KORONADAL CITY — The proposed ordinance institutionalizing zero-balance billing or free hospitalization in provincial government hospitals in South Cotabato is now 90 percent complete, according to Provincial Board Member Irvin Luntao, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Nutrition and Sanitation.
In an interview, Board Member Luntao said that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is already in the final stages of drafting the measure, with only a few remaining provisions to review and address specific “gray areas.” He assured the public that the ordinance is nearing completion and that the body continues to refine it to ensure clarity, sustainability, and effective implementation once enacted.
“We are now in the process of finalizing the ordinance institutionalizing zero-balance billing or free hospitalization here in the province of South Cotabato. We are already about 90 percent done,” Luntao said.
The ordinance was jointly drafted by Luntao and Vice Governor Arthur Pingoy, who is also a medical doctor. Luntao explained that the involvement of health professionals in crafting the measure is crucial to ensure that both policy and medical considerations are well integrated.
The proposed ordinance seeks to formally institutionalize the cashier-less hospitalization program currently being implemented in the province.
Luntao emphasized that while the program has already proven effective, it has so far been anchored only in an executive order, making it susceptible to future policy changes.
He highlighted that Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., now on his third and final term, is the main proponent of free hospitalization in South Cotabato.
According to Luntao, the governor initiated the policy during his first term, making the province one of the pioneers in providing free services in government hospitals.
By institutionalizing the program through an ordinance, Luntao said the provincial government aims to secure its continuity and make it a lasting legacy of the current administration.
“We want this to be part of the governor’s legacy because it has been very effective in helping our people,” he added.
Once approved, the ordinance is expected to further strengthen South Cotabato’s health system by ensuring continued access to free hospitalization for its constituents, reinforcing the province’s commitment to accessible, inclusive, and people-centered health services.
