Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has filed a bill seeking to grant tax incentives to physicians who provide free medical services to indigent patients.
Under House Bill 4355, filed on September 4, 2025, doctors rendering pro bono services will be entitled to tax deductions from their gross income. The Department of Health, in coordination with the Philippine Medical Association, will evaluate the services based on hours rendered and the nature of care provided.
“Malaki ang sakripisyo ng ating mga doktor, lalo na sa pagbibigay ng libreng serbisyong medikal para sa mga mahihirap. Nararapat lamang na mabigyan sila ng kaunting insentibo bilang pagkilala sa kanilang malasakit,” Lazatin said.
The measure comes as the country faces a shortage of healthcare professionals. A study by Ateneo de Manila University shows the doctor-to-patient ratio in the Philippines is 7.92 per 10,000 people, far below the 1 per 1,000 ratio recommended by the World Health Organization. Lazatin hopes the bill will encourage more physicians to remain in the country and serve marginalized communities.
Earlier, Lazatin also filed HB 3710, which seeks to enhance incentives for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), including a minimum ₱3,000 monthly honorarium, hazard pay, insurance coverage, leaves, and retirement benefits.
As former mayor of Angeles City, Lazatin twice increased BHW honoraria, granted additional benefits through executive order, and spearheaded the construction of nine primary health facilities to expand public health access.
