What happens to guarantee letters under zero-balance billing policy? MANILA, Philippines — For years, a single piece of paper — a guarantee letter from a politician — has been treated as a pass to medical care in public hospitals. Asked whether referral or guarantee letters from politicians would still be accepted under the current rules, Herbosa said they would. However, he stressed that the DOH does not require patients to secure guarantee letters from politicians, especially with zero-balance billing in place at public hospitals. Letters still entertainedHerbosa was less clear on whether a guarantee letter helps patients secure treatment, saying that while the law technically prohibits guarantee letters, “request” letters are still entertained.

Source: Philippine Star January 09, 2026 06:30 UTC