Analysis of the President’s Budget for 2013 · 8 Existing excise tax rates on tobacco and...

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Transcript of Analysis of the President’s Budget for 2013 · 8 Existing excise tax rates on tobacco and...

Analysis of the President’s Budget for 2013:

Making Health Spending Inclusive

Rosario G. Manasan

Special Papers

Improvement of the Implementation Procedures and Management Systems for the Health Facilities Enhancement Grant of the Department of Health

Rouselle F. Lavado, Ida Marie T. Pantig,

Kristine Tyrol Z. Rosales, and Valerie Gilbert T. Ulep

Review of the Cheaper Medicines Program of the Philippines: Botika ng Barangay, Botika ng Bayan,

PHP100 Treatment Pack, and the Role of PITC Pharma, Inc. in Government Drug Procurement

Oscar F. Picazo

Philippine Institute for Development Studies Surian sa mga Pag-aaral Pangkaunlaran ng Pilipinas

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Copyright 2013

Philippine Institute for Development Studies

Printed in the Philippines. All rights reserved.

The views expressed in this volume are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the any individual or organization. Please do not quote without permission from the

authors or PIDS.

Please address all inquiries to:

Philippine Institute for Development Studies NEDA sa Makati Building, 106 Amorsolo Street Legaspi Village, 1229 Makati City, Philippines Tel: (63-2) 8939573 / 8942584 / 8935705 Fax: (63-2) 8939589 / 8161091 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.pids.gov.ph ISSN 2244-5951 Copyeditors: Sheila V. Siar, Felipe F. Salvosa II Original cover design: Joel C. Lozare Production coordination: Jane C. Alcantara Graphic designer: Jose Ignacio O. Tenorio

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Table of Contents

List of Tables, Figures, Appendix Tables, and Annexes v Foreword ix List of Acronyms xi Main paper Analysis of the President’s Budget for 2013 by Rosario G. Manasan Introduction 1 Overall fiscal position in perspective 1 Expenditure program 7 Revenue program 27 Financing program 35 Conclusion 37 References 38 Appendix Tables 41 Special papers Improvement of the Implementation Procedures and Management Systems for the Health Facilities Enhancement Grant of the Department of Health by Rouselle F. Lavado, Ida Marie T. Pantig, Kristine Tyrol Z. Rosales, and Valerie Gilbert T. Ulep Introduction 47 Description of the program: HFEP 48 The HFEP budget 49 Structure 50 Sources of fund 51 Planning and budgeting 52 Budget allocation 53 Budget execution 60 Monitoring and control 62 The way forward 64 References 65 Annexes 68

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Review of the Cheaper Medicines Program of the Philippines: Botika ng Barangay, Botika ng Bayan, PHP100 Treatment Pack, and the Role of PITC Pharma, Inc. in Government Drug Procurement by Oscar F. Picazo Introduction 86 Pharmaceutical sector context 88 Review of the Botika ng Barangay program 99 Review of the Botika ng Bayan program 115 Review of the PHP100 Treatment Pack program 122 Review of the Drug Inventory Management System supporting the government 132 pharmaceutical programs Review of PITC mandate and performance 135 References 141

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List of Tables, Figures, Appendix Tables, and Annexes

Analysis of the President’s Budget for 2013 Table 1 National government fiscal position, 2010–2013 5 2 Debt sustainability simulation, 2013–2017 7 3 2013 national budget program (in million pesos) 10 4 Comparative analysis of National Expenditure Program (NEP) by sector, 11

2011–2013 5a Top gainers in 2013 NEP, selected agencies 12 5b Top gainers in 2013 NEP, selected agencies 17 6 Government spending on education sector in selected countries, 2000–2011 25 7 Recent revenue performance, by semester, 2007–2011 29 8 Existing excise tax rates on tobacco and alcoholic products (RA 9334) 31 9 Excise tax rates on tobacco and alcoholic products (RA 10351) 33 Figure 1 National government fiscal performance, 1996–2012 2 2 National government outstanding debt (% to GDP), 1996–2012 2 3 Aggregate national government expenditures, as a percentage of GDP, 20

1975–2013 4 Budget share of debt service and transfers to LGUs (%), 1975–2013 21 5 Percentage distribution of national government expenditures net of debt 23

service, by major expenditure group, 1975–2013 6 National government expenditures on social services sectors, as a percentage 24

of GDP, 1975–2013 7 Real per capita national government expenditures on social services sectors, 25

1975–2013 (in 2000 prices) 8 National government expenditures on all economic services sectors and all 27

infrastructure sectors, as percentage of GDP, 1975–2013 9 National government revenue effort, 1975–2012 28 10 Excise tax revenues as percent of GDP 32 11 Composition of national government borrowing (%) 1996–2013 36 12 Composition of national government outstanding debt (%) 1996–2012 36 13 Distribution of national government outstanding debt, by maturity, 1996–2012 37 Appendix Table 1 National government expenditures, obligation basis, as a percentage of GDP, 42

1975–2013 2 Percentage distribution of national government expenditures, obligation 43

basis, by function or sectors, 1975–2013

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3 Percentage distribution of national government expenditures net of debt 44 service, by function or sectors, 1975–2013

4 Real per capita national government expenditures, obligation basis, 45 1975–2013 (in 2000 prices)

5 National government revenue effort, as percent of GDP, 1992–2012 46 Improvement of the Implementation Procedures and Management Systems for the Health Facilities Enhancement Grant of the Department of Health Table 1 HFEP budget, General Appropriations Act 49 2 Sources of fund for HFEP 51 3 HFEP criteria 54 4 Average number of days of release of funds 60 5 HFEP appropriations, allotments, and obligations 61 6 Physical accomplishment report, 2009 63 7 Physical accomplishment report, 2010 63 Figure 1 Flow of budget release 50 2 Process flow of approval for HFEP funding in 2010 53 3 Performance-based budgeting of hospitals 55 4 HFEP allocation per capita and poverty incidence 56 5 HFEP allocation per capita and population 57 6 Total HFEP expenditure and PIPH requirement 58 7 Budget utilization 61 Annex 1 Relationship between HFEP allocation and some key indicators, 68

by funding source 2 Maps of facilities for upgrading in 2011 75 3 Issuance of SAA from the date GAA was passed 83 4 Review of funding allocation under the MNCHN grants facility 84 Review of the Cheaper Medicines Program of the Philippines: Botika ng Barangay, Botika ng Bayan, PHP100 Treatment Pack, and the Role of PITC Pharma, Inc. in Government Drug Procurement Table 1 Price comparison (in peso equivalent) of three selected drugs 89

in the Philippines, India, and Pakistan, 2008 2 Price comparison (in peso equivalent) of four selected drugs 89

in the Philippines and India, 2010

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3 Median medicine price ratios for innovator brands and their generic equivalents 90 in the Philippines, in public and private sectors, 2002, 2005, and 2008/09

4 Percent of SWS-surveyed Filipino households that reported purchase of generic 91 and branded medicines, 2003 and 2008

5 Number of days that the lowest-paid government employee needs to work 91 to purchase one day’s worth of generic medicine, by type of condition, 2009

6 Urban and rural poor households with and without health insurance 93 based on data derived from proxy means test

7 Value of parallel drug imports (in USD million), 2000 to March 2010 98 8 BnBs by site, 2009 101 9 Regional distribution of BnBs and population/BnB in each region, 2009 103 10 Selling price of selected drugs between BnB and a leading private drugstore 106

chain, June 2006 11 Price comparison of retail prices between the BnB and The Generics 107

Pharmacy, as of April 2010 12 Selling price (PHP) of selected drugs among BnB, private generic, branded 108

generic, and innovator drugs, 2009 13 Price variations of three prescription and three over-the-counter drugs 109

in BnBs, 2009 14 Number of BnBs by sponsoring organization or individual, 2009 110 15 Functionality of BnBs using alternative definitions, 2009 111 16 Level of gross sales of BnBs, 2009 112 17 Proposed design for an impact evaluation of BnB and BNB 115 18 Number of BNB outlets by region and population/BNB, 2010 118 19 Types of BNB by major island group and number of BNBs that have closed, 120

as of end-2010 20 Estimated annual projected marginal statement of operations, in PHP 121 21 Drugs included in the PHP100 program and peso savings per treatment pack 123

relative to the common brand, 2010 22 Price comparison of PHP100 treatment pack with equivalent common brand 124

in Oriental Mindoro pilot and overall DOH, 2009 23 Funding of Treatment Pack Program by type of recipients and classification 128

of households 24 PITC procurement and distribution process for the BnB program 133 25 Proposed new procurement system for the PHP100 program 135 26 Variation of actual procurement price (PHP) of generic amoxicillin 137

and ranitidine at each procurement entity in NCR, Region IV-A, and Region IV-B, 2008

27 Price comparison of a sample of essential medicines among PITC generic, 137 branded generic, private sector generic, and innovator drugs, 2009 (PHP)

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Figure 1 Ratio of Philippine price to India price for selected medicines, 2004 and 2010 90 2 Percentage of household cash spending on drugs to total household spending 92

for medical care, by income decile, 2006 3 Maximum, average, and minimum prices of selected fast-moving drugs 96

in the Philippines (in PHP), May 26, 2010 4 Retailing of parallel drug imports in the Philippines 97 5 Annual and cumulative number of BnBs established, 2003–2010 100 6 Percentage of barangays with a BnB, by region, as of May 2010 103 7 Annual and cumulative number of BNBs established, 2005–2010 (end of year) 118 8 Percentage of cities and municipalities with BNB, by region, as of May 2010 119

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Foreword

We are pleased to present to the public this year’s edition of our Analysis of the President’s

Budget. This is the fifth release of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies’ (PIDS)

annual contribution to the promotion of sound fiscal policy. The budget analysis not only

presents a prognosis of the health of national government finances, it also analyzes how

appropriations have been distributed through the tedious budgeting process and whether or

not they lead to the attainment of the administration’s economic and social objectives. This

book outlines the government’s main priorities as indicated by amount of resources it is

willing to allocate to various projects and programs.

PIDS Senior Research Fellow Rosario G. Manasan provides us anew with a thorough

analysis of the 2013 budget, noting that the government has again arrived at a more balanced

budget distribution between social and economic services in an effort to achieve inclusive

growth. Social services, she notes, accounted for more than half of the increase in the 2013

National Expenditure Program. But while education has the biggest share of the increase, the

country’s basic education budget still pales in comparison with our peers in the region. Our

limited fiscal space is highlighted by the low priority given to national defense, a critical area

given current geopolitical issues. Manasan’s assessment nonetheless shows an encouraging

picture of the country’s deficit and debt situation. Expectations of high-than-target collections

by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, from an improved tax effort and incremental revenues

from excise taxes, should allow the government enough elbow room to meet its deficit target.

Analysis, meanwhile, shows that the national debt will exhibit a downward trajectory, and,

barring shocks, may even hit well below half of gross domestic product.

Two special papers accompany the main budget analysis in keeping with this year’s

focus on health expenditures. Senior Research Consultant Oscar F. Picazo reviews the

government’s cheaper medicines program (“Review of the Cheaper Medicines Program of

the Philippines: Botika ng Barangay, Botika ng Bayan, PHP100 Treatment Pack, and the

Role of PITC Pharma, Inc. in Government Drug Procurement”), and finds that Botika ng

Barangay (BnB) outlets have been successful in making the retail drug market more

contestable. But BnBs suffer from lack of financial and management support aside from

supply and sustainability issues. In the paper “Improvement of the Implementation

Procedures and Management Systems for the Health Facilities Enhancement Grant of the

Department of Health”, the research team led by Senior Research Fellow Rouselle F. Lavado

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points to the inefficient allocation of funds in health facilities nationwide, and finds that

requests from politicians during budget deliberations as well as House and Senate initiatives

tend to divert resources away from provinces in most need of upgraded health facilities.

We thank Dr. Manasan as well as Mr. Picazo and Dr. Lavado for their work and for

continuing our yearly budget analysis. PIDS hopes that our Analysis of the President’s

Budget will continue to be a useful and relevant resource in the crafting of fiscal policy by the

Executive and Legislative branches of government and in engaging stakeholders through a

greater understanding of the national budget.

GILBERTO M. LLANTO

President, PIDS

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List of Acronyms

4Ps – Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program ABC – authorized budget ceiling ACPC – Agricultural Credit Policy Council AHA – Aquino Health Agenda AO – Administrative Order AOPs – Annual Operation Plans ARMM – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao BEmONC – Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care BESF – Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing BFAD – Bureau of Food and Drugs BFAR – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources BHS – barangay health station BIR – Bureau of Internal Revenue BnB – Botika ng Barangay BNB – Botika ng Bayan BOC – Bureau of Customs BUB – bottom-up budgeting approach CAR – Cordillera Administrative Region CCT – conditional cash transfer CEmONC – Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care CHD – Center for Health Development CMP – Cheaper Medicines Program CO – capital outlay COA – Commission on Audit COBAC – Central Office Bids and Awards Committee CON – Certificate of Need DA – Department of Agriculture DALY – daily-adjusted life years DBM – Department of Budget and Management DENR – Department of Environment and Natural Resources DepEd – Department of Education DO – Department Order DOH – Department of Health DM – Department Memorandum DPWH – Department of Public Works and Highways DRF – drug revolving fund DSWD – Department of Social Welfare and Development EO – Executive Order EU – European Union FDA – Food and Drug Administration

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FHO – Family Health Office FIMO – Field Implementation Management Office FUR – Fund Utilization Report GAA – General Appropriations Act GDP – gross domestic product GMAP – government-mediated access price GMP – Good Manufacturing Practice HFEP – Health Facilities Enhancement Program IP – Indigent Program IRA – internal revenue allotment IT – information technology LGU – local government unit MeTA – Medicines Transparency MMR – maternal mortality ratio MNCHN – Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition MOOE – maintenance and other operating expenses MPR – median price ratio MRP – maximum retail price MSH – Management Sciences for Health NCHFD – National Center for Health Facility Development NCPAM – National Center for Pharmaceutical Access and Management NEP – National Expenditure Program NGO – nongovernment organization NHA – National Housing Authority OSEC – Office of the Secretary OTC – over the counter PAMANA – Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan PB – President’s Budget PBB – Performance-Based Budgeting PCA – Philippine Crop Authority PCIC – Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation PCP – primary care provider PCSO – Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office PDAF – Priority Development Assistance Fund PDI – parallel drug importation PGSO – Provincial General Services Office PHAP – Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines PHO – Provincial Health Office PIDS – Philippine Institute for Development Studies PIPH – Province-wide Investment Plan for Health PITC – Philippine International Trading Corp. PNDF – Philippine National Drug Formulary PNP – Philippine National Police

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PR – Purchase Request RA – Republic Act RatPlan – Rationalization Plan RHU – rural health unit RSBSA – Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture SAA – Sub-Allotment Advice SARO – Special Allotment Release Order SONA – state of the nation address SSL3 – Salary Standardization Law Phase 3 SUCs – state universities and colleges TGP – The Generics Pharmacy VAT – value-added tax WHO – World Health Organization WTO – World Trade Organization ZBB – zero-based budgeting

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Analysis of the President’s Budget for 2013

Rosario G. Manasan

Introduction This paper evaluates the President’s Budget (PB) or the National Expenditure Program (NEP)

for 2013. The assessment is composed of four parts: (i) an evaluation of the overall fiscal

picture as projected in the 2013 Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF);

(ii) an examination of its revenue program; (iii) an appraisal of the expenditure program

embodied in the NEP; and (iv) an analysis of the financing program.

The national government’s fiscal position in any given year (by showing whether the

government has a surplus or a deficit) provides an overall measure of the fiscal health of the

nation. Thus, Section 2 evaluates the likelihood that the estimate of the fiscal deficit that is

targeted in the PB will be met. At the same time, it also assesses if the projected fiscal

position will lead to greater fiscal instability.

Section 3 assesses the Aquino II administration’s expenditure priorities relative to its

policy pronouncements and the overarching imperative for inclusive growth. Section 4

presents an analysis of the present administration’s revenue program in support of the 2012

PB. Section 5 provides an assessment of the government’s borrowing program.

Overall Fiscal Position in Perspective The national government fiscal position deteriorated quite rapidly and continuously, from

small surpluses in 1996 and 1997 to deficits that grew from 1.9 percent of the gross domestic

product (GDP) in 1998 to an average of 3.7 percent in 1999–2001 and 5.0 percent in 2002

following the Asian financial crisis (Figure 1). A combination of expenditure compression

and increased tax effort resulting from the enactment of new tax measures in 2004/20051

subsequently enabled the national government to achieve considerable progress in improving 1 Republic Act (RA) No. 9334, which amended excise tax rates on sin products, was legislated in late 2004 and took effect in January 2005. On the other hand, RA No. 9337, otherwise known as the Reformed VAT Law, was legislated in the first half of 2005 and took effect in the last quarter of that year. RA 9337 not only expanded the coverage of the valued-added tax (VAT) but also provided for an increase in the gross receipts tax (on royalties, rentals of property, real or personal, profits from exchange, and all other items treated as gross income) of banks and nonbank financial intermediaries from 5 percent to 7 percent and a temporary increase in the corporate tax rate from 32 percent to 35 percent. Moreover, RA 9337 also enabled the president to authorize the increase in the VAT rate from 10 percent to 12 percent in January 2006.

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its fiscal position in 2003–2007, trimming down the overall fiscal deficit gradually from 4.4

percent of GDP in 2003 to 0.2 percent in 2007.

Thus, national government outstanding debt contracted from 74.4 percent of GDP in

2004 to 53.9 percent in 2007 (Figure 2). If contingent liabilities were included, national

government outstanding debt went down from 90.7 percent of GDP in 2004 to 60.9 percent in

2007.

-10.0

-5.0

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

% to GDPFigure 1. National Government Fiscal Performance, 1996-2012

Total Revenues Total Expenditures Overall Surplus (Deficit) Primary Surplus (Deficit) Primary Expenditures

-10.0

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

100.0

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

% to GDPFigure 2. NG Outstanding Debt (% to GDP), 1996-2012

NG Outstanding Debt Overall Surplus (Deficit) NG Debt incl. Contingent Liabilities

However, the gains in the tax effort proved to be temporary given no apparent

improvement in tax administration in 2007–2009, the transitory nature of revenue impact of

the amendment of the excise tax rates on sin products under RA 9334, and programmed

reduction in the corporate income tax rate starting in 2009 under RA 9337. Consequently, the

tax-to-GDP ratio deteriorated persistently from 13.7 percent of GDP in 2006 to 12.2 percent

in 2010. Furthermore, when privatization proceeds are netted out, total revenue effort of the

national government likewise decreased in 2007–2010. On the other hand, total national

government spending (when measured relative to GDP) expanded from 16.5 percent of GDP

in 2008 to 17.7 percent of GDP in 2009 and 16.9 percent in 2010, largely because of the

government’s expansionary fiscal stance in response to the 2008 global financial and

economic crisis.

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As a result, the fiscal deficit went up once again from 0.2 percent of GDP in 2007 and

0.9 percent in 2008 to 3.7 percent in 2009 and 3.5 percent in 2010. Moreover, the national

government incurred small primary deficits in 2009 and 2010, indicating that the government

had to borrow some more to cover its interest payments. As a result, the national

government’s outstanding debt rose from 53.9 percent of GDP in 2007 to 54.7 percent of

GDP in 2008 and 54.8 percent in 2009 before declining to 52.4 percent in 2010 (Figure 2). If

contingent liabilities were included, total outstanding debt went up from 60.9 percent of GDP

in 2007 to 61.7 percent in 2008 and 62.4 percent in 2009 before contracting to 58.5 percent in

2010.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) exhibited creditable progress toward

improving its tax effort in 2011, despite the fact that no new tax measures were implemented

during the first two years of the Aquino II administration. Thus, BIR tax effort went up from

9.1 percent of GDP in 2010 to 9.5 percent in 2011 and 10.0 percent in 2012 (Table 1).

Similarly, nontax revenue effort went up from 1.3 percent of GDP in 2010 to 1.6 percent in

2011–2012. In contrast, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) failed to show similar success in

improving its tax effort; its collections contracted from 2.9 percent of GDP in 2010 to 2.7

percent in 2011 and 2012. Nonetheless, the overall revenue effort of the national government

rose from 13.4 percent in 2010 to 14.0 percent in 2011 and 14.5 percent in 2012 as the

expansion in BIR tax effort and nontax revenue effort swamped the contraction in BOC tax

effort in 2010–2012.

On the other hand, national government expenditures were significantly lower than

what was programmed in 2011 largely because of delays in the implementation of projects as

the new administration reviewed and at times even cancelled the contracts of many

infrastructure projects,2 and partly because of lower interest payments due to the lower-than-

projected foreign exchange rate and interest rate. To wit, national government expenditures

2 A report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism showed that efforts to improve the procurement process at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) yielded significant cost savings (Landingin 2012). For instance, it found that the contract price for some 14 projects that were cancelled in July 2010 and subsequently rebidded was, on average, 34 percent lower than their original cost. The report also found indications that the bidding/procurement process at the DPWH has become more competitive. In particular, the study reveals that the average number of bidders for projects worth PHP 50 million and above rose from 1.3 under the Arroyo administration to 4.4 under the Aquino II administration while for projects worth less than PHP 50 million, it increased from 1.3 bidders to 2.4 bidders. Also, the difference between the authorized budget ceiling (ABC) and the lowest bid for larger projects went up from 4 percent under the Arroyo administration to 11 percent under the Aquino II administration while the difference between the ABC and the lowest bid for smaller projects rose from 1 percent to 5 percent.

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stood at 16.0 percent of GDP in 2011, more than 1.2 percentage points of GDP lower than

programmed and 0.9 percentage point of GDP lower than the 2010 level.3 National

government expenditures continued to be below the programmed level in 2012, albeit to a

smaller degree than in the previous year. To wit, actual national government expenditures

were equal to 16.8 percent of GDP in 2012 compared to the programmed level of 17.4

percent of GDP (Table 1). Thus, the government was able to trim down the fiscal deficit to

2.0 percent of GDP in 2011 (more than 1 percentage point lower than the 3.1% level that was

originally programmed) and 2.3 percent of GDP in 2012 (lower than the programmed level

but higher than the 2011 level). Consequently, outstanding national government debt

decreased from 52.4 percent of GDP in 2010 to 50.9 percent in 2011 but increased to 51.4

percent in 2012 (Figure 2).

National government fiscal program for 2013

The PB assumes that the BIR tax revenues will grow from PHP 1.06 trillion in 2012 to PHP

1.24 trillion in 2013. In contrast, this paper projects BIR collections to reach PHP 1.26 trillion

in 2013 (Table 1). This higher projection is based on the assumption that BIR is able to

improve its tax effort by another 0.4 percentage point of GDP in 2013 in the same manner it

did in 2011 and 2012. It also takes into account the passage of the amendments to the excise

tax law on sin products that is expected to yield an additional revenue of PHP 34 billion in

2013.4

As to BOC collections, the PB’s forecast is PHP 397 billion or 3.3 percent of GDP5 in

2013. However, this paper’s projection is PHP 338 billion or 2.9 percent of GDP, which is

equal to the actual BOC effort in 2010.

The PB projects nontax revenues to be equal to PHP 129 billion or 1.1 percent of

GDP in 2013. In contrast, this paper projects higher nontax revenues amounting to PHP 192

billion or 1.6 percent of GDP, which is equal to the actual tax effort in 2011 and 2012.

3 National government underspending (i.e., spending below the programmed level) in 2011 has contributed to the lackluster economic growth during that year. 4 It should be emphasized that the BESF revenue projections were reckoned relative to the higher GDP growth projections for both 2012 and 2013. The BESF assumed that GDP will grow in nominal terms by 10.3 percent in 2012 and by 11.3 percent in 2013. As it turned out, GDP actually grew by 8.6 percent in nominal terms in 2012.son, this pape assumes that GDP will grow by 6 percent in real terms while inflation is assumed to 4 percent in 2013. Thus, GDP is projected to grow by 10.2 percent in nominal terms in 2013. 5 This ratio is reckoned relative to the BESF’s GDP projection. Note that the figure shown in Table 1 is higher because of the lower GDP projection used in this paper.

