Senator visits Quezon Medical Center, vows UHC law enhancements

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito poses with Governor Doktora Helen Tan and officials of Quezon Provincial Hospital Netw...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito poses with Governor Doktora Helen Tan and officials of Quezon Provincial Hospital Network – Quezon Medical Center (QPHN-QMC) in Lucena City during his visit to the facility on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. (JV Ejercito)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Addressing the critical needs of local healthcare, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito brought his focus on the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law directly to Lucena City's Quezon Medical Center this Tuesday, July 15. He committed to identifying and addressing the needs of such facilities, a visit that underscores the senator's hands-on approach to ensuring the law's effectiveness on the ground.

Warmly welcomed by Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan, Senator Ejercito stated his visit aimed to thoroughly assess what is still required by the hospital. He emphasized the importance of directly observing the hospital's operations and current challenges to more effectively provide services to the citizens of Quezon.



Ejercito, a principal sponsor of the UHC Law, stressed that its successful implementation is crucial in meeting these deficiencies. He co-championed the law with Governor Tan during her term as congresswoman, making their collaborative effort a cornerstone of its potential.

"We want to ensure that every necessary improvement is made, and that the UHC Act truly delivers on its promise to our people," Ejercito said. He echoed his commitment to a comprehensive review of the law's performance, stressing that tangible benefits for patients are the ultimate measure of the law's success.






The senator also expressed satisfaction with the significant improvements observed at QPHN-QMC. He noted that the hospital has transformed considerably from its past state, which he described as dark and uncomfortable for patients, making this positive transformation a model for other healthcare facilities nationwide.

"The improvements here at QMC are truly commendable. It's a stark contrast to what it once was, and this progress is what we aim for across the country," he remarked. Ejercito affirmed his resolve to collaborate closely with Governor Tan to continuously elevate the state of health care in Quezon province, underscoring their shared vision for better health services.

Meanwhile, Governor Tan expressed her gratitude to Senator Ejercito. She highlighted his pivotal role in the ongoing construction of a new hospital building at QPHN-San Francisco, which is expected to significantly expand the provincial hospital network's capacity and reach.

Ejercito is expected to continue discussions with health stakeholders to gather feedback and propose further enhancements to the UHC Law, similar to a forthcoming Senate oversight hearing scheduled for August. He also intends to propose amendments to the UHC Law, including reforms for PhilHealth to ensure greater participation in hospital billing and reduced out-of-pocket expenses for families, aiming for more accessible and affordable healthcare for all Filipinos.