting the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, known as "Kalusugan Pangkalahatan." Their shared vision, once elected, is to advocate for the G.O.A.L. program that will directly benefit the underserved Filipino communities:
These initiatives will be focused on urban poor communities and remote barangays, ensuring that those who need help the most receive the care they deserve.
Dr. Willie Ong for HEAL PH Collaboration speech
Dr. Willie and HEAL PH also pledge to support the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units (LGUs) in recruiting, training, and deploying more young, idealistic doctors and health workers to underserved areas, continuing the program initiated by Dr. Juan Flavier in 1993. A key part of their platform is the promotion of Health Cards with unlimited medical coverage, which will provide vulnerable Filipinos with access to essential healthcare services from basic care to specialized treatments. These cards will not only save lives but will also help combat fraud in healthcare facilities. Rather than focusing on new investments, Dr. Willie and HEAL PH will prioritize optimizing and modernizing existing resources to improve government health infrastructure. They are committed to implementing strict penalties for the misappropriation of public health funds, including making such offenses non-bailable.
The Manifesto of Solidarity and Collaboration, signed by Atty. Gilbert Lauengco, Chief of Staff for Dr. Willie Ong, was formally launched today, December 12, 2024, at Spices Restaurant, The Peninsula Manila, Makati. Dr. Jondi Flavier, Dr. Eric Tayag, General Bennie de Leon, and other HEAL PH nominees were present to witness the event.
Dr. Jondi A. Flavier
Dr. Jonathan David ”Jondi” A. Flavier A former member of the Commission on Population (PopCom) and Executive Director of the Philippine Center for Population and Development, Inc. (PCPD), Dr. Flavier now chairs the Cooperative Movement for Encouraging NSV (no-scalpel vasectomy), promoting male involvement in safe motherhood. He is also known for his work as a health advocate on television, including Salamat Dok and Clinica Flavier on Cignal OnePh.
Dr. Eric Tayag
Dr. Enrique ”Eric” Tayag Former DOH Undersecretary - A retired Health Undersecretary with over 35 years of experience in public health, Dr. Tayag led the DOH Public Health Services Cluster, focusing on epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion. Known for his leadership during public health crises, Dr. Tayag now aims to enhance the country's healthcare system through HEAL PH, ensuring accessible healthcare for all Filipinos.
Gen. Benito de Leon
Gen. Benito Antonio Templo de Leon AFP (ret.), former DENR Undersecretary - A retired general from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), this nominee brings his extensive education and experience in various fields from the tactical and strategic levels of government largely involving collaborative work in policy making and implementation, and a deep understanding of healthcare needs of the uniformed services and those in the hinterlands. His advocacy focuses on extending affordable healthcare to everyone and made available even beyond the metropolitan areas.
Dr. Andrew Jimenez
Dr. Andrew F. Jimenez Optometrist - Dr. Andrew Jimenez brings a unique blend of healthcare and business expertise. A former registered nurse in Australia (2006-2012), he has hands-on experience in patient care, which aligns with HEAL PH’s vision of accessible healthcare for all. Currently the CEO of Archer Transforce Logistics, he oversees the timely delivery of essential goods in Metro Cebu, ensuring that healthcare facilities and communities receive necessary supplies.
Dr. Romulo Busuego
Dr. Romulo A. Busuego CEO MMGH, President Eastwood health services , Former Medical Director DRMC , Assistant Secretary DOH, Fellow Phil College of Surgery, Medical Specialist founder, PHA President for Mindanao, MHA and MPA
Dr. Mariano Mejia
Gen. Mariano A. Mejia AFP (ret.), Physician - The former commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center (AFPMC), Brig. Gen. Mariano Mejia served the military for 30 years. He played a pivotal role in improving healthcare access for military personnel, deploying medical teams and equipment to hospitals in Zamboanga, Cotabato, and Jolo. Brig. Gen. Mejia's experience in both healthcare and military operations positions him as a vital advocate for improved healthcare services, especially for veterans and underserved communities, through HEAL PH Partylist.
Mr. Joseph Allan Aguilar
Mr. Joseph Allan Aguilar Entrepreneur - A seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience across various industries, including entertainment, food and beverage, beauty and wellness, hospitality, and travel, Joseph Allan Aguilar has successfully managed and expanded multiple businesses. His ventures include comedy bars, salons, steakhouses, and a travel and tour business. Joseph’s diverse entrepreneurial background and his commitment to public service make him a valuable nominee for HEAL PH Partylist, where he aims to leverage his business acumen in advocating for improved healthcare and public services for Filipinos.
Capt. Edison Choa
Capt. Edison Choa Pilot - A current pilot in his 30s, Capt. Choa’s expertise in logistics and transportation is invaluable to HEAL PH’s advocacy for healthcare delivery in remote areas. He will champion medical air services and disaster response to ensure that even the most isolated communities have access to timely and quality healthcare.
Atty. N8ck Lutero III
Atty. Nicolas ”Nick” B. Lutero III Former Assistant Secretary, Health Facilities and Services, Regulatory Bureau, DOH. Former Chief Legal Officer, DOH
Dr. Jose Duran
Dr. Jose Jalmasco Duran Dr. Jose J. Duran is a seasoned practitioner in ophthalmology for 54 years and counting. He is both a surgeon and consultant at UST Hospital and former professor. He has current involvement as one of the Board of Directors at Kaiser International Health Group Inc., but has been involved in many health committees as a board member within his many years of experience. Despite his active roles in the health industry, he still has time for golf and painting
MANIFESTO OF SOLIDARITY AND COLLABORATION
We, the undersigned, unite to present this manifesto of solidarity and collaboration, outlining our shared platform of government, collective actions, and guiding principles as we undertake our electoral journey together. Our collaboration is driven by our mutual commitment to address the urgent healthcare needs of every citizen and confront critical healthcare challenges. Through this manifesto, we aim to strengthen our focus on the following:
I. SHARED VISION AND PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT
We envision building a healthcare system that provides every Filipino, regardless of socioeconomic status, access to quality medical services. We are steadfast in our goal to deliver accessible and quality healthcare. To attain this shared vision, we commit to:
A. Expand Healthcare Access for Low-income Families
We are dedicated to ensuring that no Filipino living below the poverty line is denied the healthcare they need due to financial barriers.