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Table 1. National Government Fiscal Position, 2010-2013Actual Actual BESF BESF Actual Actual Actual BESF BESF Actual Actual Actual BESF BESF Author's Author's2010 2010 Program Program 2011 2011 less Program Program 2012 2012 less Program Program Projections Projections Differenceb/

Particulars 2011 a/ 2011 Program 2012 2012 Program 2013 2013 2013 2013 2012(PhP B) (% GDP) (PhP B) (% GDP) (PhP B) (% GDP) (PhP B) (PhP B) (% GDP) (PhP B) (% GDP) (PhP B) (PhP B) (% GDP) (PhP B) (% GDP)

Revenues 1,207.9 13.4 1,411.3 14.5 1,359.9 14.0 (51.4) 1,560.6 14.8 1,534.9 14.5 (25.7) 1,780.1 15.3 1,789.7 15.4 9.6Tax Revenues 1,093.6 12.1 1,273.2 13.1 1,202.1 12.3 (71.2) 1,427.4 13.5 1,361.1 12.9 (66.4) 1,651.3 14.2 1,598.2 13.7 (53.1) BIR 822.6 9.14 940.0 9.7 924.1 9.49 (15.9) 1,066.1 10.1 1,057.9 10.0 (8.2) 1,238.6 10.6 1,245.7 10.7 7.1 BOC 259.2 2.9 320.0 3.287 265.1 2.723 (54.9) 347.1 3.3 289.9 2.7 (57.2) 397.3 3.4 337.9 2.9 (59.4) Other Offices 11.8 0.1 13.2 0.1 12.8 0.1 (0.4) 14.2 0.1 13.3 0.1 (0.9) 15.4 0.1 14.7 0.1 (0.7)

Non-Tax Revenues 113.9 1.3 138.1 1.418 157.6 1.619 19.6 133.2 1.3 173.8 1.644 40.6 128.9 1.1 191.6 1.6 62.7of which: BTr Income 54.3 0.6 69.0 0.7 75.2 0.8 6.3 63.3 0.6 84.1 0.8 20.8 57.4 0.5 92.7 0.8 35.3 Privatization 0.9 0.0 6.0 0.1 0.9 0.0 (5.1) 2.0 0.0 8.3 0.1 6.3 2.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0

Disbursements 1,522.4 16.9 1,711.3 17.6 1,557.7 16.0 (153.6) 1,839.7 17.4 1,777.8 16.8 (62.0) 2,021.1 17.3 2,021.1 17.3 0.0of which: Interest Payments 294.2 3.3 321.6 3.3 279.0 2.9 (42.6) 317.7 3.0 312.8 3.0 (4.9) 333.9 2.9 333.9 2.9 0.0 Net Lending 9.3 0.1 23.0 0.2 18.1 0.2 (4.9) 23.0 0.2 27.4 0.3 4.4 26.5 0.2 26.5 0.2 0.0 Total Disbursements less interest 1,228.1 13.6 1,389.7 14.3 1,278.7 13.1 (111.0) 1,522.1 14.4 1,465.0 13.9 (57.1) 1,687.2 14.5 1,687.2 14.5 0.0

Overall Surplus/ (Deficit) (314.5) (3.5) (300.0) (3.1) (197.8) (2.0) 102.2 (279.1) (2.6) (242.8) (2.3) 36.3 (241.0) (2.1) (231.4) (2.0) (9.6)

Primary Surplus/ (Deficit) (20.2) (0.2) 21.6 0.2 81.2 0.8 59.6 38.5 0.4 70.0 0.7 31.4 92.9 0.8 102.5 0.9 (9.6)

a/ based on 2012 BESFb/ Difference = Author's projections less BESF targets

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In summary, this paper projects total national government revenues to be equal to

PHP 1.8 trillion (or 15.4% of GDP) in 2013. This value is PHP 9.6 billion higher than the

BESF’s projection. As a corollary, this paper projects that the fiscal deficit is PHP 9.6 billion

lower than that of the BESF which is at PHP 231 billion (or 2.0% of GDP).6

Fiscal sustainability in the medium term

Fiscal deficits per se are not bad. However, persistently large fiscal deficits may lead to fiscal

instability. As government debt accumulates over time, interest payments on the debt may

increase because the government pays interest not only on debt that it had in the past but also

on the new debt that was issued to cover the deficit of the current year. This results in even

larger fiscal deficits and even higher levels of government debt stock, leading to an explosive

situation where fiscal deficit feeds on itself. In this subsection, the sustainability of the fiscal

policy is evaluated in terms of its ability to stabilize the ratio of government debt to GDP.

Anand and van Wijbergen (1989), Catsambas and Pigato (1989), and Fedelino et al.

(2009) have established that the change in the debt-to-GDP ratio depends on the

interrelationship among the GDP growth rate, domestic real interest rate, rate of inflation,

foreign interest rate, exchange rate, stock of domestic and foreign government debt at the

start of the period, and primary deficit. The said relationship suggests that the higher the

domestic real interest rate and the lower the GDP growth rate, the more likely is the rise in

the debt-to-GDP ratio. Similarly, the higher the foreign interest rate, the higher the

depreciation of the exchange rate. The lower the domestic inflation rate, the greater is the

tendency of the debt-to-GDP ratio to increase.

The debt sustainability analysis that was undertaken for this paper suggests that if the

overall tax effort gradually improves to 16 percent of GDP in 2016, and if aggregate national

government expenditures gradually expands to 18 percent of GDP in the same year as

indicated in the government’s medium-term fiscal program, national government debt-to-

GDP ratio will contract from 51.4 percent of GDP in 2012 to 41.7 percent in 2016 while the

fiscal deficit is maintained at about 2 percent of GDP in 2014–2016. In more specific terms,

if the overall revenue effort were to increase by 0.2 percentage point of GDP yearly from

2014 onwards after rising by 0.9 percent of GDP in 2013 following the enactment of the new

sin tax law, and if non-interest expenditures were to rise by 0.3 percentage point of GDP from

2014 onwards while assuming that (i) GDP will grow by 6 percent in 2013, 5.5 percent in

6 This paper takes the expenditure projection of the BESF for 2013 as a given.

7

2014, and 5 percent yearly in 2015–2017, (ii) inflation remains steady at 4 percent yearly in

2013–2017, (iii) interest rate on government debt stays at the 2012/2013 level, and (iv) the

foreign exchange rate stays at PHP 41.50 to the dollar, then the level of fiscal deficit will

initially rise from 1.2 percent of GDP in 2013 to 2.0 percent of GDP in 2014–2017 (Table 2).

Despite said increase in the overall fiscal deficit during the period, the national debt stock is

projected to exhibit a downward trajectory, going down 51.4 percent of GDP in 2012 to 47.5

percent in 2013 and 40.3 percent in 2017.

Table 2. Debt Sustainability Simulation, 2013-2017

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017actual actual projected projected projected projected projected

Assume:NG total revenues (in billion pesos) 1,359.9 1,534.9 1,789.7 1,990.9 2,203.8 2,438.9 2,698.7 % to GDP 14.0 14.5 15.4 15.6 15.8 16.0 16.2

Non-interest expd (in billion pesos) 1,278.7 1,465.0 1,687.2 1,895.9 2,119.2 2,367.5 2,643.6 % to GDP 13.1 13.9 14.5 14.8 15.2 15.5 15.9

Interest payments (in billion pesos) 279.0 312.8 333.9 344.5 360.1 377.2 396.3 % to GDP 2.9 3.0 2.9 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.4

Implied fiscal deficit & NG outstanding debt:Fiscal deficit (in billion pesos) 197.8 242.8 140.8 249.6 275.5 305.8 341.2 % to GDP 2.0 2.3 1.2 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

NG outstanding debt (in million pesos) 4,951.2 5,437.1 5,530.5 5,780.0 6,055.5 6,361.4 6,702.6 % to GDP 50.9 51.4 47.5 45.2 43.4 41.7 40.3 a/ assumes NG total revenues will increase to 16% of GDP in 2016% ; non-interest expenditures to be equal to 14.5% of GDP in 2013 rising by 0.35% of GDP every year from 2014 onwards; GDP will grow by 6% in 2013, 5.5% in 2014 and 5% yearly in 2015-2017; inflation remains steady at 4% yearly in 2013 onwards; average interest rate on government debt to be equal to the average in 2012 and 2013; foreign exchange rate to be equal to PhP 41.50 to the dollar in 2013-2017

Alternative simulations show that the debt-to-GDP ratio will start to rise by 2016 after

declining from 51.4 percent of GDP in 2012 to 47.8 percent in 2015 if there is a simultaneous

reduction in the GDP growth rate by 1-percentage point, a 2-percentage point increase in

interest rate, and a PHP 2 depreciation in the foreign exchange rate given the revenue and

expenditure program described above. On the other hand, if any of the aforementioned

shocks were to occur singly, debt sustainability will still be attained, albeit the debt-to-GDP

ratio will be higher than shown in Table 2.

Expenditure Program

The President’s Budget Message for 2013 very clearly states that the 2013 budget is an

empowerment budget. It views the 2013 budget as “a crucial step in the government’s pursuit

of good governance—governance that will give our impoverished countrymen the

opportunity to lift themselves out of their situations.” To this end, it envisions that the budget

will empower the people, particularly the poor, by creating more opportunities for public

8

participation in governance, investing significantly in the people’s capabilities, and

prioritizing funding for public services that educate the youth, ensure a healthier citizenry,

provide jobs, and empower each Filipino to participate in economic activity.

The 2013 NEP is said to further cement the administration’s commitment to the

President’s Social Contract with the Filipino people that was forged in 2010. The Social

Contract (as operationalized by Executive Order No. 43) defines five key result areas: (i)

transparent, accountable, and participatory governance; (ii) poverty reduction and

empowerment of the poor and vulnerable; (iii) rapid, inclusive, and sustained economic

growth; (iv) just and lasting peace and rule of law; and (v) integrity of the environment and

climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The 2013 NEP is also said to sustain the administration’s results orientation. To

support this, it adopts the program budgeting approach. Under this approach, it has identified

a number of strategic programs that cuts across sectoral concerns of departments and

agencies and whose funding and implementation require greater coordination, cooperation,

and collaboration. To complement the program budgeting approach, government continues to

apply the zero-based budgeting (ZBB) approach to foster increased efficiency and

effectiveness in government spending. In particular, the ZBB is used to weed out wasteful

programs and direct government funds to programs, activities, and projects that will benefit

the Filipino people most.

With the implementation of the 2013 NEP, government also hopes to improve and

consolidate its performance budgeting and performance management system. First,

Administrative Order No. 25 (“Creating an Inter-Agency Task Force on the Harmonization of

National Government Performance Monitoring, Information and Reporting Systems”) aims to

streamline and simplify all existing monitoring and reporting requirements and processes into

a single Results-Based Performance Management System. Second, the Department of Budget

and Management will deepen the implementation of the Organizational Performance

Indicator Framework by requiring all departments and agencies to review and recast, if

necessary, their major final outputs and performance targets, so as to better link them with the

strategic objectives of the Social Contract. Third, government has also adopted a

performance-based incentive system that aims to reward the good performance of public

servants, thereby giving them more impetus to pursue excellence in their respective jobs.

Fourth, the General Appropriations Act will serve as the budget release document starting

with the implementation of the 2013 budget. This move is aimed at minimizing delays in

project implementation due to bottlenecks in the processing of requests for the release of

9

allotments. In line with this, government agencies have been advised to conduct

preprocurement activities in the fourth quarter of 2012, in anticipation of Congress’ approval

of this proposed budget so that contracts can then be awarded on the first working day of the

following fiscal year. Fifth, all appropriations will have a validity of one year starting in

2013. This measure is meant to improve the predictability of the budget execution process as

the system moves away from a policy that allows the carry-over of appropriations for

maintenance expenditures and capital outlays to the following fiscal year. Sixth, the

administration introduced the bottom-up budgeting approach (BUB) to provide the grassroots

with a voice in the allocation of public funds. Under the BUB, the 609 poorest municipalities

were asked to develop Local Poverty Reduction Action Plans with local communities and

civil society organizations in their jurisdictions. These plans were then submitted to the

national budget for inclusion in the 2013 budget. A total of 593 of these municipalities

submitted plans for community-determined, antipoverty interventions (such as agriculture

and fisheries support, potable water supply, public health care, and basic education) worth a

total of PHP 8.37 billion.

Spending priorities in the proposed President’s Budget for 2013

The proposed NEP for 2013 under the PB amounts to PHP 2.0 trillion. About 62 percent of

the proposed expenditure program for 2013 will be funded from new appropriations for

various departments and agencies as well as for special purpose funds.7 The remaining 38

percent will be funded from automatic appropriations.8 However, a total of PHP 117.5 billion

is proposed as unprogrammed appropriations (i.e., standby spending authority) in case the

national treasury collects more than the revenue targets (Table 3).

7 Special purpose funds include the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund, Retirement Benefits Fund, Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), Budgetary Support to Government Corporations, and Allocation to Local Government Units. 8 Automatic appropriations refer to appropriations programmed annually or for some other period prescribed by law, by virtue of outstanding legislation that does not require periodic action by Congress. They include debt servicing (i.e., interest payments and net lending); internal revenue allotment (IRA), government contribution for employees’ retirement and life insurance premiums, special accounts in the general fund, grant proceeds, and donations.

10

Table 3. 2013 National Budget Program (in million pesos)

Amount % dist.

New General Appropriations Departments and Agencies 959,927 Special Purpose Funds 408,402 Total, New General Appropriations 1,368,329 Less: Unprogrammed Appropriations 117,548 Total, Programmed New Appropriations 1,250,781 62.4

Automatic Appropriations 755,219 37.6Total Expenditure Program 2,006,000 100.0

Source: 2013 National Expenditure Program

The proposed expenditure program for 2013 is PHP 190 billion (or 10.5%) higher

than the PHP 1.8 trillion expenditure program for 2012 (Table 4). Of this amount, more than

half (PHP 100.5 billion or 53.1%) is allocated for the social services sectors, a clear

indication of the high priority given by the administration to education, health, and social

services, in general. In contrast, PHP 49.4 billion (or 26.1%) is earmarked for the economic

services sectors.

The remaining 21 percent of the increase in the aggregate expenditure program net of

debt service is allocated to public administration (7.6%), other sectors not elsewhere

classified including the IRA (12.9%), and national defense (0.6%).

Social services sectors

The growth rate in the aggregate allocation for all the economic services sectors in 2013

(25%) is fastest among the major expenditure groups. As indicated earlier, the social services

sectors combined have the biggest share in the overall increase in the aggregated expenditure

program in 2012.

Education

The education sector has the largest share in the increment in the total expenditure program

of the national government net of debt service in 2013. To wit, national government spending

on the education sector is programmed to increase by PHP 65.5 billion (or 23.6%) from PHP

278.0 billion in 2012 to PHP 343.5 billion in 2013. The increase in the programmed spending

on the education sector accounts for 34.6 percent of the aggregate increase in total obligations

program net of debt service in 2013 (Table 4).

11

Table 4. Comparative Analysis of National Expenditure Program, by Sector, 2011-2013

2011 2012 b/ 2013 b/ 2011-2012 2012-2013 2011-2012 2012-2013 2011-2012 2012-2013

GRAND TOTAL 1,580,017 1,816,000 2,006,000 235,983 190,000 14.9 10.5 129.8 100.4

Total economic services 262,214 288,028 337,389 25,814 49,361 9.8 17.1 14.2 26.1

Agriculture 44,752 62,437 75,137 17,685 12,700 39.5 20.3 9.7 6.7 Agrarian reform 15,596 19,111 21,618 3,515 2,507 22.5 13.1 1.9 1.3 Natural resources 14,089 18,754 24,354 4,665 5,599 33.1 29.9 2.6 3.0 Industry 4,987 5,527 6,235 540 708 10.8 12.8 0.3 0.4 Trade 1,225 689 678 (536) (10) (43.8) (1.5) (0.3) (0.0) Tourism 2,181 2,245 3,569 64 1,324 2.9 59.0 0.0 0.7 Power & energy 17,482 11,800 11,323 (5,682) (477) (32.5) (4.0) (3.1) (0.3) Water resources devt. 107 760 66 653 (694) 609.8 (91.3) 0.4 (0.4) Transportation & communication 155,927 162,454 190,884 6,527 28,430 4.2 17.5 3.6 15.0 Other economic services 5,869 4,251 3,526 (1,618) (725) (27.6) (17.1) (0.9) (0.4)

Total social services 377,685 402,665 503,193 24,981 100,528 6.6 25.0 13.7 53.1

Education 256,152 278,000 343,522 21,848 65,522 8.5 23.6 12.0 34.6 Health 40,654 47,794 58,524 7,139 10,730 17.6 22.5 3.9 5.7 Soc. security, labor/ emp., & soc. welfare serv. 58,542 69,847 77,881 11,305 8,034 19.3 11.5 6.2 4.2 Housing & community devt. 22,337 7,025 23,266 (15,312) 16,241 (68.5) 231.2 (8.4) 8.6

National defense 102,249 112,708 113,871 10,459 1,163 10.2 1.0 5.8 0.6

Total public services 242,931 243,382 257,037 451 13,655 0.2 5.6 0.2 7.2

Public administration 120,575 103,554 117,947 (17,021) 14,393 (14.1) 13.9 (9.4) 7.6 Peace and order 122,355 139,828 139,090 17,472 (737) 14.3 (0.5) 9.6 (0.4)

Others NEC 315,942 436,110 460,608 120,168 24,498 38.0 5.6 66.1 12.9

Debt service 278,996 333,107 333,902 54,111 795 19.4 0.2 29.8 0.4

MEMO ITEM:

IRA 286,944 273,310 302,304 (13,635) 28,994 (4.8) 10.6 (7.5) 15.3

Grand total - debt service 1,301,021 1,482,893 1,672,098 181,872 189,205 14.0 12.8 100.0 100.0

Grand Total-debt service-LGU share 1,023,773 1,184,028 1,382,059 160,255 198,031 15.7 16.7 88.1 104.7

Defense & peace & order 224,604 252,535 252,961 27,931 426 12.4 0.2 15.4 0.2

Infrastructure 173,516 175,013 202,273 1,498 27,259 0.9 15.6 0.8 14.4a/ as % of total expenditure net of debt service

Source of basic data: Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financeb/ allocation for Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund and Pension and Gratuity Fund are distributed to the various agencies in direct proportion to their 2011 breakdown across agencies

Level (in million pesos) Difference (in million pesos) Growth rate Difference - % dist a/

The bulk of the additional allocation earmarked for the education sector (PHP 53.4

billion or 81%) is meant for the Department of Education (DepEd), making it the top gainer

among the various departments in the 2013 NEP. Thus, the budget of the DepEd is

programmed to rise from PHP 238.8 billion in 2012 to PHP 292.2 billion in 2013 (Table 5a).9

The increased allocation for the DepEd in 2013 (as in the previous year) is directed at closing

the shortages in crucial resources needed to deliver quality basic education, including an

allocation of PHP 15.7 billion for classroom construction, and PHP 15.3 billion for the hiring

of 61,500 new teachers, and increased school maintenance and other operating expenses

(MOOE).

The PHP 53.4 billion increase in the proposed budget of DepEd in 2013 is more than

two-and-a-half times the increase in its budget in 2012. Given the sustained support given to

the DepEd, significant gains have been achieved in closing the input gaps (teachers,

textbooks, seats, in particular) in public elementary and secondary schools. However, the 9 These numbers are inclusive of the automatic appropriation for the retirement and life insurance premiums of personnel, the share of the department in the miscellaneous personnel benefits fund including the amount earmarked for the salaries of unfilled positions, and the allocation for classroom construction included in the budget of the DPWH.

12

classroom deficit remains to be addressed completely. Despite the huge increases in the

DepEd budget in recent years, the Philippines’ total allocation for basic education (which is

estimated to be equal to 2.3% of GDP in 2012) still compares unfavorably with those of its

neighbors in Southeast Asia.10

Table 5a. Top Gainers in 2013 National Expenditure Program, Selected Agencies (continuation)

2011 2012 b/ 2013 b/ 2011-2012 2012-2013 2011-2012 2012-2013

Total Social Services 377,685 402,665 503,193 24,981 100,528 6.6 25.0

Education 256,152 278,000 343,522 21,848 65,522 8.5 23.6 DepEd 218,817 238,800 292,218 19,983 53,418 9.1 22.4 SUCs 27,999 27,751 37,442 (249) 9,691 (0.9) 34.9 CHED 2,003 2,286 3,654 283 1,368 14.1 59.8

Health 40,654 47,794 58,524 7,139 10,730 17.6 22.5 DOH 30,223 44,308 55,370 14,085 11,063 46.6 25.0

Soc. Security, Labor/ Emp., & Soc. Welfare Serv. 58,542 69,847 77,881 11,305 8,034 19.3 11.5 DSWD 38,037 48,855 56,072 10,817 7,217 28.4 14.8 DOLE 2,363 2,508 3,067 144 560 6.1 22.3

Housing & Com. Devt. 22,337 7,025 23,266 (15,312) 16,241 (68.5) 231.2 NHA 20,001 5,631 21,373 (14,370) 15,742 (71.8) 279.6 NHMFC 500 500 1,000 0 500 0.0 100.0

Total Public Services 242,931 243,382 257,037 451 13,655 0.2 5.6

Public Administration 120,575 103,554 117,947 (17,021) 14,393 (14.1) 13.9 DILG 3,307 4,382 7,138 1,075 2,755 32.5 62.9 ARMM 12,932 12,469 14,110 (463) 1,641 (3.6) 13.2 National Statistics Office 1,430 1,848 3,247 418 1,399 29.2 75.7 COA 5,430 7,237 8,168 1,807 931 33.3 12.9

Peace and Order 122,355 139,828 139,090 17,472 (737) 14.3 (0.5) Bureau of Fire Protection 8,936 9,566 10,186 630 620 7.1 6.5 Bureau of Jail Management and Penology 5,679 5,551 6,171 (127) 619 (2.2) 11.2 Judiciary 14,114 13,934 15,722 (180) 1,787 (1.3) 12.8

Others, n.e.c. 315,942 436,110 460,608 120,168 24,498 38.0 5.6 IRA 286,944 273,310 302,304 (13,635) 28,994 (4.8) 10.6

Debt Service 278,996 333,107 333,902 54,111 795 19.4 0.2a/ as % of total expenditure net of debt service

Source of basic data: Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Finance

b/ allocation for Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund and Pension and Gratuity Fund are distributed to the various agencies in direct proportion to their budgets for personal services

Level (in million pesos) Difference (in million pesos) growth rate

On the other hand, the aggregate budget for state universities and colleges (SUCs) is

programmed to rise by PHP 9.7 billion in 2013, primarily in support of the requirements for

the Roadmap for Higher Education Reform, increased allocation for MOOE, and the higher

salaries and wages under Salary Standardization Law Phase 3 (SSL3). In addition, an

increase of another PHP 1.4 billion is available under the budget of the Commission on

10 Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam are estimated to spend 4.1 percent of their GDP, on the average, in 2002–2007 on basic education (World Bank 2012).

13

Higher Education for a program that will enhance the research and information and

communication technology capabilities of SUCs.

Under consideration is the phasing out of SUCs programs that are not part of their

mandates, or those that are duplicative. At the same time, the normative funding formula for

SUCs is currently being revised to better promote and reward quality instruction and research

and extension services, and improve the mechanism for public financing of research in

universities, an important public good produced in higher education institutions.

Health

In 2013, national government spending on the health sector is programmed to increase by

PHP 11 billion from its 2012 level. In particular, the allocation for the Department of Health

(DOH) is programmed to increase by 25 percent from PHP 44.3 billion in 2012 to PHP 55.4

billion in 2013, making the DOH the fifth largest gainer among the various government

departments in the 2013 NEP (Table 5a). Arguably, the higher budget support for the DOH in

2013 reflects the administration’s focus on advancing public health and universal health care.

The Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) accounts for the bulk (PHP 8.5

billion) of the increase in the DOH budget in 2013. Thus, the allocation for the HFEP

increases from PHP 5.1 billion in 2012 to PHP 13.6 billion in 2013. The HFEP is meant to be

used for the rehabilitation and construction of 2,243 rural health units (RHUs) and 403

provincial and district hospitals in order to improve the delivery of basic health services

nationwide.

As indicated in Manasan (2011a), the importance of the upgrading of RHUs and

barangay health stations (BHSs) to serve as basic emergency obstetric and newborn care

facilities, and the upgrading of selected local government unit (LGU) provincial and district

hospitals to serve as comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care facilities, is

premised on the need to treat every delivery as an emergency case and to promote the

importance of facility-based deliveries in reducing maternal mortality rate. The upgrading of

RHUs/BHSs and selected LGU hospitals is also expected to improve their “gatekeeping”

function and, thereby, reduce hospital patient case load at the tertiary level (Manasan and

Cuenca 2010). At the same time, the HFEP is best seen as a critical component of the DOH

health care financing strategy (DOH 2010) by (i) enhancing the ability of national

government and LGU health facilities to provide quality and appropriate services that are

responsive to the priority health needs of their catchment population; and (ii) enabling them

to operate on a more sustainable basis by securing appropriate PhilHealth accreditation.

14

The 2013 NEP also increases the budget for the operation of DOH hospitals by PHP

1.5 billion. Of this amount, PHP 800 million are intended for special hospitals while PHP 700

million are for DOH regional hospitals. Thus, the aggregate budget of special hospitals will

increase by 24 percent while that of DOH regional hospitals will rise by 15 percent in 2013.

On the other hand, the budget of the local health assistance including public health

program support is increased by PHP 1.8 billion in 2013. Thus, the allocation for this budget

item will increase by 170 percent during the year. Meanwhile, the allocation for the Doctors

to the Barrios and Rural Health Practice Program is increased by more than PHP 1 billion in

2013. This move will allow the DOH to deploy 131 doctors, 22,500 nurses, and 4,379

midwives to RHUs and government hospitals. Also, the budget support for the Indigent or

Sponsored Program of the National Health Insurance Program is increased by PHP 500

million in 2013. This will allow the DOH to fund the annual premium subsidy of the PHP 5.2

million indigent families identified under the National Household Targeting System. It is

notable that part of the additional revenues that will be generated from the recently enacted

reformed sin tax law will be used to cover the health insurance premium of the families of

some 5.6 million informal sector workers in partnership with LGUs.

Housing and community services

Some 8.0 percent of the total increment in the national government expenditure program net

of debt services in 2013 will go to housing and community development services. In

particular, the budgetary support for the National Housing Authority (NHA) will increase by

PHP 15.7 billion in 2013, making the NHA the fourth biggest gainer in the 2013 NEP (Table

5a). Thus, the budgetary support for the NHA will post an almost four-fold increase to PHP

21.7 billion in 2013 from PHP 5.6 billion in 2012. Some PHP 10 billion of the budgetary

support for the NHA is intended for the resettlement of an estimated 20,000 informal settlers

living in danger zones (e.g., creeks, rivers, and esteros). Said program is an essential

component of the government’s disaster risk reduction and management program. The plan is

to provide in-city multistorey housing structures to informal settler families on government-

owned land in Rizal, Parañaque, Malabon, Caloocan, Pasig, Valenzuela, and Las Piñas. Also,

PHP 4.9 billion will be used for the resettlement of another 33,000 informal settler families

affected by infrastructure projects and living in danger zones in Metro Manila and other

areas. On the other hand, PHP 5.6 billion will be allocated for the housing program for

military and police personnel.

15

Social security, labor/employment, and social welfare services

The allocation for the social security, labor/employment, and social welfare services sector is

programmed to increase by PHP 8 billion in 2013. About 90 percent of this amount is

accounted for by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) whose budget

will increase by PHP 7.2 billion in 2013 (Table 5a). This makes the DSWD the eighth biggest

gainer in the 2013 NEP.

Close to 70 percent of the increase in DSWD’s budget in 2013 is due to the Pantawid

Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The allocation for the 4Ps is programmed to increase by

PHP 5 billion from 39 billion in 2012 to PHP 44 billion in 2013. The increase will allow the

expansion of the program’s coverage from 3.1 million families in 2012 to 3.8 million families

in 2013. While the initial studies on the impact of the 4Ps indicate that the program has been

successful in improving school attendance and demand for basic health services among

beneficiaries (e.g., Manasan 2011b; Chaudhury et al. 2013), other studies indicate that the

inclusion error in the implementation of the program is not as low as earlier anticipated

(Reyes and Tabuga 2012).

The budget for the Self-Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran Program will increase

by PHP 1.7 billion in 2013. This amount will be used to provide livelihood opportunities to

4Ps beneficiaries to prepare them for the eventual graduation from the program.

The 2013 NEP includes an allocation of PHP 1.5 billion for the implementation and

monitoring of the department’s component of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan

(PAMANA) program. The PAMANA, an interagency program led by the Office of the

Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process, is a framework for peace building, reconstruction,

and development in conflict-affected areas and aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability in

those areas by improving governance and empowering communities. The DSWD component

involves livelihood activities in 845 barangays and the construction of 989 core shelter units.

Economic services sectors

The PHP 49.4 billion increase in the allocation for all the economic sectors as a group in

2013 accounts for 26 percent of the total increment in the national expenditure program net of

debt service (Table 4). This amount is about double the increase in aggregate budget for all

the economic services sectors combined in 2012, indicating increasing importance being

given to the economic services sectors. Thus, the combined allocation for all the economic

services sectors is programmed to rise from PHP 288 million in 2012 to PHP 337 million in

2013.

16

Agriculture

The allocation for all the agencies belonging to the agriculture sector as a group will increase

by PHP 12.7 billion in 2013, lower than the budget increment of PHP 17.7 billion in 2012

(Table 4). Thus, the national government’s expenditure program for the agriculture sector in

2013 (PHP 75.1 billion) is 20 percent higher than that in 2012 (PHP 62.4 billion).

Department of Agriculture. More than half of the PHP 12.7 billion increase in the

allocation for the entire agriculture sector is attributable to the Department of Agriculture

(DA). In more specific terms, the budget of the DA is programmed to increase by PHP 6.8

billion in 2013, making it the ninth largest gainer in the 2013 NEP (Table 5b).

Close to 30 percent, the increase in DA’s budget in 2013 (or PHP 2 billion), is

allocated for farm-to-market roads, with the budget for this item rising from PHP 5 billion in

2012 to PHP 7 billion in 2013. On the other hand, PHP 1.6 billion will go to the restoration,

rehabilitation, and construction of irrigation systems. Thus, the allocation for irrigation will

rise from PHP 25.8 billion in 2012 to PHP 27.4 billion in 2013.

At the same time, the 2013 NEP proposes an increase of about PHP 1.2 billion for the

National Rice Program and PHP 573 million for the National Corn Program.

As noted in Manasan (2011), the increased funding for farm-to-market roads is

consistent with the findings of empirical studies that have established the importance of

market infrastructure, like farm-to-market roads, in improving the profitability of agricultural

producers by linking production areas to markets [e.g., Fan et al. 2000 as cited by David et al.

(2012)]. On the other hand, the higher budget support given to irrigation is aligned with the

findings of earlier studies [e.g., David (2003), World Bank (2007)]. However, these studies

also highlight the need for governance reforms (including greater cost recovery and transfer

of management systems to farmers) to make the irrigation sector more efficient.

In contrast, the proposed increases in the budgetary allocation for commodity-specific

production support programs may need to be revisited. As indicated in Manasan (2013),

government expenditures on these programs in the past went to the provision of private goods

such as fertilizers, hybrid seeds, postharvest facilities and equipment, farm machineries, and

livestock. David et al. (2012) argue that expenditures for production support must be limited

to those that address market failures like lack of access to formal financial markets by small

producers and nonviability of crop insurance. In contrast, subsidies for postharvest facilities

and equipment, farm machineries, hybrid seeds, fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, and animal

distribution that are all private goods are more difficult to justify.

17

The proposed DA budget for 2013 includes a new item, which is the implementation

and monitoring of projects under the PAMANA program. The allocation for the PAMANA

program under the DA budget amounts to PHP 1.3 billion.

Other agriculture agencies. The increments in the budgets of other agencies of the

agriculture sector were also significant in 2013. This is evident in the budgets of the Bureau

of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC),

the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), and the Philippine Coconut Authority

(PCA) (Table 5b). The increases in their budgets for 2013 appear to be biased toward

assisting subsistence farmers and fisherfolks. For instance, the increase in allocation for the

BFAR is equal to PHP 1.6 billion, which is intended for the implementation of the National

Fisheries Program that will prioritize subsistence fisherfolks. Meanwhile, the increase in the

allocation for the PCA is equal to PHP 556 million; it is intended for the coconut

planting/replanting project and coconut fertilization project that are meant to directly benefit

small farmers registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Table 5b. Top Gainers in 2013 National Expenditure Program, Selected Agencies

2011 2012 b/ 2013 b/ 2011-2012 2012-2013 2011-2012 2012-2013

GRAND TOTAL 1,580,017 1,816,000 2,006,000 235,983 190,000 14.9 10.5

Total Economic Services 262,214 288,028 337,389 25,814 49,361 9.8 17.1

Agriculture 44,752 62,437 75,137 17,685 12,700 39.5 20.3 DA 27,356 49,338 56,167 21,982 6,829 80.4 13.8 BFAR 3,362 3,092 4,659 (270) 1,567 na na PCIC 114 184 1,184 70 1,000 61.5 544.2 ACPC 31 34 1,034 3 1,000 9.9 2,906.8 Philippine Coconut Authority 553 1,193 1,749 640 556 115.8 46.6

Agrarian Reform 15,596 19,111 21,618 3,515 2,507 22.5 13.1 DAR 11,581 19,111 21,618 7,530 2,507 65.0 13.1

Natural Resources 14,089 18,754 24,354 4,665 5,599 33.1 29.9 DENR 10,742 15,651 18,520 4,910 2,869 45.7 18.3 NAMRIA 929 960 2,988 31 2,029 3.3 211.4

Industry 4,987 5,527 6,235 540 708 10.8 12.8 DTI 2,616 2,455 3,185 (160) 730 (6.1) 29.7

Tourism 2,181 2,245 3,569 64 1,324 2.9 59.0 DOT 1,443 1,552 2,450 109 897 7.6 57.8

Power & Energy 17,482 11,800 11,323 (5,682) (477) (32.5) (4.0) DOE 1,285 8,861 4,350 7,576 (4,512) 589.5 (50.9) NEA 15,753 2,569 5,349 (13,184) 2,780 (83.7) na

Transportation & Communication 155,927 162,454 190,884 6,527 28,430 4.2 17.5 DPWH 122,005 126,986 153,505 4,981 26,520 4.1 20.9

a/ as % of total expenditure net of debt service

Source of basic data: Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Finance

Level (in million pesos) Difference (in million pesos) growth rate

b/ allocation for Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund and Pension and Gratuity Fund are distributed to the various agencies in direct proportion to their budgets for personal services

Meanwhile, the allocations for the ACPC and the PCIC are augmented by PHP 1

billion each in 2013. The PHP 1 billion increase in the budget of the ACPC is meant to be

18

transferred to government financial institutions to be used exclusively for the establishment

of a flexible credit facility for the benefit of small farmers registered in the RSBSA. On the

other hand, that for the PCIC shall be used exclusively for the crop insurance premium of

subsistence farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Agrarian reform

The allocation for the Department of Agrarian Reform is programmed to increase by PHP 2.5

billion in 2013. This amount shall be used mainly for land acquisition and distribution whose

budget will increase from PHP 9.4 billion in 2012 to PHP 13 billion in 2013 (Table 5b).

Environment and natural resources

The allocation for the environment and natural resources sector is programmed to increase by

PHP 5.6 billion in 2013. Some PHP 2.8 billion of the increase in the sector’s allocation in

2013 is meant for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This will

increase the total allocation for the DENR by 18 percent, from PHP 15.7 billion in 2012 to

PHP 18.5 billion in 2013 (Table 5b). In particular, the allocation for the department’s

National Greening Program will increase from PHP 2.2 billion in 2012 to PHP 5.0 billion in

2013. With this budget, the DENR targets to plant 150 million seedlings in 300,000 hectares,

up from the 128,559 hectares planted in 2011 and the target of 215,000 hectares in 2012, with

the long-term goal of increasing forest cover to 30 percent of the total land area from only 24

percent in 2003.

On the other hand, the allocation for the National Mapping and Resource Information

Authority is programmed to increase by PHP 1.5 billion in 2013. This amount is intended for

the implementation of the Unified Mapping Project that aims to produce topographic maps

for the 18 major river basins that will serve as inputs to hazard mapping for disaster risk

reduction and management.

Power and energy

The allocation for all the agencies belonging to the power and energy sector combined is

programmed to decline by PHP 477 million in 2013 because of the decline in the Department

of Energy’s use of income from the collections of fees and revenues from the exploration,

development, and exploitation of energy resources in 2012. However, the allocation for the

National Electrification Authority is programmed to increase by PHP 2.8 billion in 2013

19

(Table 5b). This amount will be used to finance the government’s Rural Electrification

Program.

Transportation and communication

The 2013 NEP proposes a PHP 28.4 billion increase in allocation for all the transportation

and communication agencies combined over the 2012 level (Table 4). Over 90 percent of this

amount (or PHP 26.5 billion) is attributable to the increase in the budget of the DPWH,

making the department the third largest gainer among the various government departments in

the 2013 NEP (Table 5b). In particular, the allocation for national arterial and secondary

roads will increase by PHP 23 billion while that for flood control projects will increase by

PHP 3.5 billion in 2013. The higher allocation for road construction and maintenance

supports the DPWH’s program to complete the pavement of national arterial and secondary

roads and bridges by 2016. On the other hand, the higher allocation for flood control

contributes to the government’s disaster risk reduction and management.

As indicated in Manasan (2013), “the higher priority given to the infrastructure

sectors under Aquino II is consistent with the need to increase funding for basic infrastructure

to help ensure more inclusive growth. Economic theory suggests that increased public

infrastructure investment exerts a positive influence on economic growth by increasing the

productivity of other factors of production (including labor and private capital). This is

especially true when the initial stock of infrastructure assets is low. Moreover, public

infrastructure investments is said to crowd-in private investments, thereby resulting in a

higher private investment rate, precisely because of the higher returns to private investment

resulting from higher factor productivity cited above. On the other hand, improved public

infrastructure is conjectured to magnify the improvements in health and education outcomes

from higher health and education investments by making it easier for individuals to attend

schools and seek health care.”

Public services sectors

The expenditure program for all public services sectors combined will increase by PHP 13.7

billion in 2013 relative to its 2012 level (Table 4).

The agencies under the public services sector that will receive significantly higher

allocations in 2013 relative to their 2012 levels are: Department of Interior and Local

Government (increment of PHP 2.8 billion, of which PHP 600 million is for the PAMANA

20

program and PHP 250 million is for the LGU Challenge Fund11), Judiciary (increment of

PHP 1.8 billion), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao [ARMM] (increment of PHP 1.6

billion of which PHP 500 million is due to the ARMM Social Fund for Peace and

Development and PHP 500 million is for infrastructure projects), National Statistics Office

(increment of PHP 1.4 billion largely for the Census of Agriculture and Fisheries), and

Commission on Audit (increment of PHP 931 million) [Table 5a].

Other sectors, not elsewhere classified

The increase in the allocation for other sectors, not elsewhere classified, is mainly due to the

PHP 29 billion increase in the IRA in 2013.

The 2013 National Expenditure Program in longer-term perspective

Aggregate national government spending

The aggregate national government expenditure program of PHP 2.0 trillion in 2013 is equal

to 17.2 percent of the projected GDP for the year. Total national government spending in

2013 is imperceptibly higher than the 2012 level but lower than average spending during the

administrations of Ramos (17.7%) and Estrada (18.5%) [Figure 3 and Appendix Table 1].

This is perhaps to be expected given the fiscal consolidation that is programmed under the

government’s medium-term fiscal framework that aims to reduce fiscal deficit from 2.6

percent of the GDP in 2012 to only 2.0 percent of GDP in 2013.

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

1975

1976

1977

1978

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1981

1982

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1989

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1991

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GDP

Figure 3. Aggregate National Government Expenditures, as a Percentage of GDP, 1975-2013

Grand Total Debt Service Transfers to LGUs Grand Total less Debt Service Grand Total less Debt Service less Transfers to LGUs

Marcos Aquino I Ramos Estrada Arroyo Aquino II

11 Said fund is meant to encourage LGUs to adopt good governance. In particular, it will augment resources of 516 LGUs that are able to attain a “Seal of Good Housekeeping” in various areas of governance.

21

National government debt service in 2013 is considerably lower compared to that in

earlier periods primarily because of persistent downward trajectory of the national

government debt stock in 2004–2012. Furthermore, the continuing appreciation of the peso

and decline in interest rates have a positive impact on debt service. In particular, debt service

accounts for 16.6 percent of the 2013 NEP, lower than the 18.3 percent budget share in 2012

and the average posted during the past four administrations—Aquino I (29.5%), Ramos

(20.0%), Estrada (19.6%), and Arroyo (24.5%) [Figure 4 and Appendix Table 2].

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

35.00

1975

1976

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1979

1980

1981

1982

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1984

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1988

1989

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1991

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1996

1997

1998

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2001

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2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Prelim

2013

NEP

Perce

nt (%

)

Figure 4. Budget Share of Debt Service and Transfers to LGUs (%), 1975-2013

Transfers to LGUs Debt Service

Marcos Aquino I Aquino IIRamos Estrada Arroyo

As a result, debt service is projected to be equal to 2.9 percent of GDP in 2013, lower

not only relative to its 2012 level (3.2%) but also relative to the average during the Aquino I

administration (5.0%), the Ramos administration (3.5%), the Estrada administration (3.6%)

and the Arroyo administration (4.2%) [Figure 3 and Appendix Table 1]. Consequently, the

expenditure program (when measured in terms of total national government expenditure net

of debt service) appears to be slightly more expansionary in 2013 compared to the situation

during the Ramos and Arroyo administrations. To wit, total national government expenditure

net of debt service is programmed to be equal to 14.4 percent of GDP in 2013, higher than the

2012 level (14.0%) and the average registered during the administrations of Ramos (14.2%)

and Arroyo (12.9%) but lower than the average during the Estrada administration (14.9%)

[Figure 3 and Appendix Table 1].

Furthermore, nonmandatory expenditures (i.e., total expenditures less interest

payments and transfers to LGUs) are even more expansionary than total expenditures net of

debt service because intergovernmental transfers to LGUs remain steady at the 2012 level of

2.6 percent of GDP in 2013, down from 3.1 percent in 2009 and 3.0 percent in 2010 and

2011. Thus, nonmandatory expenditures are programmed to be equal to 11.8 percent of GDP

22

in 2013, higher than the 2012 level (11.4%) and the average during the administrations of

Marcos (11.6%), Aquino I (11.2%), Ramos (11.7%), and Arroyo (10.1%) but just about equal

to the average during the Estrada administration (Figure 3 and Appendix Table 1).

Allocation across major expenditure groups

The present government’s overarching goal as stated in the Philippine Development Plan is

inclusive growth (NEDA 2011). The Plan defines inclusive growth as sustained, rapid growth

that is broadly shared, i.e., growth that benefits the majority of the citizenry. Such growth is

envisioned to result in reduced poverty and increased employment. The Plan identifies the

key strategies that will help achieve inclusive growth: (i) improved infrastructure support; (ii)

equal access to human development; and (iii) effective and responsive social safety nets. The

2013 NEP supports the abovementioned strategies by supporting interventions that are biased

in favor of the poor and vulnerable even while it gives priority to the basic infrastructure

necessary for the country to attain rapid, inclusive, and sustained economic growth. As such,

the very strong bias toward the social services sectors that characterized the 2011 and 2012

expenditure programs has been tempered in 2013 by having a more balanced distribution of

the budget between the social services sectors and the economic services sectors.

Nonetheless, the social services sectors continue to have the biggest budget share among the

major expenditure groups in 2013 as was the case in the past three administrations—Ramos,

Estrada, and Arroyo.

The share of all the social services sectors combined in total national government

expenditure net of debt service in 2013 (30.1%) is not only higher than that in 2012 (27.2%)

but is also higher than the average set during the administrations of Marcos (22.0%), Aquino

I (29.4%), and Arroyo (26.4%) [Figure 5 and Appendix Table 3]. In contrast, the share of all

the economic services sectors as a group in total national government expenditure net of debt

service in 2013 (20.2%) is higher than its 2012 level (19.4%) but is lower than the average set

during the administrations of Marcos (46.6%), Aquino I (34.3%), Ramos (26.1%), Estrada

(23.1%), and Arroyo (23.1%).

23

As in previous administrations since Ramos, the “others, n.e.c.”12 group ranks third

among the major expenditure groups in terms of share in total expenditure net of debt service.

To wit, the “others, n.e.c.” group will receive 27.5 percent of the national government budget

net of debt service in 2013, lower than its 29.4 percent share in 2012 but higher than the share

of this expenditure group in past administrations (Figure 5 and Appendix Table 3).

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20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

1975

1976

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Perc

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%)

Figure 5. Percentage Distribution of National Government Expenditures Net of Debt Service, by Major Expenditure Group, 1975-2013

Total Economic Services Total Social Services National Defense

Total Public Services Others n.e.c.

Marcos Aquino I Aquino IIRamos Estrada Arroyo

Starting with the Ramos administration, total public services rank fourth among the

major expenditure groups in terms of share in total expenditures net of debt service. National

government spending on all the public services sectors as a group is programmed to account

for 15.4 percent of total government expenditure net of debt service in 2013. This figure is

lower than its 2012 level (16.4%) and the average during administrations of Aquino I

(17.3%), Ramos (18.0%), Estrada (16.5%), and Arroyo (18.8%) despite the implementation

of SSL3 (Figure 5 and Appendix Table 3).

On the other hand, national defense receives the lowest budget share among the major

expenditure groups since the Ramos administration and this trend continues up to the present.

The share of national defense in total government expenditures net of debt service is

programmed to be equal to 6.8 percent in 2013, lower than its 2012 level (7.6%) and the

12 The “others, n.e.c.” group includes transfers to LGUs (which accounts for 95%–97% of the group’s budget share in the years after the passage of the Local Government Code of 1991), the PDAF otherwise known as “pork-barrel” funds of legislators, unallocated budgetary support to government corporations, and tax expenditures fund. After budget execution, however, the allocation for the last three aforementioned items is distributed to other expenditure groups/sectors once the actual utilization of the said funds is known. Consequently, the programmed allocation for the “others, n.e.c.” group tends to be larger than the actual expenditure obligations after budget execution.

24

average during all previous administrations of Marcos (13.8%), Aquino I (10.1%), Ramos

(7.7%), Estrada (6.9%), and Arroyo (8.2%) (Figure 5 and Appendix Table 3).

Social services sectors

National government spending on all the social services sectors combined is programmed to

increase to 4.3 percent of GDP in 2013 from 3.8 percent of GDP in 2012. Because of the

sustained high priority accorded to the social services sectors under the Aquino II

administration, national government spending on these sectors in 2013 as a percentage of

GDP is markedly higher than the average set during the administrations of Marcos (2.7%),

Aquino I (3.5%), and Arroyo (3.4% of GDP). However, national government spending on the

social services sectors when expressed as a percentage of GDP in 2013 compares unfavorably

with the average registered during the Estrada administration (4.7%) [Figure 6 and Appendix

Table 1]. This occurred not only because of the higher budget share of these sectors but also

because of the larger expenditure pie during these administrations.

