SENATE Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III welcomed the continued funding for the implementation of the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, which he principally authored.

The program received P186 million under the 2026 General Appropriations Act to support aspiring doctors studying in state-run medical schools nationwide.

Sotto emphasized the need to help deserving medical students complete their education despite financial challenges.

“I take this very positively and support this completely, as many medical students want to finish their education but lack the financial capability to do so,” Sotto said.

At present, at least 25 state universities and colleges across the country offer Doctor of Medicine programs.

According to Sotto, the increased allocation under the 2026 national budget will prioritize students nearing the completion of their medical studies.

“The budget this year has been increased for medical students under the 2026 General Appropriations Law, with prioritization for those who are almost complete with their studies,” he added.

The senator earlier envisioned accommodating around 40 medical scholars per SUC through the program’s implementation.

With the additional funding, the program is expected to generate 648 new scholars nationwide.

Sotto underscored the urgency of strengthening the country’s healthcare workforce, particularly in underserved and far-flung provinces.

“Kailangang-kailangan talaga ito dahil sa kakulangan ng mga doktor, nars, at medical practitioners sa bansa, lalung-lalo na sa mga malalayo o karatig-probinsya,” Sotto said.