30/05/2026
One Sickness Away from Poverty: A Call for Justice
“Take care of yourself, it’s expensive to get sick in the Philippines.” At first glance, this line may sound like a joke, but upon reflection, it reveals a painful truth for many ordinary citizens.
Countless Filipinos hesitate to see a doctor when they feel unwell because of fear of medical costs. Too often, the first thought is not about treatment but about expenses—whether it can be delayed, whether savings will be drained, or whether the family can survive the financial blow. For breadwinners, employees, and taxpayers, the weight of this reality is crushing: no matter how hard you work, one sudden illness can push you into poverty.
The phrase “You are one sickness away from poverty” is no longer just a warning—it is the lived reality of millions. This makes it urgent to talk about emergency funds, insurance, and financial preparation. These are not about living in fear, but about securing peace of mind in the face of life’s uncertainties.
We must dream of a time when Filipinos no longer fear seeking medical help because of money. Small steps of preparation today can ease the burden tomorrow. But beyond individual responsibility, there is a collective duty: let us reclaim the PhilHealth funds and hold Recto and other officials accountable. Public funds must serve the sick and the poor, not political interests.
Tony Leachon