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f GDP

Figure 6. National Government Expenditures on Social Services Sectors,as a Percentage of GDP, 1975-2013

Education Basic education Total Social Services Health Soc. Security, Labor/ Emp., & Social Welfare Services

Marcos Aquino I Aquino IIRamos Estrada Arroyo

The programmed level of national government spending on the education sector as a

whole in 2013 (2.9% of GDP) represents an improvement from the 2012 level (2.6% of GDP)

and the average posted during the administrations of Marcos (1.7%), Aquino I (2.5%), and

Arroyo (2.6%) [Figure 6 and Appendix Table 1]. However, it is lower than the average

registered during the administrations of Ramos (3.1%) and Estrada (3.4%).

On the other hand, national government spending on basic education slightly rose

from 2.3 percent of GDP in 2012 to 2.5 percent of GDP in 2013. In contrast, national

government spending on basic education in 2013 (2.9% of GDP) represents an improvement

25

over the 2012 level (2.6%) and the average during all previous administrations, namely,

Marcos (1.3%), Aquino I (2.1%), Ramos (2.5%), Estrada (2.7%), and Arroyo (2.2%).

Consequently, real per capita spending on basic education (in 2000 prices) is projected to rise

from PHP 1,490 in 2012 to PHP 1,719 in 2013, markedly higher than the average attained

during all previous administrations. In like manner, real per capita spending on the entire

education sector is programmed to grow from PHP 1,727 in 2012 to PHP 2,014 in 2013,

creditably higher than the average levels registered during all previous administrations

(Figure 7 and Appendix Table 4). Despite these increases in national government spending on

the education sector in 2013, the Philippines continues to underspend in education in

comparison with its Southeast Asian neighbors like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet

Nam (Table 6).

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

1975

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in 20

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esos

Figure 7. Real Per Capita National Government Expenditures on Social Services Sectors, 1975-2013

(in 2000 prices)

Education Basic education Total social services Health Soc. Security, Labor/ Emp., & Social Welfare Services

Marcos Aquino I Aquino IIRamos Estrada Arroyo

Table 6. Government spending on education sector in selected countries, 2000-2011

2000 2006 2011 2000 2006 2010Philippines 17.4 14.2 16.3 3.3 2.4 2.6

Indonesia 11.5 a/ 17.2 17.1 b/ 2.5 a/ 3.6 3.0 b/Malaysia 26.7 19.6 20.5 c/ 6.0 4.7 6.3 c/Thailand 31.0 25.0 22.3 b/ 5.4 4.3 3.8 b/Vietnam 19.8 d/ 5.3 d/a/ 2001; b/ 2010; c/ 2009; d/ 2008

Source: UNESCO

as % of total spending as % of GDP

Meanwhile, national government spending on health is projected to be equal to 0.45

percent of GDP in 2012 and 0.50 percent of GDP in 2013. The latter figure is higher than the

average set during the administrations of Ramos (0.45%), Estrada (0.43%), and Arroyo

26

(0.29%) but is lower than the average posted during the administrations of Marcos (0.54%)

and Aquino I (0.63%).13 As a result, real per capita spending on health is projected to

increase from PHP 297 in 2012 to PHP 343 in 2013 (Figure 7 and Appendix Table 4). It is

laudable that the 2013 level is higher than the average levels registered during the

administrations of Ramos, Estrada, and Arroyo.

On the other hand, national government spending on social security,

labor/employment, and social welfare services is projected to rise from 0.66 percent of GDP

in 2012 to 0.67 percent of GDP in 2013. Perhaps as a result of the greater importance given to

social protection during the present administration, the level of national government spending

on social security, labor/employment, and social welfare services in 2013 is markedly higher

than the average during the administrations of Marcos (0.14% of GDP), Aquino I (0.3%), and

Arroyo (0.44%) [Figure 6 and Appendix Table 1]. At the same time, real per capita spending

on social security, labor/employment, and social welfare services is projected to rise from

PHP 434 in 2012 to PHP 457 in 2013, higher than the average levels posted during all

previous administrations.

Economic services sectors

National government spending on all the economic services sectors combined is programmed

to increase from 2.7 percent of GDP in 2012 to 2.9 percent of GDP in 2013, a reversal of the

downward trend in 2010–2011 (Figure 8 and Appendix Table 1). Despite the said increase in

the national government spending on all the economic services sectors as a group, the 2013

level is still significantly lower than the average levels set during all previous administrations,

namely, Marcos (5.7% of GDP), Aquino I (4.1%), Ramos (3.7%), Estrada (3.4%), and

Arroyo (3.0%).

13 National government spending on the health services sector declined after the devolution of basic health services following the enactment of the Local Government Code in 1991.

27

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7.00

8.00

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Figure 8. National Government Expenditures on All Economic Services Sectors and All Infrastructure Sectors, as a Percentage of GDP, 1975-2013

Total Economic Services Infrastructure

Marcos Aquino I Ramos Estrada Arroyo Aquino II

In like manner, national government spending on infrastructure is projected to go up

from 1.66 percent of GDP in 2012 to 1.74 percent of GDP in 2013, substantially lower than

the average during all previous administrations, namely, Marcos (3.22%), Aquino I (2.24%),

Ramos (2.22%), Estrada (2.17%), and Arroyo (1.82%). The level of spending on public

infrastructure in 2013 is just about a third of the 5.0 percent of GDP benchmark that the

World Bank (2005) estimates middle-income countries in East Asia need to spend on public

infrastructure to meet their needs.

Revenue Program

Total national government revenues net of privatization proceeds reached a peak of 17.2

percent of GDP in 1997 (Figure 9). Subsequently, overall revenue effort of the national

government deteriorated persistently up to 2004 with total national government revenues net

of privatization proceeds dropping to 13.6 percent of GDP in that year. This decline largely

mirrors the collapse in overall tax effort during the period. A partial recovery was evident in

total revenue effort in 2005–2006 with the enactment of RA 9334 (amending the excise tax

on so-called sin products) and RA 9337 (Reformed VAT Law) in 2005. However, said

recovery was brief and total national government revenues effort deteriorated once again to

13.4 percent of GDP in 2010 after improving to 15.4 percent in 2006.

Manasan (2010) notes that this development is not unexpected altogether as the

positive revenue impact of the excise tax amendment and the reformed VAT law has built-in

sunset provisions. The reformed VAT law temporarily raised the corporate tax rate to 35

percent but this rate is scheduled to be reduced to 30 percent in 2009. On the other hand, the

mandated adjustment in excise tax rates on sin products were not enough to keep pace with

28

inflation and, thus, excise tax revenues were eroded in real terms. At the same time, revenue-

eroding measures have been legislated over the years, including RA 9504 that was passed in

early 2008 to give some (tax) relief to minimum wage earners. Moreover, evidence of further

deterioration in tax administration is evident with respect to the collection of the VAT and

excise taxes while the inherent difficulties in collecting taxes from nonwage earners have not

been addressed (Manasan 2010).

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

20.0

1975

1976

1977

1978

1979

198

0 1

981

198

2 1

983

198

4 1

985

198

6 1

987

198

819

8919

9019

9119

9219

9319

9419

9519

9619

9719

9819

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0020

0120

0220

0320

0420

0520

0620

0720

0820

0920

1020

1120

12

% to GDPFigure 9. NG Revenue Effort, 1975-2012

Total Revenues net of privatization proceeds Tax Revenues

Bureau of Internal Revenue Bureau of Customs

Marcos Aquino I Ramos Estrada Arroyo

Source of basic data: Bureau of Treasury

Assessment of revenue performance under the Aquino II administration

The Aquino II administration posted laudable gains in the overall revenue effort since it

assumed office. These gains are most pronounced in the case of the BIR. BOC tax effort

actually deteriorated in the first semester of 2011 and only partially recovered lost ground in

the first semester of 2012. In the case of nontax revenue effort, improvements were evident in

the first and second semesters of 2011 but stagnated in 2012. Moreover, these gains are not

enough to fully reverse the decline in national government revenue effort since 1997.

In particular, BIR collections increased from 8.8 percent of GDP in the second

semester of 2009 to 8.9 percent of GDP in the second semester of 2010 (Table 7). Similarly,

BIR collections went up from 9.1 percent of GDP in the entire year of 2010 to 9.5 percent of

GDP in the entire year of 2011, the first year of the Aquino II administration and to 10.0

percent of GDP in 2012. Despite these improvements, BIR tax effort in 2012 is still lower

than the local peak of 10.4 percent of GDP in 2006 and 2007.

29

On the other hand, the performance of the BOC remains lethargic to date under the

Aquino II administration. BOC tax effort declined from 2.9 percent of GDP in 2010 to 2.7

percent of GDP in 2011 and 2012. Although BOC effort posted a small recovery in the first

semester of 2012, this improvement was not sustained in the second semester.

Table 7. Recent revenue performance, by Semester, 2007-2011

GDPTotal Rev Total Tax BIR BOC Non-tax Total Rev Total Tax BIR BOC Non-tax g.r.

2007 16.5 13.5 10.4 3.0 3.0S1 15.7 13.3 10.3 2.8 2.4S2 17.2 13.8 10.4 3.2 3.5

2008 15.6 13.6 10.1 3.4 2.0 5.8 12.5 9.1 24.3 -24.5 12.0S1 15.7 14.1 10.7 3.2 1.6 11.7 18.5 16.4 27.0 -26.0 11.5S2 15.5 13.1 9.5 3.5 2.3 1.1 7.2 2.6 22.1 -23.6 12.4

2009 14.0 12.2 9.3 2.7 1.8 -6.6 -6.4 -3.6 -15.3 -8.0 4.0S1 14.4 12.9 9.9 2.8 1.6 -4.3 -5.1 -3.6 -10.4 3.0 4.1S2 13.6 11.7 8.8 2.7 1.9 -8.8 -7.7 -3.6 -19.4 -14.5 3.9

2010 13.4 12.1 9.1 2.9 1.3 7.5 11.4 9.6 17.7 -19.6 12.2S1 13.8 12.6 9.4 3.0 1.2 8.4 11.1 7.4 24.7 -13.5 13.7S2 13.1 11.8 8.9 2.7 1.3 6.7 11.7 11.9 11.3 -24.0 10.8

2011 14.0 12.3 9.5 2.7 1.6 12.6 9.9 12.3 2.3 38.7 8.1S1 14.6 12.7 9.8 2.7 1.9 15.2 9.8 13.5 -1.7 72.2 8.9S2 13.4 12.0 9.2 2.7 1.4 10.1 10.0 11.2 6.2 11.2 7.4

2012 14.5 12.9 10.0 2.7 1.6 12.9 13.2 14.5 9.3 10.3 8.6S1 15.1 13.3 10.3 2.8 1.8 11.6 13.2 13.8 11.6 0.9 7.9S2 14.0 12.5 9.7 2.7 1.5 14.2 13.2 15.1 7.2 22.2 9.2

Tax-to-GDP ratio Growth rate

Amendment of the sin tax law14

Cognizant of the need to arrest the decline in the excise tax effort and the perceived health

benefits that are likely to arise from increasing excise tax on tobacco products and alcoholic

beverages, the amendment of the existing excise tax law on tobacco and alcoholic products is

the only revenue measure that the Aquino administration has certified as urgent to date. In

principle, the excise tax on sin products is imposed for the purpose of (i) raising revenues and

(ii) discouraging the consumption of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. It is argued

that higher excise taxes on tobacco will “induce some smokers to quit, reduce consumption of

continuing smokers, and prevent others from starting” (Sunley 2009). Because the demand

for cigarettes is relatively price inelastic, the expectation is that higher taxes will yield higher

revenues in the near term while deterring smoking in the longer term.

Context and rationale

At present, the excise tax on tobacco and alcoholic products follows a multitiered schedule

that is based on the net retail price (exclusive of VAT and the excise tax itself) of each brand,

with cheaper brands being taxed less than the more expensive brands. For instance, the excise

tax schedule for cigarettes consists of four tiers referring to low-, medium-, high-, and 14 This subsection is drawn from Manasan and Parel (2013).

30

premium-priced brands while those for fermented liquors and distilled spirits produced from

raw materials other than nipa, coconut, cassava, camote, buri palm, or sugar cane consist of

three tiers each (Table 8).

The multitiered excise tax rate schedule based on the net retail price was first

introduced in 1996 with the enactment of RA 8240 and was later amended by RA 9334 that

took effect in 2005. The adoption of specific tax rates for excise taxes in lieu of ad valorem

rates under RA 824015 meant that the specific rates were fixed until amended by Congress

thereby reducing the buoyancy of the excise tax system because the specific tax rates are not

automatically indexed to inflation. While RA 9334 provided for discrete increases in the tax

rate on tobacco and alcoholic products in 2005 and every other year thereafter until 2011, the

mandated increases in the excise tax rates between 2005 and 2011 are less than the actual rate

of increase in the prices of tobacco and alcoholic products for the most part.

At the same time, RA 9334 pegged the classification of the various brands of

excisable products for purposes of ascertaining the tax rate that will apply on them on the

average net retail price prevailing on October 1, 1996. If the reclassification of brands in

accordance with the net retail prices prevailing in 2005 when RA 9334 became effective were

allowed, the inadequate adjustment of the specific tax rates relative to inflation would have

been mitigated due to bracket creep. For instance, had RA 9334 allowed a reclassification of

the various brands of excisable products in line with the market prices prevailing in 2005,

most of the cigarette brands that were in existence in 1996 would have been subjected to the

tax rate that is applicable to either the next higher tier or the one above the next higher tier in

the original schedule found in RA 8240.16

As it is, the inadequate adjustment of specific tax rates to inflation and the

reclassification freeze combined resulted in the erosion of excise tax revenues in real terms.

Thus, revenues from the excise tax on tobacco products declined persistently from 0.59

percent of GDP in 1997 to 0.27 percent of GDP in 2011. On the other hand, revenues from

the excise tax on alcoholic products dipped from 0.50 percent of GDP in 1997 to 0.23 percent

of GDP in 2011 (Figure 10).

15 This move was meant to address tax evasion arising from the transfer pricing between the manufacturers of tobacco and alcoholic products and their related marketing arms. 16 This conclusion is based on 2004 retail prices of various brands of cigarettes as cited in Dela Cruz (2004) and 2009 retail prices of various brands of cigarettes as cited in Latuja et al. (2010).

31

Table 8. Existing excise tax rates on tobacco and alcoholic products (RA 9334)

1/1/2005 1/1/2007 1/1/2009 1/1/2011Tobaccoi) Tobacco twisted by hand or reduced into acondition to be consumed

P1/kilo P1.06/kilo P1.12/kilo P1.19/kilo

ii) Tobacco prepared/ partially prepared with/without the use of any machine/instruments

P1/kilo P1.06/kilo P1.12/kilo P1.19/kilo

iii) Fine-cut shorts, refuse, scraps, etc. of tobacco(provided these are to be exported or used in themanufacture of other tobacco products

P1/kilo P1.06/kilo P1.12/kilo P1.19/kilo

(iv) Tobacco specially prepared for chewing so asto be unsuitable for use in any other manner

P0.79/kilo P0.84/kilo P0.89/kilo P0.94/kilo

Cigars and cigarettesi) CigarsNRP of P500 or less per cigar 10 % of NRP 10 % of NRP 10 % of NRP 10 % of NRP

NRP in excess of P500P50 +15% of

NRPP50 +15% of

NRPP50 +15% of

NRPP50 +15% of

NRPii) Cigarettes packed by hand (each pack with 30pieces)

P2.00/ pack P2.23/ pack P2.47/ pack P2.72/ pack

iii) Cigarettes packed by machine (each packwith 20 pieces)NRP is below P5 per pack (low-priced) P2.00/ pack P2.23/ pack P2.47/ pack P2.72/ packNRP is P5 to P6.50 per pack (medium-priced) P6.35/ pack P6.74/ pack P7.14/ pack P7.56/ packNRP is P6.50 to P10 per pack (high-priced) P10.35/ pack P10.88/ pack P11.43/ pack P12.00/ packNRP is above P10 per pack (premium-priced) P25.00/ pack P26.06/ pack P27.16/ pack P28.30/ pack

Distilled Spirits

i) Produced from sap of nipa, coconut, cassava, camote, buri palm or sugarcaneii) Produced in a pot still by small distillers (up to 100 liters/day and 50% alcohol by volume)iii) Produced from raw materials other than aboveNRP per bottle of 750 ml. volume capacity is less than P250.00

126.00/ proof liter

136.08/ proof liter

146.97/ proof liter

158.73/ proof liter

NRP per bottle of 750 ml. volume capacity is P250.00 up to 675.00

252.00/ proof liter

272.16/ proof liter

293.33/ proof liter

317.44/ proof liter

NRP per bottle of 750 ml. volume capacity is P250.00 up to 675.00

504.00/ proof liter

544.32/ proof liter

587.87/ proof liter

634.9/ proof liter

Wines i) Sparkling wines/ champagne, regardless of proofNRP per bottle is P500 or less 145.6 157.25 169.83 183.42NRP per bottle is more than P500 436.8 471.74 509.48 550.24

ii) Still wines containing 14% or less alcohol 17.47 18.87 20.38 22.01

iii) Still wines containing over 14% but not over 25% alcohol

34.94 37.74 40.76 44.02

iv) Fortified wines containing more than 25% of alcohol by volume

Taxed as distilled spirits

Taxed as distilled spirits

Taxed as distilled spirits

Taxed as distilled spirits

Fermented liquors (e.g., beer, lager beer, ale, and other fermented liquors)i) NRP per liter is less than P14.50 8.27 8.93 9.64 10.41ii) NRP per liter is P14.50 up to P22.00 12.3 13.28 14.34 15.49iii) NRP per liter is more than P22.00 16.33 17.64 19.05 20.57 * NRP is net retail prices net of VAT and excise tax

11.65/ proof liter

12.58/ proof liter

13.59/ proof liter

14.68/ proof liter

Date of effectivity

32

0.00

0.10

0.20

0.30

0.40

0.50

0.60

0.70

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

Figure 10. Excise tax revenues as % of GDP

Alcohol Tobacco

By providing manufacturers of excisable product the opportunity to misdeclare

higher-priced (and therefore, higher-taxed) brands as lower-priced (and therefore, lower-

taxed) brands so as to evade paying the correct taxes, the multitier rate structure of the excise

tax system may have also contributed to the deterioration of the excise tax effort in 1997 to

2011. For instance, Manasan (2010) noted that a shift toward the production of brands

subjected to a lower tax rate and a decline in the volume of production of tobacco products,

as measured by the total volume of cigarette removals from the plants reported by cigarette

manufacturers to the BIR in 2005–2009, are not consistent with the positive growth in

personal consumption of tobacco products in real terms as per the National Income Accounts

during the same period. Also, the data on volume of removals indicate that cigarette

producers reported higher-than-normal volume of removals in 2004, 2006, and 2008,

apparently in anticipation of the mandated increase in specific tax rates in 2005, 2007, and

2009.

The current system also distinguishes between the old and new brands. Brands that

existed before 1996 are taxed based on their 1996 price while newer brands, including

imports, are taxed based on their current prices that tend to be higher. The differential tax

treatment of old and new brands results in an uneven playing field for the producers of

excisable products with new brands or variants and imported brands being taxed more than

locally manufactured older brands. Related to this, the taxation of distilled spirits has been

ruled by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to have broken the rules of free trade. The

WTO holds that the current excise tax structure of the country discriminates against imported

spirits in violation of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

Tobacco and alcohol excise tax rates in the Philippines are among the lowest not just

in Asia but worldwide (Sunley 2009; Nakayama et al. 2011). Thus, it is perhaps not a

33

coincidence that the Philippines is currently the highest consumer of tobacco in Southeast

Asia, where there are 17.3 million cigarette consumers as estimated by the DOH.

Health advocates also argue that the social costs of cigarette smoking and alcohol

consumption in terms of their harmful effects on health are the same regardless of the net

retail price of any one brand of the excisable product. From this perspective, a uniform rate

makes more sense than the existing multitier rate structure. To wit, a uniform rate structure is

preferable to a multitier rate structure because it eliminates the opportunity for consumers to

switch from higher-priced, higher-taxed brands to cheaper, lower-taxed (but just as harmful)

brands.

Key provisions of RA 10351

In December 2012, President Benigno C. Aquino signed RA 10351 (An Act Restructuring

the Excise Tax on Alcohol and Tobacco Products) into law. It imposes a two-tier excise tax

system on cigarettes and fermented liquor in 2013–2016 before shifting to a uniform rate of

PHP 30 per pack of cigarettes and PHP 23.50 per liter of fermented liquor in 2017 (Table 9).

On the other hand, it levies a hybrid tax of PHP 20 per proof liter of distilled spirits plus 15

percent of its net retail price. It also provided for a 4 percent increase in the specific rates

yearly starting 2018. Moreover, the law calls for the removal of the price classification

freeze.

Table 9. Excise tax rates on tobacco and alcoholic products (RA 10351) 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Cigarettes NRP is below PHP 11.50 per pack 12 17 21 25 30 NRP is PHP 11.50 or more per pack 25 27 28 29 30 Fermented liquor NRP is below PHP 50.60 per liter 15 17 19 21 23.5 NRP is PHP 50.60 or more per liter 20 21 22 23 23.5

NRP – net retail price

The additional revenue take from RA 10351 is estimated to be PHP 34 billion in

2013, PHP 43 billion in 2014, PHP 51 billion in 2015, PHP 57 billion in 2016, and PHP 64

billion in 2017. Eighty percent of the remaining balance of the said incremental revenues

after deducting the 15 percent of incremental collections from the excise tax on tobacco

products that will go to provinces where Virginia tobacco is produced (as mandated under

RA 7171) and the 15 percent of the additional revenues collected from the excise tax on

tobacco products that will be allocated among barley- and native-tobacco-producing

34

provinces (as mandated under RA 8240) shall be allocated for the universal health care under

the National Health Insurance Program, the attainment of the Millennium Development

Goals, and health awareness campaigns. On the other hand, the remaining 20 percent of the

remaining balance shall be allocated based on political and district subdivisions for medical

assistance and the health facilities enhancement program.

RA 10351 appears to have successfully put together the desirable provisions of the

House and Senate versions of the sin tax bill. The law has greatly simplified the tax structure

by adopting a unitary excise tax rate for cigarettes, fermented liquor, and distilled spirits.

Such a shift away from the existing multitiered tax structure will tend to result in greater ease

in tax administration by minimizing the opportunities for misclassification or misdeclaration

of goods and transactions. Furthermore, such a move will tend to minimize the downshifting

to cheaper brands thus tending to reduce consumption of tobacco products and alcoholic

beverages better.

Although RA 10351 does not allow for the automatic indexation of the excise tax

rates to inflation, it does allow for a 4 percent increase in the excise tax rates yearly from

2018 onwards. This change will not only yield additional revenues in the near term but will

also prevent the erosion of excise tax revenues in real terms over the long term. Furthermore,

a yearly adjustment in the excise tax rate is preferable over an adjustment that occurs every

other year as proposed to the House version because the latter tends to give manufacturers the

opportunity to avoid taxes by reporting higher-than-normal volume of removals in the year

prior to the mandated increase in specific rates.

Also, by doing away with the freeze on price classification of excisable products, RA

10351 eliminates the preferential tax treatment given to existing brands over new entrants and

imports. Such a move tends to level the playing field among the various industry players and

enables the country to comply with WTO requirements. On the other hand, the provision

concerning the local content of tobacco products in the Senate version is muted somewhat in

the bicameral version which states that, “Of the total volume of cigarettes sold in the country,

any manufacturer and/or seller of tobacco products must source at least 15% of its tobacco

leaf raw materials supply locally, subject to adjustment based on international treaty

commitments."

