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Legal and ethical questions: Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa questions the legality and ethical aspects of the agreement signed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Tingog Partylist (Tingog) dubbed “Maalagang Republika: Rural Financing Health Development Program”. “In the end, Mr. President, the question of everyone regarding the agreement signed by PhilHealth, DBP and Tingog Partylist: Is this legal? Is this ethical? Will politics be mixed with health programs? Can we say that this is purely ethical and legal, with no political agenda involved? Are there any laws being violated, as alleged by others? Noticed the timing of this program,” Dela Rosa asked in his privilege speech Wednesday, December 11, 2024. “We will never oppose the promotion of projects that will improve the health situation of our fellow citizens. But I hope that the implementation of this is in accordance with the law. If we do not point out these actions with accusations of irregularity, then what's the point of being lawmakers?” he added. The program aims to establish more health facilities in rural areas, the realization of the Universal Health Care Act, and the reduction of mortality and morbidity rates through the establishment of primary health care facilities. However, Sen. Dela Rosa questioned the absence of the Department of Health in the agreement which is the government agency in charge of health, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government which is tasked to coordinate with the local government units. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)