B. Modernize Public Hospitals
We commit to improving the nation's public healthcare infrastructure by ensuring that existing government funds are used efficiently and effectively.
C. Uphold the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978 The Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978 includes three of the eight essential elements of primary health care, namely: appropriate technology, community involvement, and health promotion. We undertake to respond to the need for urgent action to protect and promote the health of the people by upholding these essential elements.
D. Uphold the Declaration of Principles and Policies under the Universal Health Care Act of 2019
We commit to protect and promote the right to health of all Filipinos and instill health consciousness among them. To ensure that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services, and protected against financial risk, we are dedicated to espousing:
1. An integrated and comprehensive approach to ensure that all Filipinos are health literate, provided with healthy living conditions, and protected from hazards and risks that could affect their health;
2. A health care model that provides all Filipinos access to a comprehensive set of quality and cost-effective, promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services without causing financial hardship, and prioritizes the needs of the population who cannot afford such services
3. A framework that fosters a whole-of-system, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach in the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health policies, programs and plans; and 4. A people-oriented approach for the delivery of health services that is centered on people’s needs and well-being, and cognizant of the differences in culture, values, and beliefs.
II. COLLABORATIVE ACTIONS
To accomplish our collective vision, we aim to adopt the following specific measures:
A. Actualize our G.O.A.L
To ensure that members of low-income families are provided with comprehensive healthcare services, we commit to deliver:
G- Libreng GAMOT
O- Libreng OPERASYON
A- Libre at Tamang ABISONG MEDIKAL
L- Libreng LAB TESTS
We aim to achieve our GOAL by ensuring that the government covers everything from basic care to specialized treatments, providing vulnerable Filipinos with access to quality healthcare without the burden of costs.
To achieve this, we propose the following strategies:
B. Champion the Enhancement of the Doctor to the Barrios Program:
We will advocate for the mobilization of healthcare professionals to deliver medical services in the barrios, ensuring that all Filipinos have access to quality healthcare. We also aim to enhance health literacy, and promote preventive health practices in our barrios. Furthermore, we will support the healthcare professionals involved in the Doctor to the Barrios program by providing them with incentives, development opportunities, and financial benefits.
C. Provide health card that gives unlimited medical coverage in government hospitals among patients within the poverty line and below.
This Health Card will cover everything from basic care to specialized treatments, giving vulnerable Filipinos access to quality healthcare without the worry of costs. This will also help reduce corruption by monitoring and preventing false claims, ensuring that medical resources are allocated to those who truly need them. Through this initiative, we aspire to save lives, combat fraud, and guarantee that every Filipino has the right to access the healthcare they deserve.
D. Modernize all government hospitals by optimizing healthcare.budget allocations.
Rather than focusing on new investments, the party-list aims to optimize the allocation of current resources to modernize and enhance government hospitals and health centers across the country.
This includes prioritizing the repair, upgrade, and proper utilization of existing facilities, ensuring that they are well- equipped and staffed with qualified medical professionals. We will advocate for reforms that streamline operations and improve the management of public healthcare facilities, creating a system where every Filipino can access timely, high-quality care without the need for excessive additional spending.
E. Enact Penal Laws that Provide for Stringent Penalties for the Misappropriation of Healthcare Funds.
To combat corruption, we commit to legislate penal laws that will classify the misappropriation of budget allocated to healthcare programs and initiatives as a non-bailable offense.
F. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
a. Adherence to fair election practices. To ensure the holding of free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections.
b. Accountability and Integrity. To serve with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency; to act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.
c. Commitment to public interest. To always uphold the public interest over and above personal interest.
d. Professionalism. To perform and discharge our duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill.
e. Justness and sincerity. To always remain true to the people and to act with justness and sincerity and not to discriminate against anyone, especially the poor and the underprivileged.
f. Political neutrality. To provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference.
g. Responsiveness to the public. To extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service to the public.
h. Nationalism and patriotism. To at all times be loyal to the Republic and to the Filipino people.
i. Commitment to democracy. To at all times uphold the Constitution and put loyalty to country above loyalty to persons or party.
j. Simple living. To lead modest lives and not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.
G. CALL TO ACTION
As candidates united in purpose, we invite all Filipinos, here and abroad, to join us in pursuit of our platform of government. We call on all citizens to engage with us, share their concerns, and hold us accountable. Together, let us harness our collective efforts to achieve our vision of health for every Filipino. Let no Filipino be left behind in receiving quality health care.
H. OUR PLEDGE
In solidarity, we pledge to uphold our shared platform of government, collaborative actions, and guiding principles as outlined above. We pledge to foster an environment of teamwork and cooperation, valuing our diverse perspectives, expertise, backgrounds, and experiences. We commit to building a healthcare system that reflects the fundamental right of every Filipino to access quality healthcare. United in purpose, we commit to working alongside each other to fulfill our platform goals, even beyond the boundaries of politics and elections.
DR. WILLIE ONG Candidate, Senator, 2025 National and Local Elections