While RA 10351 removed the very detailed earmarking provisions found in the

Senate version of the sin tax bill, earmarking of the incremental revenues resulting from the

proposed amendment to the excise tax law continues to be one of its major features. The

arguments against earmarking in the public finance literature are well known. To wit,

35

earmarking is said to lead “to inefficient budgeting, essentially because it creates rigidities in

the expenditure allocation process and prevents authorities from smoothly reallocating funds

when spending priorities change.” Also, when earmarked funds are off-budget, some loss in

budgetary accountability may result because “off-budget often means out of sight and out of

mind” (Bird and Jun 2005). However, earmarking may be justified if there is a close link

between the payment of earmarked taxes and the benefits accruing to the taxpayer from the

favored expenditures as this is consistent with the benefit principle of taxation. But the

International Monetary Fund pointed out that “it is difficult to isolate health expenditure on

smoking related diseases and finance them by tobacco duties” or taxes (Nakayama et al.

2011).

Financing Program

Given the emerging fiscal picture for 2012, the debt sustainability analysis that was

undertaken in the section “Overall Fiscal Position in Perspective” indicates that the fiscal

deficit targets embodied in the 2013 PB will result in a consistent reduction of the

outstanding debt stock of the national government. Thus, the national government debt stock

is projected to decline persistently from 54.8 percent of GDP in 2009 to 52.4 percent in 2010,

50.9 percent in 2011, and 51.4 percent in 2012 (Figure 2).

Given the uncertainties in the international financial market, the financing of the

national government aims to (i) shift the national government borrowing mix toward a 25:75

ratio in favor of domestic borrowing and (ii) extend the maturities of existing debt. These

changes are evident in the programmed borrowing mix in 2011–2012. Specifically, net

domestic borrowing rose from 55.4 percent in 2011 to 87.0 percent in 2012 (Figure 11).

Consequently, the share of domestic debt to total national government outstanding debt

inclusive of contingent liabilities expanded from 53.5 percent in 2010 to 54.9 percent in 2011

and 60.8 percent in 2012 (Figure 12). At the same time, the country’s debt profile improved

as the share of debt with long-term maturities in the total debt stock of the national

government increased from 73.6 percent in 2010 to 86.2 percent in 2012 while the share of

short-term debt to total national government debt decreased from 11.2 percent to 5.1 percent

(Figure 13).

The trends described above are expected to persist as the profile of national

government borrowing in 2013 continues to be biased in favor of domestic borrowings. To

36

wit, the share of domestic borrowing in total national government borrowing is programmed

to be equal to 54.5 percent in 2013.

-40.0

-20.0

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

120.0

140.0

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013prog

% of totalFigure 11. Composition of NG Borrowing (%) 1996-2013

Domestic Foreign

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

% of totalFigure 12. Composition of NG Outstanding Debt (%) 1996-2012

Domestic Foreign

37

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

100.0

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

% of totalFigure 13. Distribution of NG Outstanding Debt, by Maturity, 1996-2012

Short-term Medium-term Long-term

Conclusion

Significant improvements in tax efforts, specifically by the BIR, as well as markedly lower

than programmed government expenditures since 2011, have resulted in improved fiscal

performance of the country. Fiscal deficits in 2011 and 2012 are lower than the programmed

levels, while outstanding national government debt stocks in both years are lower than both

the projected levels and the 2010 level.

It appears that the fiscal deficit target for 2013 can be met, or can even be lower than

the projected target. This is due to the expectation that government revenues will be higher

than the projections of the BESF. Although this paper projects the BOC collections and

nontax revenues to be equal to their 2011 and 2012 levels, additional government revenues

are expected from BIR collections, which are targeted to reach PHP 1.26 trillion in 2013, in

contrast to the PHP 1.24 trillion target under the PB. This can be met provided the BIR is able

to improve its tax efforts in the same manner it did in 2011 and 2012, and taking into account

the passage of the amendments to the excise tax law on sin products that is estimated to yield

an additional revenue of PHP 34 billion in 2013.

In line with the government’s goal of a more inclusive growth, a more balanced

distribution of the budget between the social services and economic services sectors has

characterized the 2013 NEP. Nevertheless, the social services sector still accounts for more

than half of the PHP 190 billion increase in the expenditure program for 2013. Of the social

services, the education sector has the largest share (34.6%) in the increment in the total

38

expenditure program of the national government. However, the budget for basic education

still compares unfavorably with those of our neighbors in Southeast Asia. On the other hand,

national defense receives the lowest budget share among the major expenditure groups.

Finally, this paper highlights the improving debt profile of the country. It is expected

that in 2013, the trends in national government borrowing will continue to be biased in favor

of domestic borrowings.

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41

APPENDIX TABLES

42

Appendix Table 1. National Government Expenditures, Obligation Basis, as a Percentage of GDP, 1975-2013Marcos Aquino I Ramos Estrada Arroyo Aquino II1975-85 1986-92 1993-98 1999-2000 2001-10 2011-12 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

GRAND TOTAL 13.4 16.9 17.7 18.5 17.1 16.9 18.3 18.2 17.9 19.1 18.2 17.7 18.1 16.9 16.7 16.7 16.8 17.0 17.9 16.4 16.2 17.2 17.2

Total Economic Services 5.7 4.1 3.7 3.4 3.0 2.8 4.1 3.4 3.3 3.5 3.0 2.4 2.6 2.4 2.1 2.6 3.2 3.7 3.8 3.1 2.7 2.7 2.9

Agriculture 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.9 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.6 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.5 0.6 0.6 Agrarian Reform 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Natural Resources 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 Industry 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Trade 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Tourism 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Power & Energy 0.7 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 Water Resources Devt. 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Transp. & Comm. 2.4 1.9 2.0 2.0 1.8 1.6 2.1 2.1 1.9 2.1 1.7 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.1 1.6 2.0 2.1 2.3 1.8 1.6 1.5 1.6 Other Econ. Services 1.0 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0

Total Social Services 2.7 3.5 4.3 4.7 3.4 4.0 4.9 4.9 4.7 4.7 4.2 4.1 3.7 3.3 3.0 3.1 3.3 3.2 3.5 3.3 3.9 3.8 4.3

Education 1.7 2.5 3.1 3.4 2.6 2.7 3.5 3.6 3.4 3.3 3.1 3.1 2.9 2.6 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.4 2.6 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.9 o/w: Basic education 1.3 2.1 2.5 2.7 2.2 2.4 2.9 2.9 2.7 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.1 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.0 2.2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.5 Tertiary education 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 Health 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 Soc. Security, Labor/ Emp., & Social Welfare Services 0.1 0.3 0.6 0.8 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.7 0.7 Housing & Com. Devt. 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2

National Defense 1.7 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.0

Total Public Services 1.4 2.1 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.7 2.7 2.4 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.4 2.2 2.4 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.8 2.4 2.5 2.3 2.2

Public Administration 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.4 1.4 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.1 0.9 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.1 1.2 1.0 1.0 Peace and Order 0.4 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2

Others 0.7 1.1 2.6 3.2 3.0 3.8 2.7 2.7 3.1 3.3 3.1 3.4 3.3 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.9 3.0 3.3 3.2 3.2 4.1 4.0

Debt Service 1.3 5.0 3.5 3.6 4.2 3.0 2.9 3.4 3.3 3.9 4.5 4.4 5.0 5.1 5.3 4.9 3.9 3.5 3.5 3.3 2.9 3.2 2.9

MEMO ITEM:

Transfers to LGUs 0.5 0.7 2.5 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.6 2.6 2.9 3.2 3.0 3.2 3.1 2.8 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 3.1 3.0 2.9 2.6 2.6 Grand Total less Debt Service 12.1 11.9 14.2 14.9 12.9 13.9 15.4 14.8 14.6 15.1 13.7 13.2 13.2 11.8 11.4 11.7 12.9 13.5 14.4 13.1 13.4 14.0 14.4 Grand Total less Debt Service less Transfers to LGUs 11.6 11.2 11.7 11.8 10.1 11.2 12.7 12.2 11.7 11.9 10.7 10.0 10.1 9.1 8.7 9.1 10.2 10.8 11.3 10.1 10.4 11.4 11.8 Infrastructure 3.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 1.8 1.7 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.3 1.9 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.1 1.7 2.0 2.1 2.5 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7

2012 Prelim

2013 NEP

43

Appendix Table 2. Percentage Distribution of National Government Expenditures, Obligation Basis, by Function or Sectors, 1975-2013Marcos Aquino I Ramos Estrada Arroyo Aquino II 2012 20131975-85 1986-92 1993-98 1999-2000 2001-10 2011-12 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Prelim NEP

GRAND TOTAL 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Total Economic Services 42.3 24.2 20.9 18.6 17.4 16.4 22.2 18.8 18.7 18.5 16.6 13.8 14.2 14.1 12.6 15.4 19.3 21.5 21.5 19.1 16.6 15.9 16.8

Agriculture 6.0 4.2 3.7 3.4 3.8 3.4 5.0 3.2 3.8 3.0 3.1 2.5 3.0 2.3 3.1 2.3 3.7 6.0 4.7 5.1 2.8 3.4 3.7 Agrarian Reform 0.8 1.9 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.4 1.1 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 Natural Resources 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.0 0.9 1.1 1.9 1.2 1.1 0.9 1.1 1.1 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.2 Industry 1.7 0.8 0.9 0.6 0.5 0.3 0.9 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.4 0.6 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.9 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 Trade 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 Tourism 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 Power & Energy 5.1 1.8 1.0 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.5 0.4 1.1 0.5 0.7 -0.1 0.0 0.5 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.2 0.9 0.2 1.1 0.6 0.6 Water Resources Devt. 0.9 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Transp. & Comm. 18.0 11.0 11.3 10.8 10.3 9.4 11.4 11.5 10.4 11.2 9.5 7.9 8.3 8.3 6.5 9.8 11.6 12.4 13.0 11.0 9.9 8.9 9.5 Other Econ. Services 7.1 2.1 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.2

Total Social Services 20.0 20.7 24.1 25.6 19.9 23.8 26.8 27.1 26.5 24.8 23.0 23.2 20.4 19.5 18.2 18.6 19.4 19.1 19.5 20.5 23.9 22.2 25.1

Education 12.5 14.7 17.4 18.2 15.2 16.2 19.3 19.7 19.1 17.4 17.2 17.3 16.1 15.3 14.2 14.2 15.0 14.3 14.7 15.4 16.2 15.3 17.1 Health 4.0 3.7 2.6 2.3 1.7 2.7 2.9 2.5 2.5 2.1 1.8 1.9 1.5 1.7 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.6 2.1 2.6 2.6 2.9 Soc. Security, Labor/ Emp., & Social Welfare Services 1.1 1.5 3.5 4.1 2.5 3.8 4.2 4.3 4.2 4.0 3.7 3.7 2.3 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.6 2.5 2.4 3.7 3.8 3.9 Housing & Com. Devt. 2.4 0.7 0.7 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.4 0.5 0.7 1.2 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.5 1.4 0.4 1.2

National Defense 12.5 7.1 6.2 5.5 6.2 6.1 5.9 5.9 5.7 5.4 5.1 5.3 6.7 6.4 6.4 6.2 6.5 6.2 5.9 6.5 6.5 6.2 5.7

Total Public Services 10.7 12.2 14.4 13.2 14.2 13.8 14.6 14.7 13.3 13.2 13.5 13.7 13.3 12.7 14.6 13.9 14.2 14.9 15.4 14.5 15.4 13.4 12.8

Public Administration 8.0 6.8 8.0 6.3 6.8 6.3 7.8 7.8 6.4 6.3 6.4 6.1 6.0 5.4 7.4 6.5 6.9 7.7 7.7 6.8 7.6 5.7 5.9 Peace and Order 2.7 5.3 6.4 6.9 7.4 7.4 6.8 6.9 7.0 6.9 7.1 7.6 7.3 7.3 7.2 7.4 7.3 7.2 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.7 6.9

Others n.e.c. 5.2 6.3 14.5 17.5 17.8 22.4 14.5 14.9 17.4 17.6 17.1 19.0 18.1 17.1 16.6 16.3 17.3 17.7 18.4 19.5 20.0 24.0 23.0

Debt Service 9.4 29.5 20.0 19.6 24.5 17.5 15.9 18.6 18.3 20.6 24.7 25.0 27.4 30.1 31.6 29.7 23.2 20.7 19.4 20.0 17.7 18.3 16.6

MEMO ITEM:

Transfers to LGUs 4.1 4.3 14.0 16.6 16.8 16.0 14.4 14.3 16.4 16.7 16.4 18.1 17.1 16.3 16.0 15.9 15.9 16.0 17.4 18.0 18.2 15.1 15.1 Grand Total - Debt Service 90.6 70.5 80.0 80.4 75.5 82.5 84.1 81.4 81.7 79.4 75.3 75.0 72.6 69.9 68.4 70.3 76.8 79.3 80.6 80.0 82.3 81.7 83.4 Grand Total less Debt Service less Transfers to LGUs 86.5 66.2 66.0 63.8 58.8 66.5 69.7 67.1 65.3 62.6 58.9 56.8 55.5 53.6 52.4 54.4 60.9 63.3 63.1 62.0 64.2 66.6 68.3 Infrastructure 24.0 13.2 12.6 11.7 10.6 10.2 12.2 12.0 11.6 11.9 10.3 7.9 8.3 8.8 6.7 10.0 12.2 12.6 14.1 11.2 11.0 9.6 10.1

44

Appendix Table 3. Percentage Distribution of National Government Expenditures Net of Debt Service, by Function or Sectors, 1975-2013Marcos Aquino I Ramos Estrada Arroyo Aquino II 2012 20131975-85 1986-92 1993-98 1999-2000 2001-10 2011-12 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Prelim NEP

Total Economic Services 46.6 34.3 26.1 23.1 23.1 19.9 26.4 23.1 22.8 23.3 22.0 18.4 19.5 20.2 18.5 21.9 25.2 27.1 26.7 23.9 20.2 19.4 20.2

Agriculture 6.6 6.0 4.6 4.2 5.1 4.1 5.9 3.9 4.7 3.8 4.1 3.3 4.1 3.3 4.6 3.3 4.8 7.6 5.8 6.4 3.4 4.2 4.5 Agrarian Reform 0.9 2.6 2.0 1.7 1.6 1.3 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.9 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.8 1.3 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 Natural Resources 1.8 2.1 1.7 1.2 1.2 1.3 2.2 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.5 1.5 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.0 0.9 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.3 1.5 Industry 1.8 1.2 1.1 0.7 0.7 0.4 1.1 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.5 0.8 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.9 1.1 1.0 0.7 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 Trade 0.9 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 Tourism 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 Power & Energy 5.6 2.5 1.2 1.0 0.5 0.9 0.6 0.5 1.3 0.7 0.9 -0.1 0.1 0.6 0.3 0.4 0.7 0.2 1.1 0.2 1.3 0.8 0.7 Water Resources Devt. 1.0 0.6 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 Transp. & Comm. 19.8 15.6 14.2 13.5 13.6 11.4 13.6 14.1 12.7 14.2 12.7 10.6 11.4 11.9 9.5 13.9 15.2 15.6 16.2 13.8 12.0 11.0 11.4 Other Econ. Services 7.9 3.0 0.5 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.2

Total Social Services 22.0 29.4 30.1 31.8 26.4 28.8 31.9 33.3 32.5 31.2 30.5 30.9 28.1 27.9 26.6 26.4 25.3 24.0 24.1 25.6 29.0 27.2 30.1

Education 13.8 20.9 21.8 22.6 20.2 19.7 22.9 24.2 23.4 22.0 22.9 23.1 22.2 21.9 20.7 20.2 19.6 18.1 18.3 19.3 19.7 18.7 20.5 Health 4.4 5.3 3.2 2.9 2.2 3.3 3.4 3.0 3.1 2.7 2.5 2.6 2.1 2.4 2.2 2.2 2.1 1.8 2.0 2.6 3.1 3.2 3.5 Soc. Security, Labor/ Emp., & Social Welfare Services 1.2 2.2 4.4 5.0 3.4 4.6 5.0 5.3 5.1 5.0 4.9 4.9 3.2 3.3 3.2 3.2 2.8 3.2 3.1 3.0 4.5 4.7 4.7 Housing & Com. Devt. 2.6 1.0 0.8 1.2 0.6 1.2 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.5 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.7 0.6 1.7 0.5 1.4

National Defense 13.7 10.1 7.7 6.9 8.2 7.4 7.1 7.3 7.0 6.7 6.8 7.0 9.2 9.2 9.3 8.8 8.5 7.8 7.3 8.1 7.9 7.6 6.8

Total Public Services 11.8 17.3 18.0 16.5 18.8 16.7 17.4 18.1 16.3 16.6 18.0 18.3 18.3 18.2 21.4 19.8 18.5 18.8 19.1 18.1 18.7 16.4 15.4

Public Administration 8.8 9.7 10.0 7.9 9.0 7.7 9.3 9.6 7.8 7.9 8.5 8.2 8.3 7.8 10.9 9.3 8.9 9.7 9.5 8.5 9.3 7.0 7.1 Peace and Order 3.0 7.6 8.0 8.6 9.8 9.0 8.1 8.5 8.5 8.6 9.4 10.1 10.0 10.4 10.5 10.5 9.5 9.1 9.6 9.6 9.4 9.4 8.3

Others n.e.c. 5.7 9.0 18.1 21.8 23.5 27.2 17.3 18.3 21.3 22.1 22.7 25.4 24.9 24.4 24.3 23.1 22.6 22.3 22.8 24.3 24.3 29.4 27.5

MEMO ITEM:

Transfers to LGUs 4.5 6.2 17.5 20.6 22.2 19.4 17.2 17.6 20.1 21.1 21.8 24.2 23.6 23.3 23.4 22.7 20.7 20.2 21.6 22.5 22.1 18.4 18.1 Grand Total - Debt Service 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Infrastructure 26.5 18.8 15.7 14.6 14.1 12.4 14.5 14.8 14.2 15.0 13.6 10.5 11.5 12.6 9.8 14.3 15.9 15.8 17.5 14.0 13.3 11.8 12.1

45

Appendix Table 4. Real Per Capita National Government Expenditures, Obligation Basis, 1975-2013 (in 2000 prices)Marcos Aquino I Ramos Estrada Arroyo Aquino II 2012 20131975-85 1986-92 1993-98 1999-2000 2001-10 2011-12 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Prelim NEP

GRAND TOTAL 6,246 7,091 7,845 8,534 9,284 11,076 8,547 8,261 8,177 8,890 8,564 8,467 8,953 8,750 8,868 9,143 9,626 9,993 10,410 10,070 10,186 11,282 11,760

Total Economic Services 2,694 1,753 1,640 1,586 1,578 1,819 1,900 1,554 1,525 1,647 1,421 1,165 1,267 1,234 1,121 1,408 1,860 2,146 2,236 1,922 1,691 1,789 1,978

Agriculture 392 328 224 291 340 372 426 265 314 269 267 212 269 201 276 210 358 602 489 515 289 388 440 Agrarian Reform 61 127 188 116 114 115 135 115 97 134 118 110 123 133 119 108 134 106 92 99 101 119 127 Natural Resources 111 106 108 84 82 117 162 96 86 82 94 93 75 64 69 79 76 73 98 99 91 117 143 Industry 101 65 70 50 50 34 76 44 39 60 30 52 27 34 33 59 83 80 61 40 32 34 37 Trade 39 14 12 1 5 5 10 5 1 1 5 5 5 4 6 9 9 4 5 3 8 4 4 Tourism 20 9 14 16 14 16 17 19 12 20 11 13 13 15 13 15 18 16 16 12 14 14 21 Power & Energy 363 125 87 68 31 84 46 34 88 48 57 (5) 4 40 17 23 49 16 94 17 113 73 66 Water Resources Devt. 61 32 20 8 2 2 20 9 10 7 5 0 1 (0) 0 0 3 0 15 0 1 5 0 Transp. & Comm. 1,217 748 884 924 926 1,045 975 951 849 1,000 817 671 739 730 578 894 1,121 1,238 1,355 1,112 1,005 1,009 1,119 Other Econ. Services 329 200 34 27 13 28 34 17 29 26 17 12 11 13 9 9 9 11 11 26 38 26 21

Total Social Services 1,258 1,461 1,851 2,184 1,863 2,629 2,293 2,239 2,168 2,200 1,968 1,964 1,823 1,709 1,610 1,698 1,871 1,905 2,025 2,062 2,435 2,502 2,950

Education 784 1,044 1,337 1,556 1,425 1,797 1,650 1,631 1,562 1,549 1,474 1,468 1,443 1,341 1,256 1,299 1,448 1,434 1,533 1,554 1,651 1,727 2,014 o/w: Basic education 602 860 1,037 1,212 1,155 1,536 1,265 1,272 1,214 1,210 1,180 1,187 1,158 1,069 1,012 1,044 1,165 1,182 1,245 1,305 1,411 1,484 1,713 Tertiary education 151 158 181 204 175 191 208 208 205 204 186 193 185 177 164 163 161 161 174 183 181 172 219 Health 253 263 200 199 156 301 246 205 208 190 158 164 137 148 131 142 153 142 171 213 262 297 343 Soc. Security, Labor/ Emp., & Social Welfare Services 74 100 263 347 241 423 361 358 340 353 315 314 209 203 195 204 206 257 260 245 377 434 457 Housing & Com. Devt. 147 54 52 83 42 108 36 44 57 108 21 18 34 17 28 53 64 72 61 49 144 44 136

National Defense 870 524 486 473 569 676 508 490 470 476 439 445 597 564 564 566 628 616 611 655 659 700 668

Total Public Services 683 845 1,127 1,131 1,311 1,528 1,249 1,215 1,091 1,170 1,157 1,162 1,191 1,114 1,296 1,271 1,366 1,490 1,604 1,461 1,566 1,512 1,507

Public Administration 504 476 630 541 626 704 667 645 522 560 551 521 538 476 660 599 661 768 800 686 777 643 691 Peace and Order 179 369 497 589 685 824 582 570 569 610 606 642 653 638 635 672 705 722 803 775 789 869 815

Others n.e.c. 317 452 1,130 1,493 1,645 2,482 1,242 1,229 1,426 1,560 1,461 1,609 1,617 1,495 1,471 1,488 1,670 1,766 1,910 1,959 2,037 2,709 2,700

Debt Service 425 2,056 1,610 1,666 2,318 1,942 1,355 1,534 1,498 1,835 2,117 2,121 2,457 2,633 2,806 2,714 2,231 2,069 2,024 2,012 1,799 2,069 1,957

MEMO ITEM:

Transfers to LGUs 245 285 1,098 1,416 1,553 1,773 1,235 1,183 1,343 1,489 1,403 1,534 1,530 1,423 1,419 1,457 1,532 1,602 1,815 1,817 1,850 1,698 1,772 Grand Total less Debt Service 5,821 5,035 6,235 6,867 6,966 9,134 7,192 6,727 6,680 7,055 6,446 6,346 6,496 6,117 6,062 6,430 7,395 7,924 8,386 8,058 8,388 9,212 9,802 Grand Total less Debt Service less Transfers to LGUs 5,576 4,750 5,137 5,452 5,413 7,361 5,957 5,544 5,337 5,566 5,044 4,812 4,966 4,694 4,643 4,973 5,863 6,322 6,571 6,241 6,538 7,514 8,030 Infrastructure 1,641 904 990 1,001 959 1,131 1,042 993 947 1,055 880 667 744 770 595 918 1,173 1,255 1,464 1,129 1,119 1,087 1,186

46

Appendix Table 5. National Government Revenue Effort, as % of GDP, 1992-2012

1975-85 1986-92 1993-98 1999-2000 2001-10 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

TOTAL REVENUE b/ 11.5 14.7 16.8 14.6 14.6 16.2 15.9 17.9 17.1 17.1 17.5 15.7 14.7 14.4 14.6 13.8 14.1 13.8 14.4 15.6 16.5 15.6 14.0 13.4 14.0 14.5

Total tax 10.0 12.2 14.7 13.1 12.7 13.9 14.1 14.5 14.7 15.3 15.3 14.1 13.3 12.8 12.7 12.1 12.1 11.8 12.4 13.7 13.5 13.6 12.2 12.1 12.3 12.9

BIR 6.0 8.2 10.7 10.3 9.7 8.9 8.9 10.0 10.0 10.8 11.7 11.4 10.5 10.1 10.0 9.6 9.4 9.2 9.6 10.4 10.4 10.1 9.3 9.1 9.5 10.0BOC 3.6 3.9 3.9 2.7 2.8 4.9 5.0 4.4 4.6 4.3 3.5 2.6 2.7 2.7 2.6 2.4 2.6 2.5 2.7 3.2 3.0 3.4 2.7 2.9 2.7 2.7

Non-tax revenue b/ 1.5 2.2 1.6 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6

Source of basic data: BTr

47

Improvement of the Implementation Procedures

and Management Systems for the Health Facilities Enhancement

Grant of the Department of Health

Rouselle F. Lavado, Ida Marie T. Pantig, Kristine Tyrol Z. Rosales,

and Valerie Gilbert T. Ulep1

Introduction One of the major challenges in the Philippine health sector is providing access to appropriate

health facilities for the poor and the marginalized sector of society. Recognizing this

problem, President Benigno S. Aquino III, in one of his inaugural commitments, vowed to

ensure that quality and affordable care would reach each and every Filipino during his term.

