We, the undersigned advocates, patients, families, and concerned citizens, urgently call on the Philippine government to strengthen its response to liver cancer, one of the nation’s most pressing and devastating health threats, in line with the goals of Universal Health Care (UHC). 

Liver cancer is now the 4th most common cancer in the Philippines, with 12,544 new cases recorded in 2023 (Philippine Statistics Authority). It is also the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths, claiming 11,653 Filipino lives in a single year (Global Cancer Observatory, 2022). These numbers reflect not only a medical crisis but a profound social and economic crisis that continues to push Filipino families into poverty. 

The burden of liver cancer extends far beyond hospital walls. When a family member becomes seriously ill, households face lost income, long-term caregiving responsibilities, and severe financial instability. Current health programs are still not enough to capture these real and far-reaching consequences. Despite the promise of UHC, many Filipinos remain unable to access globally accepted, evidence-based, life-extending health technologies across the full continuum of care — from prevention and early detection to treatment and long-term management.  

True Universal Health Care means more than limited coverage for select services. It requires timely, equitable and affordable access to essential and innovative health technologies that are consistent with current clinical practice guidelines and global best practices. Without this, patients are diagnosed too late, treatments are delayed or discontinued, and families are forced to choose between health and financial survival.  

We firmly believe that policy decisions must reflect the true value of patients returning to productive life and caregivers remaining employed. A comprehensive understanding of the human, social, and economic impact of liver cancer is essential if we are to craft policies that genuinely save lives and protect Filipino families. 

A critical part of this effort is ensuring that PhilHealth fulfills its mandate to provide financial risk protection. At present, the absence of a dedicated and comprehensive Liver Cancer Benefit Package leaves thousands of Filipino patients without adequate support for diagnostics, treatment, and long-term care. Even when benefits exist, access that is limited to select hospitals or geographic areas undermines the very essence of UHC. Establishing a benefit package that covers the entire continuum of liver cancer care, aligned with clinical guidelines and inclusive of innovative therapies and is available in accredited access sites nationwide, is essential to prevent catastrophic health spending and improve survival outcomes. 

To this end, we respectfully urge the government to: 

• Strengthen prevention efforts, including expanded viral hepatitis screening, vaccination, and sustained public education;
• Expand early detection programs, ensuring that at-risk and underserved populations receive timely access to diagnostic services;
• Ensure access to essential and innovative liver cancer treatments, including medicines and technologies that improve patients’ survival and quality of life;
• Direct PhilHealth to establish a comprehensive and nationally accessible Liver Cancer Benefit Package, covering prevention, diagnostics, standard-of-care treatments, advanced therapies, and palliative care, implemented through accredited facilities across all regions; and 
• Invest in patient-centered, equitable health reforms that prioritize dignity, affordability, and long-term wellbeing. 
   

Liver cancer is preventable, treatable, and survivable—if we act decisively. The promise of UHC will remain unfulfilled unless no Filipino is denied life-saving care due to cost or lack of access. 

We call on our leaders to recognize the urgency of this crisis and to champion reforms that protect lives, preserve families, and secure a healthier future for all Filipinos. 

We stand united in calling for immediate, compassionate, and evidence-based government action.