MANILA, Philippines – Labor leader and lawyer Luke Espiritu has fiercely criticized the Philippine government’s handling of the country’s healthcare crisis, citing the severe overcrowding at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) as a glaring example of systemic neglect.

Espiritu, who is running for senator in the May 2025 elections, is the president of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) and a board member of the Freedom from Debt Coalition. He described the situation as a direct consequence of a healthcare system designed to serve profit-driven interests rather than the Filipino people.

“Ano ang silbi mo sa lipunan ng kapitalismo kung ikaw ay nagchechemo? Para sa elitistang gobyerno, mabuti na lang at mamatay ka na,” Espiritu said, criticizing what he described as the government’s disregard for the needs of the sick and marginalized.

PGH at Full Capacity

The PGH reached full capacity in its emergency room on Thursday, March 27, leading the Department of Health to advise patients seeking medical attention to go to other DOH-accredited hospitals. The overcrowding crisis, worsened by years of underfunding, has led to a decline in service quality. Limited resources and continuous budget cuts have left PGH struggling to accommodate the growing number of Filipinos who rely on public healthcare due to the high costs of private hospitals.

Espiritu pointed out the stark contrast between the healthcare experiences of the rich and the poor.

‘Habang ang pampublikong ospital ay lumiliit ang espasyo, ang mga pribadong ospital nina Pangilinan at Ayala ay lumalawak. Ang kalusugan ay para na lang sa may pera,’ he said, referring to large private hospital networks associated with prominent business conglomerates.

A System Built for Profit, Not Health

Espiritu’s criticisms extend beyond hospital overcrowding. He argues that the Philippine healthcare system prioritizes corporate profits over public welfare.

“Hindi mahalaga ang maintenance medication. Makakatrabaho ka naman hangga’t hindi ka pa atakihin sa puso o ma-istroke,” he said, drawing attention to the lack of accessible long-term care for chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes.

He also condemned the lack of accessible mental healthcare, gender-affirming treatments, and other vital medical services, stating that these are often dismissed because they do not generate profit.

“Para saan pa ang therapy mo kung ikaw ay depressed? Gawin na lang nating desperado ang masa para mapilitan silang magtrabaho.”

Espiritu argues that the system actively discourages people from seeking healthcare unless their condition directly affects their ability to work. As a result, the poor and working class are left without adequate medical support.

Challenges in the Philippine Public Health Sector

In 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) experienced a P10 billion budget reduction, which further aggravates the problem of funding in the country’s public health sector. This cut has contributed to persistent challenges such as outdated equipment, staff shortages, and the inability of government hospitals to meet growing healthcare demands. Public hospitals, especially in rural areas, are struggling with resource shortages, affecting their capacity to provide quality care.

Espiritu believes these budget cuts are intentional, designed to push the public toward private healthcare, ultimately benefiting the country’s elite.

“Ang solusyon sa krisis na ito ay wala sa mga trapo at dinastiya. Ang manggagawa at masa ang kailangang lumaban para sa kalusugan at dignidad,” he said.

As a senatorial candidate in the 2025 elections, Espiritu is calling for major reforms to the country’s healthcare system, advocating for a shift away from profit-driven policies toward a model that ensures accessible and equitable medical services for all Filipinos.

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