At the core of this commitment is the expansion of the 4Ps, a conditional cash transfer (CCT)

program targeting indigents who are given cash conditional on their utilization of maternal

and child care services. Studies have shown that while cash transfers help overcome demand-

side barriers to health care, it has to be complemented with supply-side strategies, like

improvements in health facilities and training of health professionals, to become effective.

Budgets for capital outlay were sparse in the DOH expenditure schedule from 2000 to

2006. Because of this, maintenance and upkeep of health facilities were postponed, resulting

in the deterioration of most health facilities. According to the DOH, 892 RHUs (36% of the

total), and 99 public hospitals (14% of the total) have yet to qualify for PhilHealth

accreditation. In response to this, the new administration launched the Aquino Health Agenda

(AHA), in which one of the three strategic thrusts is improving access to quality hospitals and

health facilities through the upgrade of facilities.

Efforts began in 2007 to bridge gaps in health care delivery and utilization and

eventually increase access to health facilities and services. The DOH has included in the

General Appropriations Act (GAA) funds for the HFEP, which aims to upgrade health

facilities such as health centers and BHSs to sufficiently provide for emergency and primary

1 Dr. Rouselle F. Lavado, the main author, is a Senior Research Fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies. She was assisted by Ida Marie T. Pantig, Research Analyst II; Kristine Tyrol Z. Rosales, Research Analyst II; and Valerie Gilbert T. Ulep, Supervising Research Specialist.

48

care services. Another goal of the HFEP is to improve and upgrade facilities in government

hospitals.

Since implementation, the HFEP’s budget has increased to PHP 7.1 billion in 2011

from PHP 43.5 million in 2007. The program has also expanded from the initial target of

LGUs in Fourmula One sites only to all provinces in the country. Despite these efforts, the

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) continued to receive feedback regarding

difficulties encountered by the DOH in implementing this program.

The Improvement of the Implementation Procedures and Management Systems for

Health Facilities Enhancement Grant of the DOH study addresses the need to identify the

difficulties encountered by the DOH in implementing the program for the efficient allocation

of funds for facilities across the country. It assesses the indicators used in choosing which

facilities should be targeted for upgrading to ensure equity in the allocation of funds. This

study specifically aims to map and examine the rationale for the choice of facilities that will

be upgraded through HFEP. It also lays out some policy options that can be considered to

improve equity and efficiency in allocation of funds.

Description of the Program: HFEP The DOH implemented the HFEP with the main goal of improving the delivery of basic,

essential, and specialized health services. The project envisions revitalization of primary

health care facilities and the rationalization of the various levels of hospitals to decongest

end-referral hospitals.2 Facilities will be upgraded to make them more responsive to the

“need” of the catchment area, to provide Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care

(BEmONC) and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC)

services to the population, and to strengthen the health facility referral system or network.

Specifically, the objectives of the HFEP are as follows:

1. To upgrade/establish priority BHSs and RHUs nearest to the communities and

provide BEmONC services to reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR); to establish

strategically located blood service facilities and upgrade end-referral/training centers

for B/CEmONC personnel;

2 DOH Department Order No. 2008-0162 titled: “Guidelines and Procedures for the Implementation of the Government Hospital Upgrading Project under the CY2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds of the DOH”, dated 7 July 2008.

49

2. To upgrade government hospitals/health facilities in the provinces with approved

provincial rationalization plans for their Health Care Delivery System based on health

needs and with implementation plans linked to the Province-wide Investment Plan for

Health (PIPH) and Annual Operation Plans (AOPs); to meet DOH Licensing and

PhilHealth accreditation requirements and provide quality and appropriate health

services responsive to the priority health needs of the catchment population;

3. To upgrade Philippine National Police (PNP) clinics to Level 1 (primary) general

hospitals; to upgrade government hospitals (including military and PNP hospitals)

from Level 1 (primary) to Level 2 (secondary) to accommodate nursing students as

base hospitals; if necessary, to upgrade hospitals from Level 2 (secondary) to Level 3

(basic tertiary) to “gatekeep” and decongest higher-level tertiary hospitals; nursing

affiliation in tertiary hospitals; to provide services for CEmONC to reduce MMR; and

expand services of existing tertiary hospitals to provide higher tertiary care and

become teaching and training hospitals.

The HFEP Budget A separate line item was provided for the HFEP in the GAA beginning 2007. The HFEP was

one of the priority programs of the DOH in 2007 in line with health sector reforms. The

HFEP had a budget of PHP 43 million at the start of the program in 2007. Of this, only PHP

10 million was appropriated for capital outlay (CO) and the rest of the budget was for

MOOE. In 2008, the total budget increased to PHP 1.65 billion, out of which PHP 27 million

was appropriated for MOOE and the rest for CO. MOOE appropriation was steady at PHP 27

million from 2008 to 2011, while the CO budget increased to PHP 7.1 billion in 2011 from

PHP 1.6 billion in 2008 (Table 1).

Table 1. HFEP budget, General Appropriations Act

MOOE CO Total 2007 33,530,000 10,000,000 43,530,000 2008 27,522,000 1,628,000,000 1,655,522,000 2009 27,522,000 2,045,726,000 2,073,248,000 2010 27,522,000 3,224,173,000 3,251,695,000 2011 27,522,000 7,116,387,000 7,143,909,000

Source: General Appropriations Act, Department of Budget and Management, various years

50

Structure

Regulation and oversight

The National Center for Health Facility Development (NCHFD) is tasked to provide

coordination, technical assistance, capability building, consulting, and advisory related to

health facility development. NCHFD technical assistance ranges from planning to operation

and maintenance. It is composed of three divisions: the Technical Operations Division,

Infrastructure and Equipment Division, and Management Systems Development Division.

The Infrastructure and Equipment Division is the unit in charge of the HFEP.

Budget releases

Once a request for a facility is approved, a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) is

issued by the DBM. The DOH then issues a Department Order (DO) indicating the guidelines

for the release and utilization of funds for the recipient LGU or hospital. A Sub-Allotment

Advice (SAA) is then released by the NCFHD, through the Finance Service, to the Center for

Health Development (CHD). The CHD then releases the fund to the recipient LGU or

hospital (Scenario 1). In some instances, however, the SAA is released directly to the hospital

(Scenario 2). Figure 1 illustrates this process.

Figure 1. Flow of budget release

DBM-CO (SARO)

DOH (DO)

DOH-CO (SAA) CHD Recipient

LGU

DBM-CO (SARO) DOH (DO) DOH-CO

(SAA) Hospital

Scenario 1

Scenario 2

51

Sources of Fund

Aside from the GAA, other sources of funds for the HFEP include realignments from the

Family Health Office (FHO), Katas ng VAT, and House of Representatives and Senate

initiatives. Table 2 shows that in 2008, 36 percent of HFEP spending came from other

sources; 25 percent of the total HFEP spending was from Katas ng VAT. House initiatives

and senatorial initiatives accounted for 8 percent and 3 percent, respectively. In 2010, the

FHO realigned its budget of PHP 503 million to the upgrading of BHSs and RHUs into

BEmONCs and CEmONCs.

Table 2. Sources of fund for HFEP (in '000) 2007 2008 2009 2010 GAA 485,412 100% 1,267,522 64% 2,045,048 99% 3,181,676 86% Others 702,400 36% 30,000 1% 503,000 14%

FHO 503,000 14% Katas ng VAT 496,000 25% House Initiatives 148,400 8% Senate Initiatives 58,000 3% 30,000 1%

Total 485,412 100% 1,969,922 100% 2,075,048 100% 3,684,676 100%

Issues

The FHO realigned funds amounting to PHP 503 million in 2010. This amount was for the

construction and upgrading of RHUs and BHSs to provide BEmONC and CEmONC

services. Although this was in line with the FHO’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and

Nutrition (MNCHN) Strategy, the funds were realigned due to the facilities enhancement

nature of the project, which is under the responsibility of NCHFD.

On average, funds from other sources accounted for only 13 percent of the total HFEP

funds. The existence of such funds interferes with the allocation criteria of the DOH (refer to

section on allocation below), which is supposedly based on “needs”. This need is defined in

the facilities rationalization plan prepared by each province3. Since congressmen and senators

allot funds to augment the DOH’s HFEP budget, there were cases in which the criteria set by

the DOH for choosing which facilities to upgrade were disregarded to accommodate their 3 As of June 2011, only 52 provinces have prepared a rationalization plan. These provinces are: Benguet, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Batanes, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan, Marinduque, Albay, Sorsogon, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bohol, Cebu, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Samar, Northern Samar, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Sur. There were cases, however, that HFEP funds were given to provinces with no rationalization plan to accommodate requests by politicians.

52

requests. This politicizes the allocation of funds. Thus, the process of accepting funds from

other sources needs to be carefully reviewed.

Planning and Budgeting

Request for funding from HFEP

Department Memorandum (DM) 2010-0104 provides the process flow for the approval of

HFEP allocations. According to the DM, all requests coming from LGUs, the Office of the

Secretary (OSEC), and DOH hospitals shall be forwarded to the CHD. Hospitals under the

DOH should directly forward their requests to the CHD, while LGU hospitals can submit

their requests through their LGUs. The LGU will then pass a Sanggunian Resolution in

connection with the request to the CHD. In some instances, requests are forwarded straight to

the OSEC of the DOH or the Field Implementation Management Office (FIMO). In such

case, the OSEC/FIMO will forward the request to the CHD for review and validation.

From the CHD, the requests are forwarded to the NCHFD for further review before

passing them on to the Executive Committee or ExeCom for approval. All requests forwarded

to the NCHFD are also sent to the FIMO for monitoring. Upon approval, the requests are

passed on to the Finance Service for fund processing. Lastly, approved requests/grants are

sent to the requesting hospitals. Figure 2 summarizes the process flow for the approval of

HFEP funding.

Before the memorandum was issued, the NCHFD prepared a list of health facilities

and asked CHDs to validate whether the list corresponded to the three HFEP criteria on

BEmONC/CEmONC, provincial rationalization plan, and PIPH.

53

Figure 2. Process flow of approval for HFEP funding in 2010 *Figure from DM 2010-0104

Issues

This DM was released because it was observed that requests from LGUs and DOH hospitals

were addressed directly to the Office of the Health Secretary and other officials from the

DOH. This was considered a “nonpreferred route” (route with in the figure above), and

was the practice despite the priority list that NCHFD had prepared.

The flow outlined in Figure 2 makes the process more complicated. While the DM

was explicit in stating that the preferred route was for LGUs to come up with a resolution and

apply through their respective CHDs, allowing them to approach the OSEC directly could

make the allocation of funds unfair. According to interviews, what happens in a typical

“nonpreferred” route is that the OSEC or NCHFD receives a call from Congress asking for

the allocation of funds to their preferred localities. Thus, the allocation list based on the

criteria is set aside most of the time to accommodate the requests of Congress.

Budget Allocation

Criteria for selecting facilities

The CHDs are provided with criteria for rating the requests to ensure objectivity and fairness

in assessing these requests. There are three main criteria—LGU Priority, CHD Review, and

Plus Factor. Under each criterion, specific conditions with equivalent points each have to be

met for the request to merit approval. For LGU Priority, a maximum of 10 points can be

DOH hospitals

LGU CHD TWG for HFEP

IMSO/Finance Service

OSEC

Sanggunian resolution

Implementing unit/hospitals

ExeCom for approval

PSDT – SD/NCHFD

FIMO

cc. FIMO

54

given if the LGU has allocated a budget for MOOE and Human Resources for the project;

another 10 points if there are LGU counterpart funds; and 15 points upon evaluation of how

responsive the project is to the health situation status.

For CHD review, a maximum of 15 points can be given if it is within the approved

PIPH/AOP framework of the LGU. If it complies with the Certificate of Need (CON) and/or

BEmONC/CEmONC standards/requirements, a maximum of 10 points can be given, and

another 10 points if it is deemed “rational” by the CHD even if without a Rationalization Plan

(RatPlan) or not compliant with the RatPlan.

The Plus Factors require that the request should have more than 85 percent LGU

Indigent Program (IP) enrollment. The highest score for this condition is 10 points. If there is

a good track record in submitting reports/Fund Utilization Reports (FURs), a maximum of 10

points can also be given. Another 10 points can be added if good financial management is in

place.

The total scores (out of a possible 100 points) corresponding to each request shall be

used by the ExeCom in deciding on the approval of requests. These criteria are summarized

in the table below.

Table 3. HFEP criteria

Criteria Description Points

LGU Priority - LGU has budget allocated for MOOE and Human Resources for the project - There are LGU counterpart funds - Responsive to health status situation

10 10 15

CHD Review - Within approved PIPH/AOP framework of the LGU - Complying with the CON and/or BEmONC/CEmONC standards/requirements - Deemed “rational” by the CHD if without RatPlan or not complying with the

RatPlan

15 10

10

Plus Factor - >85 percent LGU IP enrollment - Good track record in submitting reports/FUR - Good financial management in place

10 10 10

TOTAL 100

Source: DM 2010-0104

Defining “need”

Since 2006, DOH has embarked on major efforts to make sure that its funds are allocated

efficiently and equitably. For the efficient allocation of funding for public health,

Administrative Order (AO) No. 2006-0022 titled “Guidelines for Establishment of

Performance-Based Budget for Public Health” was passed. This AO aims to progressively

allocate commodities for priority public health programs and to link budget subsidies of DOH

offices to specific outputs and outcomes for targeted reforms in public health programs. The

55

AO lists down the guidelines for identifying the priority public health programs on the basis

of burden of disease, equity, economic efficiency, and cost effectiveness, and prioritizing

health target diseases with the greater impact. For the progressive allocation of public health

commodities, indicators such as population in need or at risk, and regional poverty indicators

are used.

A separate AO was released to provide guidelines for the Performance-Based

Budgeting (PBB) of DOH Hospitals (AO 2006-0027). PBB refers to the process by which

DOH splits funding for the hospital MOOE into several portions, the releases of which will

be based on hospital performance relative to pre-agreed performance measures (Figure 3).

With this system, a hospital’s budgetary allocation is linked to performance, therefore

reducing the hospitals’ dependence on subsidies and enhancing their internal fund generation.

The AO stipulates that 70 percent of the MOOE for all hospitals will be provided to cover

overhead costs, but the remaining 30 percent will be given based on identified performance

benchmarks. In case a hospital is not able to meet the target, the fund will be transferred to

the Health Facilities Enhancement Fund, which will be available on a competitive basis to

hospitals that had submitted proposals for infrastructure enhancement of upgrading.

Figure 3. Performance-based budgeting of hospitals

MOOE for DOH hospitals (100%)

Net MOOE (95%)

Public Health Fund Pool (5%)

Basic Allocation Fund (66.5%)

Performance Based Operations Fund

(28.5%)

Allocated to hospitals that meet performance standards

Unallocated funds go to Health Facilities Enhancement Fund

56

Not long after the signing of the two AOs, AO 2006-0029 titled “Guidelines for

Rationalizing the Health Care Delivery System Based on Health Needs” was signed. The AO

provides the set of indicators to be used in rationalizing the health care delivery system.

Indicators are both for health and nonhealth outcomes. The objective of the AO is to provide

the mandate and directions for all DOH offices in developing the rationalization of health

care delivery systems in the country.

This study found, however, that none of the HFEP guidelines explicitly mentioned

any of these AOs in the separate guidelines for the allocation and release of funds for HFEP.

Also, examination of the actual allocation of HFEP funds from 2007 to 2010 did not

clearly show the link of HFEP allocation to needs specified by DOH policies on the

allocation of resources based on needs.

Allocation of HFEP facilities by poverty incidence

Figure 4 shows the relationship between HFEP spending per capita and poverty incidence.

HFEP per capita is computed by aggregating all HFEP funds that went into the province from

2007 to 2010 and dividing it by the provincial population. Batanes had the largest HFEP

budget per capita and had the lowest poverty incidence. Mt. Province, Apayao, and Camiguin

had fairly high HFEP per capita allocations at PHP 2,500, with poverty incidence of 50

percent. However, a simple correlation suggests that allocation per capita and poverty

incidence are not related.

Figure 4. HFEP allocation per capita and poverty incidence

Correlation: R=-0.1720; p-value=0.1296 (not significantly correlated)

Batanes

BenguetCaviteBulacanLaguna

Nueva VizcayaPampangaRizalBataan

Quirino

Ilocos NorteIlocos SurZambalesBatangasTarlacGuimarasCagayanIsabelaAuroraDavao del SurPangasinanKalingaIloiloCatanduanes

CapizIfugaoPalawanSouth CotabatoBasilanCebuMisamis Oriental

La UnionZamboanga del SurNueva EcijaNegros OccidentalQuezon

Oriental MindoroNorth CotabatoDavao del NorteLeyteMarinduqueAgusan del Norte

BiliranOccidental MindoroCompostela Valley

SiquijorTawi-TawiAntiqueSorsogonBukidnonNegros OrientalCamarines Norte

Apayao

Southern LeyteAlbayAbraSultan Kudarat

Camiguin

Lanao del SurSurigao del SurSamarLanao del NorteMisamis Occidental

Mt. Province

SuluAklanCamarines SurBoholZamboanga SibugayNorthern SamarSaranganiDavao OrientalMaguindanao

Eastern SamarRomblon

MasbateSurigao del NorteAgusan del SurZamboanga Norte

010

0020

0030

0040

0050

00HF

EP p

er ca

pita

0 .2 .4 .6poverty incidence

Fitted values HFEP per capita

57

Allocation of HFEP facilities by population

The same story applies to HFEP spending per capita relative to population in the province

(Figure 5). In fact, provinces with smaller population had more HFEP allocation per capita,

such as the provinces of Apayao, Camiguin, Biliran, and Ifugao, among others. Correlation

suggests that HFEP expenditure per capita and population are not statistically significant.

Figure 5. HFEP allocation per capita and population

Correlation: R= -0.3514; p-value=0.0015 (not significantly correlated)

Allocation of HFEP facilities by PIPH requirement

Figure 6 shows the relationship between Total HFEP Expenditure and a province’s

requirement. A province’s PIPH requirement somehow indicates a certain level of need in the

province and serves as one of the three major criteria for HFEP allocation. Though it seems

that Zamboanga del Sur received an appropriate HFEP budget, correlation suggests that the

PIPH requirement and total HFEP expenditure are not statistically significant.

Camiguin

Siquijor

Apayao

Biliran

Guimaras

Ifugao

KalingaAurora

Marinduque

AbraCatanduanes

Romblon

Agusan del NorteBenguet

Southern Leyte

Nueva Vizcaya

Eastern Samar

Basilan

Surigao del Norte

Occidental Mindoro

Tawi-Tawi

SaranganiDavao Oriental

ZambalesAklanCamarines NorteAntiqueMisamis OccidentalLanao del NorteSurigao del SurZamboanga SibugayIlocos Norte

Northern SamarAgusan del SurIlocos SurCompostela ValleyBataanSultan Kudarat

Palawan

Samar

Capiz

SorsogonMaguindanaoLa Union

Oriental Mindoro

Misamis Oriental

South Cotabato

Masbate

Davao del Sur

Davao del Norte

SuluZamboanga NorteZamboanga del Sur

CagayanNorth CotabatoLanao del Sur

Bukidnon

AlbayBoholNegros OrientalTarlac

Isabela

QuezonIloiloCamarines Sur

LeyteNueva EcijaPampanga

BatangasRizal

Negros OccidentalCebu

LagunaPangasinan

BulacanCavite050

010

0015

00To

tal H

FEP

per

cap

ita

0 1000000 2000000 3000000Population 2007

Fitted values Total HFEP per capita

58

Figure 6. Total HFEP expenditure and PIPH requirement

Correlation: R=0.1692; p-value=0.1151 (not significantly correlated)

Annexes 1 and 2 present a disaggregation of HFEP funds by fund source: GAA, FHO

for BEMoNC/CEMoNC, Katas ng VAT, and House and Senate initiatives. The same trend

remains that there are no correlations between HFEP funds allocated per province to the

PIPH requirement, poverty incidence, and population per capita. The highest recipient of

HFEP from GAA appears to be Cebu; however, it was Quezon Province and Zamboanga del

Sur that had the highest PIPH requirements. Batanes and Quirino received higher HFEP

funds from GAA despite their relatively low poverty incidence compared with other regions.

There was a significant negative correlation between population and HFEP allocation per

capita. However, the relationship runs counter to expectations—the more populous the

province is, the less allocation it receives from HFEP GAA funds.

The same trend of no correlation was observed for the allocation of funds to

BEmONC and CEmONC facilities. The provinces that were able to receive the highest

allocations were Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Occidental Mindoro,

Compostela Valley, Romblon, and Oriental Mindoro. Katas ng VAT benefited the following

provinces: Camiguin, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Guimaras, and Albay.

Senate initiatives were partial to only a handful of provinces, namely: Zamboanga del

Sur, Batangas, Nueva Ecija, Negros Oriental, Camiguin, Ilocos Norte, and Oriental Mindoro.

Despite the nonsubmission of PIPH estimates, which was one of the criteria in the HFEP

Pampanga

Tarlac

Southern Leyte

La Union

Mt. Province

Kalinga

Samar

SiquijorCatanduanesIlocos Norte

Ifugao

Leyte

ZambalesSorsogonIlocos SurCamarines SurMasbateCompostela ValleyNorthern Samar

Nueva Ecija

Pangasinan

Bataan

Davao Oriental

Kalookan City

Camarines NorteParanaque City

BulacanLas Pinas CityBoholSarangani

Benguet

Surigao del NorteAgusan del Norte

Sultan Kudarat

Negros Oriental

Apayao

Surigao del Sur

Albay

Quezon City

Aurora

Davao del Norte

Davao del Sur

AbraGuimaras

Romblon

North CotabatoSouth Cotabato

Oriental Mindoro

Agusan del SurMisamis Occidental

Marikina City

BiliranMarinduque

San Juan

CamiguinValenzuela

Occidental Mindoro

Pateros

Eastern Samar

Quirino

Capiz

MalabonTaguigPasig City

Palawan

Nueva Vizcaya

Negros Occidental

AklanBukidnon

Zamboanga Norte

Batanes

Cagayan

RizalCavite

Makati CityLanao del NorteZamboanga Sibugay

Antique

Mandaluyong City

Batangas

Cebu

Isabela

Laguna

Misamis Oriental

Manila City

Iloilo

Zamboanga del Sur

Quezon

01.

00e+

082.0

0e+0

83.00

e+084

.00e

+08 5.

00e+

08To

tal H

FEP

exp

0 2.00e+09 4.00e+09 6.00e+09 8.00e+09PIPH requirement

Fitted values Total HFEP

59

guidelines, the provinces of Camiguin, Ilocos Norte, and Oriental Mindoro were allocated

good sums of funds from Senate initiatives.

