Bicam raises MAIFIP budget to ₱51B amid backlash over ‘pork’ programs

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health’s (DOH) controversial health aid program had its budget increased to P51 billion at the bicameral conference committee level despite clamor from civil society watchdogs to cut all funding for pork and patronage programs. If signed into law, the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) Program will even see a