Similarly, House funds benefited only five—the City of Manila, Quirino,

Catanduanes, Albay, and Ilocos Sur. It should again be noted that Albay and Ilocos Sur did

not submit PIPH estimates to the DOH.

Discussion

In this study’s review of AOs, DOs, and DMs issued by DOH, it appears that there was no

reference made by HFEP guidelines to the AOs issued by the DOH on the definition of

“need” and rationalization of health facilities. For instance, the link of the HFEP to the Health

Facilities Enhancement Fund mentioned in the performance-based budgeting AO on hospitals

was not evident. Also, while AO 2006-0029 clearly outlines what the definition of need

should be, the DM for the criteria and process flow does not appear to be consistent with the

definition of need in the AO.

Based on interviews conducted, the funding priority for 2007 and 2008 were Levels 1

and 2 hospitals intended to serve as base hospitals for nursing students. This was following

the pronouncement of the previous administration that the government would provide

training hospitals for nursing students. For 2009, BHS and RHUs were included in the

priority to decongest DOH tertiary hospitals. Levels 1 and 2 hospitals identified for

BeMONC conversion were prioritized for regions with high maternal mortality rates. It

should be noted that it was only in 2010 that allocations were based on clear criteria specified

in administrative orders (AO 2009-0022 and AO 2010-0006).

As such, it was no surprise that when allocations from 2007 to 2010 were plotted with

PIPH, poverty incidence, and equity, there seemed to be no structured allocating mechanism

for the HFEP. While this was true for all funding sources, the gap was greater for HFEP

funds filled up by House and Senate initiatives that appeared to benefit only a handful of

provinces. Since the goal of the HFEP from 2007 to 2010 was to reduce maternal mortality,

identification of facilities for funding was geared toward reduction of travel time to health

facilities, which might not equate with the poverty incidence in the provinces. According to

the DOH, the plan for 2011–2012 was to saturate all the upgrading needs for BEmONC and

CEmONC. For 2013 onwards, it will focus on upgrading Levels 3 and 4 hospitals where

poverty incidence and other socioeconomic indicators will be considered in identifying

priority facilities.

60

Budget Execution

Fund releases

In the normal course of fund release following the ratification of the GAA, the DBM issues a

SARO that will authorize the release of funds for the HFEP. The DOH then issues a DO that

provides an outline as to how the fund will be utilized. The DO will go through different

bureaus in the DOH because it has to be signed by various authorities, including the Secretary

of Health. After this, the finance office will issue suballotment orders to CHDs and hospitals.

They can start entering into contracts with suppliers when they receive their SAAs.

It takes an average 200–310 days from the date the GAA was signed to the release of

the SAA (Table 4). Fund release was longest in 2009 with 310 days. It improved in 2010 to

200 days. In 2008, the HFEP budget that came from the GAA line item budget was released

within the year. Delays mostly occurred in connection with funds sourced from House and

Senate initiatives. The main source of delay was the time it took the DBM to issue a SARO

after the passage of the GAA. In 2008, it took as long as 400 days to issue the SARO for a

Senate-funded initiative.

The GAA was passed in March for 2008 and 2009 and in February for the year 2010.

When cases like this happen, the common practice is that the appropriation for the first

quarter will be based on the previous year’s. Thus, even if the GAA was not yet enacted,

funds could be used by the department. This was the reason there were cases when the DO

was issued before the SARO. On average, the DO was issued five days earlier in 2008, 133

days earlier in 2009, and 44 days earlier in 2010.

The time it took the finance office to issue SAAs ranged from 36 days in 2008 to 192

days in 2009. Details of the specific batches with their specific dates of issuances are

presented in Annex 3.

Table 4. Average number of days of release of funds GAA to SAA GAA to SARO SARO to DO DO to SAA

2008 281 251 (5) 36

GAA 170 181 (20) 10

House initiatives 283 248 (27) 62

Senate initiatives 400 342 8 50

Katas ng VAT 270 232 18 21

2009 310 246 (133) 192

GAA 310 246 (133) 192

2010 200 187 (44) 57

GAA 200 187 (44) 57

61

Fund utilization

On the whole, the HFEP showed high utilization rates for years 2009–2010. Table 5 shows

that the actual allotment available was greater than the amount appropriated, and a 99–100

percent utilization rate for actual obligations was observed. Disaggregating by expense class,

utilization rate for allotted MOOE in 2009 was only at 93 percent, and that utilization rate for

allotted CO for 2009 and 2010 exceeded 100 percent. Of the total allotment released, all

showed 100 percent utilization rates, except for CO in 2009, at 99 percent.

Table 5. HFEP appropriations, allotments, and obligations Appropriations Allotment Released Actual Obligations

MOOE CO Total MOOE CO Total MOOE CO Total

2009 27,522,000 2,045,726,000 2,073,248,000 25,522,000 2,166,175,000 2,191,697,000

25,522,000

2,141,175,000 2,166,697,000

2010 27,522,000 3,224,173,000 3,251,695,000 27,522,000 3,485,773,000 3,513,295,000

27,522,000

3,477,733,591 3,505,255,591

Source: General Appropriations Act (GAA) and Status of Appropriations, Allotments, and Obligations (SAAOB), Department of Budget and Management

Figure 7. Budget utilization

**% allotted is derived by dividing allotment released by appropriations; % obligated is derived by dividing actual obligations by allotment released.

Issues

There were many instances when the DOs were issued way before the SAROs were released.

It is important that the DOH-CO has a SARO on hand since it cannot predict how much will

be issued by DBM in one batch. Should the guidelines contain amounts higher than the

SARO, a problem could arise. A particular example cited was the case when the DOH had to

realign its savings from other bureaus to the HFEP because one province had entered into a

contract even when there was no SARO issued. To resolve this, the NCHFD resorted to

realigning funds from DOH-CO.

93%

100%

106%

99%

85%

90%

95%

100%

105%

110%

Allotted Obligated

2009

MOOE CO

100% 100%

108%

100%

85%

90%

95%

100%

105%

110%

Allotted Obligated

2010

MOOE CO

62

During the period covered by the study, the bidding and awarding of contract was

done by every LGU that received the HFEP funds. The NCHFD saw some inefficiencies in

this process and is revising its guidelines to conduct bulk bidding and procurement at the

CHD level.

Utilization rates appear to be high but it should be noted that this stops at the level of

the Central Office giving suballotment to CHDs/hospitals. Monitoring of obligation of HFEP

funds at the LGU level was a responsibility of the CHDs. Thus, unless the CHD submits its

financial report, the Central Office will not be informed of the fund utilization of the HFEP.

What the Central Office monitors, through the Infrastructure Division of the NCHFD, are

physical accomplishment reports of each facility on the reported percentage of completion

(for infrastructure projects) and procurement/delivery status (for equipment).

Monitoring and Control As part of HFEP monitoring and reporting, CHDs are in charge of conducting regular

monitoring of hospital upgrading projects for both DOH and LGU hospitals as well as other

health facilities. CHDs are also tasked to submit quarterly status reports of physical and

financial accomplishments to the FIMO and provide a copy to the NCHFD. Once

consolidated, the DOH, through the NCHFD, submits these quarterly status reports to the

Presidential Management Staff, the National Economic and Development Authority, and

other requesting agencies. Suballotment utilization reports are also submitted by the CHD to

the Finance Service.

As mentioned earlier, the Infrastructure Division of the NCHFD collects information

on the percentage of completion of infrastructure projects and procurement/delivery status of

equipment funded by the HFEP. Using this data as proxy for fund utilization, Table 6 shows

that a total of 63 percent of obligated funds in 2009 should have been utilized as of June

2011. Table 7 shows that for HFEP projects in 2010, 6 percent of the obligated funds were

under preprocurement and 36 percent were undergoing procurement. Meanwhile, 34 percent

of the funds went to equipment delivered for infrastructure projects being implemented and

12 percent to equipment delivered for completed infrastructure projects. A problem with

using this data as proxy was that 27 percent of obligated funds in 2009 and 13 percent in

2010 were unaccounted for; there appeared to be no status reports for these projects.

63

Table 6. Physical accomplishment report, 2009

Table 7. Physical accomplishment report, 2010

Source: Infrastructure Division, NCHFD.

Discussion

The monitoring and reporting system for HFEP appears to be unclear. There is a need to

monitor the hospitals and health facilities upgraded in each province for effective allocation

of funds. As of June 2011, the DOH has given the task of conducting quarterly monitoring to

the ExeCom and regional offices. Since one of the bottlenecks in monitoring has been the

lack of personnel, the DOH has allocated some funds to hire more engineers and architects to

monitor facilities and equipment in the HFEP. DOH representatives or provincial health

teams will also be deployed by CHDs to assist in HFEP monitoring.

Another effort being finalized is the use of a web-based tracking system where

information will be uploaded by LGU/CHD engineers to give the Central Office real-time

updates on the HFEP. This will be spearheaded by IMS with inputs from the CHDs.

While efforts to use the Internet for real-time updates is laudable, experience has

shown that online programs for monitoring and evaluation were rarely used due to problems

in interconnectivity and difficulties encountered by CHDs/LGUs in using such programs.

2009 Amount Percent of Obligations

Completed infrastructure 889,802,000 41.07%

Delivered equipment 481,895,000 22.24%

Ongoing construction 195,170,000 9.01%

Ongoing delivery Total amount accounted in physical accomplishment

report 1,566,867,000

Actual obligations 2,166,697,000

2010 Amount Percent of Obligations A. Preprocurement 6.21% Infrastructure 177,590,000 Equipment 40,013,000 B. Procurement 35.68% Infrastructure 789,538,875 Equipment 461,168,875 C. Implementation/Delivery 33.56% Infrastructure 886,033,500 Equipment 290,371,250 D. Completed 11.74% Infrastructure 136,585,000 Equipment 275,101,500 Total amount accounted for in physical accomplishment 3,056,402,000 Actual obligations 3,505,255,591

64

Rather than develop a new monitoring tool, a more cost-efficient alternative that could be

considered is to create a module in the Expenditure Tracking System being rolled out by the

Planning Division of the Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau. This alternative

will also make sure that the physical update will be tied to HFEP fund release updates.

One of the main problems that surfaced is the unclear definition of roles of the

Infrastructure Division of NCHFD, CHDs, and FIMO in monitoring HFEP projects in 2007–

2010. The DOH is coming up with a DO that will explicitly define their roles. The DOH has

also made HFEP implementation a priority by assigning an overall national HFEP

coordinator in the Health Services Delivery Cluster.

The Way Forward

Recommendations

The results of the study suggest:

• A clearer policy on allocation of HFEP funds needs to be drafted. The department

memorandum on HFEP allocation should be made consistent with the DOH reform

agenda of rationalizing health facilities based on health needs. A good program to

emulate will be the allocation method of the MNCHN program (Annex 4).

• A need for securing a sustained funding source for HFEP. Improvements in health

facilities are critical in the implementation of the AHA. Allocation of some HFEP funds

in the past appears to have been influenced by requests from some politicians during

budget deliberations. According to interviews, these requests were mostly accommodated

to ensure funding for the program in the future. Moreover, the presence of other fund

sources, particularly House and Senate initiatives, divert the resources away from

provinces that need upgrading of facilities the most. It may be more equitable if reliance

on such initiatives is minimized and the source of funds for the HFEP is guaranteed from

a line-item budget in the GAA. Also, one way of ensuring funds to get allocated to

facilities that are in the pipeline for upgrading is to explicitly write the facilities as line

items under the HFEP in the GAA, especially for higher-level facilities that will require

substantial budgets.

• A need for establishing a monitoring and evaluation plan for the HFEP. The monitoring

system from 2007 to 2010 was unclear on the assignment of responsibilities for

monitoring fund utilization of the HFEP. The recent initiative of the DOH in issuing a

65

department order that will clearly define the delineation of roles of different agents

involved in the HFEP is a step in the right direction. Existing budget utilization tracking

systems such as the Expenditure Tracking System should also be utilized by the

monitoring and evaluation group in ensuring the policymakers in the Central Office

receive real-time information on fund utilization and physical accomplishment of HFEP

recipients.

References List of department orders laying out guidelines on the utilization of funds for health facilities

under the HFEP. Department

Order No. Subject

2008-0037 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of funds to East Avenue Medical Center under CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for government hospital upgrading (Presidential Priority Project).

2008-0038 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of funds to East Avenue Medical center under CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for government hospital upgrading (Presidential Priority Project).

2010-0046 Guidelines for the fund transfer and utilization of funds to Lung Center of the Philippines, under CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

2010-0045 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of funds to DOH hospitals under CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

2010-0044 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of funds to DOH hospitals under CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

2010-0041 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment to Davao Medical Center under the CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds per SARO No. BMB-B-09-0011461 dated September 18, 2009.

2010-0023 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of funds to DOH hospitals under CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds.

2009-0314 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfers of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds (Senate Initiative) pursuant to the Department Order No. 2009-0092 dated February 6, 2009 for SARO No. B-09-0018078 dated November 17, 2009.

2009-0276 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center under the CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds per SARO No. BMB-B-09-0005699 dated July 3, 2009.

2009-0260 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfers of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds pursuant to the Department Order No. 2009-0092 dated February 6, 2009 for SARO No. B-09-0009110 dated August 12, 2009.

2009-0249 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfers of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds pursuant to the Department Order No. 2009-0092 dated February 6, 2009 for SARO No. B-09-0009482 dated August 24, 2009.

2009-0238 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfers of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds pursuant to the Department Order No. 2009-0092 dated February 6, 2009 for SARO No. B-09-0010953 dated September 15, 2009.

2009-0154 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of funds to the four (4) DOH hospitals as regional heart-lung- kidney centers under CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

2009-0142 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of the CY 2008 realigned funds from family health including family planning to Health Facilities Enhancement Program for the implementation of BEmONC and CEmONC activities.

2009-0092-U Amendment to Department Order No. 2009-0092H dated August 14, 2009 on the guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds.

2009-0092-T Amendment to Department Order No. 2009-0092H dated August 14, 2009 on the guidelines

66

for the release and utilization of the suballotment/ fund transfer of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds.

2009-0092-S Amendment to Department Order No. 2009-0092D dated May 22, 2009 on the guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for CHD eastern Visayas per approved SARO No. B-10-05760 dated July 16, 2010.

2009-0092-Q Amendment to Department Order No. 0092-H dated August 14, 2009 on the guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for CHD Central Luzon per approved SARO No. B-10-03331 dated March 1, 2010.

2009-0092-P Amendment to Department Order No. 0092-H dated August 14, 2009 on the guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for CHD Cordillera and CHD Central Luzon per approved SARO No. B-10-04951 dated April 26, 2010.

2009-0092-H Addendum to the Department Order No. 2009-0092 dated February 6, 2009 on the guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/ fund transfers of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds per SARO No. BMB-B-09-0002757 dated June 8, 2009 and BMB-B-09-0004309 dated June 19, 2009.

2009-0092-G Addendum to the Department Order no. 2009- 0092 dated February 6, 2009 on the guidelines for the release and utilization of the sub- allotment/ fund transfers of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds per SARO No. BMB- B- 09- 0006474.

2009-0092-E Amendment to Department Order No. 0092-D dated May 22, 2009 on the guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfers of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds.

2009-0092-D Addendum to the Department Order No. 0092 dated February 6, 2009 on the guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfers of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds per SARO No. B-09-0001192.

2009-0092-C Addendum to the Department Order No. 0092 dated February 6, 2009 on the guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfers of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds per SARO No. B-09-0001015.

2009-0092-B Amendment to Department Order No. 0092-A dated April 30, 2009 on the guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfers of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds.

2009-0092- A Addendum to the Department Order No. 0092 dated February 6, 2009 on the guidelines for the release and utilization of the sub- allotment/ fund transfers of CY 2009 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds.

2009-0065 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of the CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds (Senate Initiatives) for Hospital Upgrading.

2008-0267 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of funds to Valenzuela Medical Center under CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for government hospital upgrading.

2008-0215 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of the CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for local government hospital upgrading (CHD NCR, 2, 4-B, 5, 6, 10, and 12).

2008-0209 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of the CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Iloilo Provincial Hospital and Gov. William Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds Villegas Memorial Hospital for hospital upgrading.

2008-0207 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of the CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for local government hospital upgrading (CHD 2, 4-B, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and Caraga).

2008-0206 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of the CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for local government hospital upgrading (CHD NCR, 1, 3, 4-A, 6, 7, and 10).

2008-0205 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of funds to East Avenue Medical Center and Philippine Orthopedic Center under CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for government hospital upgrading.

2008-0112 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of the CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for local government hospital upgrading.

2008-0184 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of the CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for DOH/ LGU Hospital upgrading.

2008-0185 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of the CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for local government hospital upgrading.

2008-0186 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of the CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for DOH hospital upgrading.

2010-0205 Guidelines for the suballotment and utilization of funds to East Avenue Medical Center and Philippine Orthopedic Center under CY 2008 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for

67

government hospital upgrading. 2010-0064 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment of CY 2009 Health Facilities

Enhancement Program Funds (Continuing Appropriation) pursuant to the Department Order No. 2009-0092 dated February 6, 2009 for SARO No. B-10-03794 dated March 1, 2010.

2010-0088 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfers of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0001481 dated March 19, 2010.

2010-0115 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds.

2010-0137 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for MIMAROPA per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0138 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the sub- allotment/ fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for CARAGA per SARO No. BMB- B- 10- 0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0139 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for Cordillera per SARO No. BMB-B-10-00004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0140 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for Cagayan Valley per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0141 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for Ilocos per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0142 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for Northern Mindanao per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0143 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for SOCCSKSARGEN per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0144 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for Eastern Visayas per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0145 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for Central Visayas per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0146 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for Western Visayas per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0147 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for Metro Manila (NCR) per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0148 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for CALABARZON per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0149 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for DOH hospitals/ specialty centers per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0157 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for Central Luzon per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0168 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for DOH Blood Centers per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0181 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds for Center for Health Development for DOH hospital per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0004271 dated June 16, 2010.

2010-0241 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds.

2010-0245 Guidelines for the release and utilization of the suballotment/fund transfer of CY 2010 Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funds per SARO No. BMB-B-10-0024466 dated December 3, 2010.

68

Annexes

Annex 1. Relationship between HFEP allocation and some key indicators, by funding source

Fund Source: HFEP GAA Total HFEP-GAA vs. PIPH

Correlation: R= 0.2060; p-value=0.0541 (not significantly correlated)

HFEP GAA per capita vs. poverty incidence

Correlation: R= -0.1747; p-value= 0.1236 (not significantly correlated)

Davao Oriental

Kalookan City

Davao del Sur

SamarNorthern Samar

Surigao del NorteParanaque CityIlocos SurCamarines Sur

Nueva Ecija

Agusan del Norte

Davao del Norte

Ilocos Norte

BenguetBulacan

ZambalesCompostela Valley

Southern Leyte

Camarines Norte

Masbate

Leyte

BoholSultan Kudarat

Catanduanes

Albay

ApayaoLas Pinas City

Tarlac

Bataan

Kalinga

Pangasinan

Negros OrientalSarangani

Quezon City

AuroraAbra

Pampanga

Mt. Province

La Union

IfugaoSurigao del SurSorsogonSiquijorGuimaras

Romblon

North CotabatoSouth Cotabato

Oriental Mindoro

Agusan del SurMisamis Occidental

Marikina City

BiliranMarinduque

San Juan

CamiguinValenzuela

Occidental Mindoro

Pateros

Eastern Samar

Quirino

Capiz

MalabonTaguigPasig City

Palawan

Nueva Vizcaya

Negros Occidental

AklanBukidnon

Zamboanga Norte

Batanes

Cagayan

RizalCavite

Makati CityLanao del NorteZamboanga Sibugay

Antique

Mandaluyong City

Batangas

Cebu

Isabela

Laguna

Misamis Oriental

Manila City

Iloilo

Zamboanga del Sur

Quezon

01.

00e+

082.0

0e+0

83.00

e+084

.00e

+085.

00e+

08HF

EP (G

AA)

0 2.00e+09 4.00e+09 6.00e+09 8.00e+09PIPH requirement

Fitted values HFEP(GAAP)

Batanes

BenguetCaviteBulacanLaguna

Nueva VizcayaPampangaRizalBataan

Quirino

Ilocos NorteIlocos SurZambalesBatangasTarlacGuimarasCagayanIsabelaAuroraDavao del SurPangasinanKalingaIloiloCatanduanesCapizIfugaoSouth CotabatoPalawanBasilanCebuMisamis Oriental

La UnionZamboanga del SurNueva EcijaNegros OccidentalQuezon

Oriental MindoroNorth CotabatoDavao del NorteLeyteMarinduqueBiliran

Agusan del NorteOccidental MindoroCompostela Valley

SiquijorTawi-TawiAntiqueSorsogonBukidnonNegros OrientalCamarines Norte

Apayao

Southern LeyteAlbayAbraSultan Kudarat

Camiguin

Lanao del SurSurigao del SurSamarLanao del Norte

Mt. Province

Misamis OccidentalAklanSuluCamarines SurBoholZamboanga SibugayNorthern SamarSarangani

Davao OrientalMaguindanaoRomblonEastern SamarMasbateSurigao del NorteAgusan del SurZamboanga Norte

010

0020

0030

0040

0050

00HF

EP (G

AA) p

er c

apita

0 .2 .4 .6poverty incidence

Fitted values HFEP (GAA) per capita

69

HFEP GAA per capita vs. population

Correlation: R= -0.3355; p-value= 0.0025 (significantly correlated)

Fund Source: Family Health Office

Total FHO vs. PIPH requirement

Correlation: R= --0.1257; p-value=0.2433 (not significantly correlated)

Batanes

CamiguinSiquijor

Apayao

Mt. Province

Biliran

Guimaras

Quirino

IfugaoKalingaAuroraMarinduqueAbraCatanduanesRomblonAgusan del NorteBenguetSouthern LeyteNueva VizcayaEastern SamarBasilanSurigao del NorteOccidental MindoroTawi-TawiSaranganiDavao OrientalZambalesAklanCamarines NorteAntiqueMisamis OccidentalLanao del NorteSurigao del SurZamboanga SibugayIlocos NorteNorthern SamarAgusan del SurIlocos SurCompostela ValleyBataanSultan KudaratPalawanSamarCapizSorsogonMaguindanaoLa UnionOriental MindoroMisamis OrientalSouth CotabatoMasbateDavao del SurDavao del NorteSuluZamboanga NorteZamboanga del SurCagayanNorth CotabatoLanao del SurBukidnonAlbayBoholNegros OrientalTarlacIsabelaQuezonIloiloCamarines SurLeyteNueva EcijaPampangaBatangasRizal

Negros OccidentalCebuLagunaPangasinanBulacanCavite010

0020

0030

0040

0050

00H

FEP

(GA

A) p

er c

apita

0 5000000 1.00e+07 1.50e+07Population 2007

Fitted values HFEP (GAA) per capita

Negros OrientalNorthern Samar

Davao del Norte

Southern LeyteSamarAlbayLeyteKalingaAuroraLas Pinas CityParanaque CityMasbateTarlac

Davao Oriental

PangasinanIlocos NorteIfugaoAbra

Davao del Sur

BenguetSultan KudaratZambalesIlocos Sur

Compostela Valley

La UnionSorsogonCatanduanesKalookan CitySurigao del NorteSiquijorCamarines NorteBataanSurigao del SurQuezon CityCamarines SurPampangaBulacanApayaoNueva EcijaSaranganiMt. ProvinceAgusan del NorteBoholGuimaras

Romblon

North CotabatoSouth Cotabato

Oriental Mindoro

Agusan del SurMisamis OccidentalMarikina CityBiliranMarinduqueSan JuanCamiguinValenzuela

Occidental Mindoro

PaterosEastern SamarQuirinoCapizMalabonTaguigPasig CityPalawanNueva VizcayaNegros OccidentalAklanBukidnonZamboanga NorteBatanesCagayanRizalCaviteMakati CityLanao del NorteZamboanga SibugayAntiqueMandaluyong CityBatangasCebuIsabelaLagunaMisamis OrientalManila CityIloilo Zamboanga del SurQuezon05.

00e+

071.

00e+

081.

50e+

08FH

O

0 2.00e+09 4.00e+09 6.00e+09 8.00e+09PIPH requirement

Fitted values FHO

70

FHO per capita vs. poverty incidence

Correlation: R= --0.1257; p-value=0.2433 (not significantly correlated)

FHO per capita vs. population

Correlation: R= 0.1077; p-value=0.3444(not significantly correlated)

BatanesBenguetCaviteBulacanLagunaNueva VizcayaPampangaRizalBataanQuirinoIlocos NorteIlocos SurZambalesBatangasTarlacGuimarasCagayanIsabelaAurora

Davao del Sur

PangasinanKalingaIloiloCatanduanesCapizIfugaoPalawanSouth CotabatoBasilanCebuMisamis OrientalLa UnionZamboanga del SurNueva EcijaNegros OccidentalQuezon

Oriental Mindoro

North Cotabato

Davao del Norte

LeyteAgusan del NorteMarinduqueBiliran

Occidental Mindoro

Compostela Valley

SiquijorTawi-TawiAntiqueSorsogonBukidnonNegros OrientalCamarines NorteApayaoSouthern LeyteAlbayAbraSultan KudaratCamiguinLanao del SurSurigao del SurSamarLanao del NorteMt. ProvinceMisamis OccidentalSuluAklanCamarines SurBoholZamboanga SibugayNorthern SamarSarangani

Davao Oriental

MaguindanaoEastern Samar

Romblon

MasbateSurigao del NorteAgusan del SurZamboanga Norte050

100

150

200

FHO

per c

apita

0 .2 .4 .6poverty incidence

Fitted values FHO per capita

BatanesCamiguinSiquijorApayaoMt. ProvinceBiliranGuimarasQuirinoIfugaoKalingaAuroraMarinduqueAbraCatanduanes

Romblon

Agusan del NorteBenguetSouthern LeyteNueva VizcayaEastern SamarBasilanSurigao del Norte

Occidental Mindoro

Tawi-TawiSarangani

Davao Oriental

ZambalesAklanCamarines NorteAntiqueMisamis OccidentalLanao del NorteSurigao del SurZamboanga SibugayIlocos NorteNorthern SamarAgusan del SurIlocos Sur

Compostela Valley

BataanSultan KudaratPalawanSamarCapizSorsogonMaguindanaoLa Union

Oriental Mindoro

Misamis OrientalSouth CotabatoMasbate

Davao del Sur

Davao del Norte

SuluZamboanga NorteZamboanga del SurCagayanNorth CotabatoLanao del SurBukidnonAlbayBoholNegros OrientalTarlacIsabelaQuezonIloiloCamarines SurLeyteNueva EcijaPampangaBatangasRizalNegros OccidentalCebuLagunaPangasinanBulacanCavite050

100

150

200

FHO

per

cap

ita

0 5000000 1.00e+07 1.50e+07Population 2007

Fitted values FHO per capita

71

Fund Source: Katas ng VAT PIPH

Correlation: R= -0.0498; p-value= 0.6448 (not significantly correlated) Poverty incidence

Correlation: R= 0.0901; p-value= 0.4999(not significantly correlated)

Pampanga

Masbate

Negros Oriental

Ifugao

Northern Samar

Albay

Ilocos NorteSamarDavao del SurKalingaBohol

Mt. Province

SorsogonZambalesNueva EcijaSaranganiLa UnionKalookan CityPangasinanSultan KudaratLas Pinas CityCatanduanesSouthern LeyteParanaque City

Leyte

Ilocos SurSurigao del SurTarlacCamarines Sur

Davao Oriental

ApayaoAuroraBataanSiquijorSurigao del NorteBenguetAgusan del NorteBulacanCamarines NorteAbraQuezon CityCompostela ValleyDavao del Norte

Guimaras

RomblonNorth Cotabato

South Cotabato

Oriental MindoroAgusan del SurMisamis OccidentalMarikina CityBiliranMarinduqueSan Juan

Camiguin

ValenzuelaOccidental MindoroPaterosEastern SamarQuirinoCapizMalabonTaguigPasig CityPalawan

Nueva Vizcaya

Negros OccidentalAklanBukidnon

Zamboanga Norte

BatanesCagayanRizalCaviteMakati CityLanao del NorteZamboanga SibugayAntiqueMandaluyong CityBatangasCebu

IsabelaLagunaMisamis Oriental

Manila City

Iloilo

Zamboanga del SurQuezon02.

00e+

074.

00e+

076.

00e+

078.

00e+

07KA

TAS

NG

VAT

0 2.00e+09 4.00e+09 6.00e+09 8.00e+09PIPH requirement

Fitted values KATAS NG VAT

BatanesBenguetCaviteBulacanLaguna

Nueva VizcayaPampanga

RizalBataanQuirinoIlocos NorteIlocos SurZambalesBatangasTarlac

Guimaras

CagayanIsabelaAuroraDavao del SurPangasinanKalingaIloilo

CatanduanesCapiz

Ifugao

Palawan

South Cotabato

BasilanCebuMisamis OrientalLa UnionZamboanga del SurNueva EcijaNegros OccidentalQuezonOriental MindoroNorth CotabatoDavao del Norte

LeyteAgusan del NorteBiliranMarinduqueOccidental MindoroCompostela ValleySiquijorTawi-TawiAntiqueSorsogonBukidnon

Negros Oriental

Camarines NorteApayaoSouthern Leyte

Albay

AbraSultan Kudarat

Camiguin

Lanao del Sur

Surigao del SurSamarLanao del Norte

Mt. Province

Misamis OccidentalSuluAklanCamarines SurBoholZamboanga SibugayNorthern SamarSarangani

Davao Oriental

MaguindanaoEastern SamarRomblonMasbateSurigao del NorteAgusan del Sur

Zamboanga Norte

050

100

150

200

KATA

S N

G V

AT P

ER C

APIT

A

0 .2 .4 .6poverty incidence

Fitted values KATAS NG VAT PER CAPITA

72

Population

Correlation: R= -0.1811; p-value=0.1103(not significantly correlated)

Fund Source: Senate Initiative

PIPH

Correlation: R= 0.1255; p-value=0.2440(not significantly correlated)

Batanes

Camiguin

SiquijorApayao

Mt. Province

Biliran

Guimaras

Quirino

Ifugao

KalingaAuroraMarinduqueAbraCatanduanesRomblonAgusan del NorteBenguetSouthern Leyte

Nueva Vizcaya

Eastern SamarBasilanSurigao del NorteOccidental MindoroTawi-TawiSarangani

Davao Oriental

ZambalesAklanCamarines NorteAntiqueMisamis OccidentalLanao del NorteSurigao del SurZamboanga SibugayIlocos NorteNorthern SamarAgusan del SurIlocos SurCompostela ValleyBataanSultan KudaratPalawanSamarCapizSorsogonMaguindanaoLa UnionOriental MindoroMisamis Oriental

South Cotabato

MasbateDavao del SurDavao del NorteSulu

Zamboanga Norte

Zamboanga del SurCagayanNorth Cotabato

Lanao del Sur

Bukidnon

Albay

Bohol

Negros Oriental

TarlacIsabelaQuezonIloiloCamarines SurLeyteNueva Ecija

Pampanga

BatangasRizalNegros OccidentalCebuLagunaPangasinanBulacanCavite050

100

150

200

KATA

S NG

VAT

PER

CAP

ITA

0 5000000 1.00e+07 1.50e+07Population 2007

Fitted values KATAS NG PER CAPITA

MasbateNegros OrientalApayaoDavao del NorteDavao OrientalNorthern SamarBataanAgusan del NorteAuroraSaranganiCatanduanes

Nueva Ecija

KalingaKalookan CityQuezon CityIlocos Sur

Ilocos Norte

SorsogonDavao del SurPangasinanSamarCompostela ValleySiquijorTarlacAlbay

Leyte

ZambalesLas Pinas CityPampangaParanaque CityCamarines NorteBenguetSouthern LeyteSurigao del SurSurigao del NorteLa UnionBulacanAbraBoholMt. ProvinceIfugaoSultan KudaratCamarines SurGuimarasRomblon

North Cotabato

South Cotabato

Oriental Mindoro

Agusan del SurMisamis OccidentalMarikina CityBiliranMarinduqueSan Juan

Camiguin

ValenzuelaOccidental MindoroPaterosEastern SamarQuirinoCapizMalabonTaguigPasig CityPalawanNueva Vizcaya

Negros Occidental

AklanBukidnonZamboanga NorteBatanesCagayanRizalCaviteMakati CityLanao del NorteZamboanga SibugayAntiqueMandaluyong City

Batangas

CebuIsabelaLagunaMisamis OrientalManila CityIloilo

Zamboanga del Sur

Quezon020

0000

0400

0000

6000

0008

0000

001.

00e+

07S

enat

e

0 2.00e+09 4.00e+09 6.00e+09 8.00e+09PIPH requirement

Fitted values Senate

73

Poverty incidence

Correlation: R= 0.0567; p-value=0.6198(not significantly correlated) Population

Correlation: R= -0.1063; p-value=0.3511(not significantly correlated)

BatanesBenguetCaviteBulacanLagunaNueva VizcayaPampangaRizalBataanQuirino

Ilocos Norte

Ilocos SurZambalesBatangasTarlacGuimarasCagayanIsabelaAuroraDavao del SurPangasinanKalingaIloiloCatanduanesCapizIfugaoPalawanSouth CotabatoBasilanCebuMisamis OrientalLa UnionZamboanga del SurNueva EcijaNegros OccidentalQuezon

Oriental MindoroNorth CotabatoDavao del NorteLeyteBiliranMarinduqueAgusan del NorteOccidental MindoroCompostela ValleySiquijorTawi-TawiAntiqueSorsogonBukidnonNegros OrientalCamarines NorteApayaoSouthern LeyteAlbayAbra

Camiguin

Sultan KudaratLanao del SurSurigao del SurSamarLanao del NorteMt. ProvinceMisamis OccidentalAklanSuluCamarines SurBoholZamboanga SibugayNorthern SamarSaranganiDavao OrientalMaguindanaoRomblonEastern SamarMasbateSurigao del NorteAgusan del SurZamboanga Norte0

5010

015

0Se

nate

per

cap

ita

0 .2 .4 .6poverty incidence

Fitted values Senate per capita

Batanes

Camiguin

SiquijorApayaoMt. ProvinceBiliranGuimarasQuirinoIfugaoKalingaAuroraMarinduqueAbraCatanduanesRomblonAgusan del NorteBenguetSouthern LeyteNueva VizcayaEastern SamarBasilanSurigao del NorteOccidental MindoroTawi-TawiSaranganiDavao OrientalZambalesAklanCamarines NorteAntiqueMisamis OccidentalLanao del NorteSurigao del SurZamboanga Sibugay

Ilocos Norte

Northern SamarAgusan del SurIlocos SurCompostela ValleyBataanSultan KudaratPalawanSamarCapizSorsogonMaguindanaoLa UnionOriental MindoroMisamis OrientalSouth CotabatoMasbateDavao del SurDavao del NorteSuluZamboanga NorteZamboanga del SurCagayanNorth CotabatoLanao del SurBukidnonAlbayBoholNegros OrientalTarlacIsabelaQuezonIloiloCamarines Sur

LeyteNueva EcijaPampangaBatangasRizalNegros OccidentalCebuLagunaPangasinanBulacanCavite050

100

150

Sen

ate

per c

apita

0 5000000 1.00e+07 1.50e+07Population 2007

Fitted values Senate per capita

74

Fund Source: Congress Total Congress vs. PIPH requirement

Correlation: R= -0.0278; p-value=0.7968 (not significantly correlated)

Congress per capita vs. poverty incidence

Correlation: R= -0.1721; p-value=0.1295 (not significantly correlated)

Ilocos Sur

BenguetIfugaoLa UnionLas Pinas CityKalookan CityDavao del SurCamarines NorteMt. ProvinceNegros OrientalLeyteNueva EcijaTarlacBoholBulacanMasbateCamarines Sur

Albay

Sultan KudaratSaranganiAuroraDavao del NorteQuezon CityAgusan del NorteSorsogonSouthern LeyteNorthern SamarSiquijorIlocos NorteSurigao del SurBataanPangasinanZambalesKalingaParanaque CityPampangaCompostela ValleyDavao OrientalSamarSurigao del NorteAbraApayaoGuimarasRomblonNorth CotabatoSouth CotabatoOriental MindoroAgusan del SurMisamis OccidentalMarikina CityBiliranMarinduqueSan JuanCamiguinValenzuelaOccidental MindoroPaterosEastern SamarCapizMalabonTaguigPasig CityPalawanNueva VizcayaNegros OccidentalAklanBukidnonZamboanga NorteBatanesCagayanRizalCaviteMakati CityLanao del NorteZamboanga SibugayAntiqueMandaluyong CityBatangasCebuIsabelaLagunaMisamis Oriental

Manila City

Iloilo Zamboanga del SurQuezon020

0000

040

0000

060

0000

0Co

ngre

ss

0 2.00e+09 4.00e+09 6.00e+09 8.00e+09PIPH requirement

Fitted values Congress

BatanesBenguetCaviteBulacanLagunaNueva VizcayaPampangaRizalBataan

Quirino

Ilocos NorteIlocos SurZambalesBatangasTarlacGuimarasCagayanIsabelaAuroraDavao del SurPangasinanKalingaIloilo

Catanduanes

CapizIfugaoSouth CotabatoPalawanBasilanCebuMisamis OrientalLa UnionZamboanga del SurNueva EcijaNegros OccidentalQuezonOriental MindoroNorth CotabatoDavao del NorteLeyteBiliranMarinduqueAgusan del NorteOccidental MindoroCompostela ValleySiquijorTawi-TawiAntiqueSorsogonBukidnonNegros OrientalCamarines NorteApayaoSouthern LeyteAlbayAbraCamiguinSultan KudaratLanao del SurSurigao del SurSamarLanao del NorteMisamis OccidentalMt. ProvinceSuluAklanCamarines SurBoholZamboanga SibugayNorthern SamarSaranganiDavao OrientalMaguindanaoRomblonEastern SamarMasbateSurigao del NorteAgusan del SurZamboanga Norte020

040

060

080

0C

ongr

ess

per c

apita

0 .2 .4 .6poverty incidence

Fitted values Congress per capita

75

Congress per capita vs. population

Correlation: R= -0.1247; p-value=0.2736 (not significantly correlated)

Annex 2. Maps of facilities for upgrading in 2011

BatanesCamiguinSiquijorApayaoMt. ProvinceBiliranGuimaras

Quirino

IfugaoKalingaAuroraMarinduqueAbra

Catanduanes

RomblonAgusan del NorteBenguetSouthern LeyteNueva VizcayaEastern SamarBasilanSurigao del NorteOccidental MindoroTawi-TawiSaranganiDavao OrientalZambalesAklanCamarines NorteAntiqueMisamis OccidentalLanao del NorteSurigao del SurZamboanga SibugayIlocos NorteNorthern SamarAgusan del SurIlocos SurCompostela ValleyBataanSultan KudaratPalawanSamarCapizSorsogonMaguindanaoLa UnionOriental MindoroMisamis OrientalSouth CotabatoMasbateDavao del SurDavao del NorteSuluZamboanga NorteZamboanga del SurCagayanNorth CotabatoLanao del SurBukidnonAlbayBoholNegros OrientalTarlacIsabelaQuezonIloiloCamarines SurLeyteNueva EcijaPampangaBatangasRizalNegros OccidentalCebuLagunaPangasinanBulacanCavite020

040

060

080

0C

ongr

ess

per c

apita

0 5000000 1.00e+07 1.50e+07Population 2007

Fitted values Congress per capita

76

The provinces of Camiguin, Compostela Valley, Marinduque, Siquijor, and Tawi-

Tawi requested upgrading for all their hospitals. These are mostly Level 1 and Level 2

hospitals that needed funding for repair/expansion/renovation of infrastructure and equipment

for BEmONC/CEmONC services. Siquijor and Tawi-Tawi are CCT sites. Sarangani, South

Cotabato, Cagayan, Davao Oriental, and Northern Samar had the most number of hospitals

for upgrading.

Meanwhile, hospitals in the following provinces did not request for upgrades: Ilocos

Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Zambales, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal,

Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, and Kalinga.

Majority of these provinces are in Region 1, Region 4A, Region 6, and Cordillera

Administrative Region (CAR).

The provinces of Batanes, Sarangani, Camiguin, Quirino, Siquijor, Surigao del Norte,

Cagayan, Northern Samar, Romblon, Marinduque, Agusan del Norte, Eastern Samar,

Benguet, South Cotabato, and Southern Leyte had more than one hospital to be upgraded per

100,000 population.

77

To be able to assess equity, the poverty incidence of the province should be

considered. Adjusting for poverty incidence, the areas in red are the provinces with high

poverty incidence and high percentages of hospitals to be upgraded. These provinces are:

Sarangani, Camiguin, Davao Oriental, Northern Samar, Tawi-tawi, Siquijor, Compostela

Valley, Sultan Kudarat, Marinduque, Masbate, Surigao del Norte, Sorsogon, Zamboanga

Sibugay, Sulu, Romblon, South Cotabato, Albay, Davao del Norte, and Bohol. These

provinces have poverty rates of more than 40 percent and more than 50 percent of hospitals

for upgrading.

The following provinces have low poverty rates (less than 20%) and have fewer

hospitals for upgrading: Pampanga, Bulacan, Benguet, Bataan, Batangas, and Ilocos Norte.

The following provinces, however, have high poverty rates and lower percentages of

hospitals for upgrading: Surigao del Sur, Iloilo, Camarines Sur, and Mountain Province.

Their poverty rates range from 26.8 to 45.7 percent and the proportion of hospitals for

upgrading are at 10 percent on average.

78

The top 10 provinces with the highest HFEP budgets per capita are: Batanes, Mt.

Province, Romblon, Palawan, Zamboanga del Sur, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro,

Sarangani, Biliran, and Cagayan. Most of these provinces are from Region IV-A, Region IV-

B, and Region 2, with a budget of more than PHP 683 per capita.

79

RHU facilities in the provinces of Catanduanes, Sultan Kudarat, and Zamboanga

Sibugay all needed upgrading. Provinces with the most RHUs for upgrading are Northern

Samar, Marinduque, Western Samar, Southern Leyte, North Cotabato, Eastern Samar, and

Camiguin.

Conversely, the provinces of Abra, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Batanes, Quirino,

Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, Capiz, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, and Surigao del Sur had no

facilities for upgrading. Majority of these provinces are from CAR, Region IV-A, and Region

1.

RHU upgrading is mostly for renovation, repair, and expansion of infrastructure, as

well as equipment for BEmONC/CEmONC services.

Note: The RHU universe is not updated.

80

The top 10 provinces with more than one RHU for upgrading per 100,000 population

are Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Catanduanes, Southern Leyte,

Surigao del Norte, Northern Samar, Western Samar, and Aurora. The range is three to six

facilities each.

81

To be able to assess equity, the poverty incidence of the province should be

considered. Adjusting for poverty incidence, the areas in red are the provinces with high

poverty incidence and high percentages of RHUs to be upgraded. These provinces are:

Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Northern Samar, Agusan del Sur, Eastern Samar,

Sultan Kudarat, Masbate, Western Samar, Camiguin, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte,

Davao Oriental, Tawi-tawi, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Compostela Valley, Romblon,

Catanduanes, North Cotabato, and Sulu. These provinces have poverty rates of more than 40

percent and more than 57 percent of facilities for upgrading.

The provinces of Laguna, Nueva Vizcaya, Bulacan, Benguet, Pampanga, Palawan,

Zamboanga del Sur, Ilocos Norte, Zambales, and Bataan have low poverty rates and low

percentages of RHUs for upgrading.

82

The top 10 provinces with the highest HFEP budgets per capita are Camiguin,

Occidental Mindoro, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Northern Samar, Guimaras,

Western Samar, Aurora, and Misamis Oriental. Most of these provinces are from Region 8,

with a budget of more than PHP 79 per capita.

83

Annex 3. Issuance of SAA from the date GAA was passed

2008 Date GAA was Passed

SARO Release Date

Date DO was Approved

SAA Release Date

Number of Days GAA to SAA

Batch 1 11-Mar-08 18-Jun-08 2-Feb-08 11-Mar-08 0 Batch 2 11-Mar-08 26-Aug-08 2-Sep-08 4-Sep-08 177 Batch 3 11-Mar-08 28-Aug-08 2-Sep-08 5-Sep-08 178 Batch 4 11-Mar-08 28-Aug-08 2-Sep-08 5-Sep-08 178 Batch 5 11-Mar-08 4-Sep-08 11-Jun-08 9-Jul-08 120 Batch 6 11-Mar-08 4-Sep-08 5-Sep-08 11-Sep-08 184 Batch 7 11-Mar-08 4-Sep-08 10-Sep-08 26-Sep-08 199 Batch 8 11-Mar-08 4-Sep-08 10-Sep-08 18-Sep-08 191 Batch 9 11-Mar-08 12-Sep-08 16-Sep-08 26-Sep-08 199 Batch 10 11-Mar-08 17-Sep-08 24-Sep-08 26-Sep-08 199 Batch 11 11-Mar-08 17-Sep-08 24-Sep-08 26-Sep-08 199 Batch 12 11-Mar-08 18-Sep-08 24-Sep-08 26-Sep-08 199 Batch 13 11-Mar-08 14-Oct-08 4-Jun-08 10-Jun-08 91 Batch 14 11-Mar-08 5-Nov-08 19-Nov-08 26-Nov-08 260 SOURCE OF FUNDS: CONGRESS INITIATIVES Batch 1 11-Mar-08 7-Jul-08 4-Sep-08 5-Sep-08 178 Batch 2 11-Mar-08 8-Sep-08 15-Sep-08 16-Sep-08 189 Batch 3 11-Mar-08 10-Oct-08 17-Oct-08 22-Oct-08 225 Batch 4 11-Mar-08 10-Dec-08 20-Jan-08 20-Jan-09 315 Batch 5 11-Mar-08 11-Dec-08 23-Dec-08 20-Jan-09 315 Batch 6 11-Mar-08 12-Dec-08 17-Dec-08 20-Jan-09 315 Batch 7 11-Mar-08 14-Apr-09 27-May-09 28-May-09 443 SOURCE OF FUNDS: SENATE INITIATIVES Batch 1 11-Mar-08 16-Feb-09 24-Feb-09 15-Apr-09 SOURCE OF FUNDS: KATAS NG VAT Batch 1 11-Mar-08 15-Sep-08 8-Sep-08 16-Sep-08 189 Batch 2 11-Mar-08 29-Sep-08 8-Sep-08 18-Nov-08 252 Batch 3 11-Mar-08 2-Oct-08 13-Oct-08 17-Oct-08 220 Batch 4 11-Mar-08 23-Oct-08 3-Nov-08 11-Nov-08 245 Batch 5 11-Mar-08 24-Nov-08 19-Jan-09 17-Feb-09 343 Batch 6 11-Mar-08 5-Dec-08 19-Jan-09 3-Feb-09 329 Batch 7 11-Mar-08 11-Dec-08 9-Jan-09 20-Jan-09 315

2009 Date GAA was Passed

SARO Release Date

Date DO was approved

SAA Release Date

Number of Days GAA to SAA

Batch 1 13-Mar-09 5-Feb-09 6-Feb-09 13-Mar-09 0 Batch 2 13-Mar-09 20-Mar-09 30-Apr-09 31-Mar-09 18 Batch 3 13-Mar-09 14-Apr-09 30-Apr-09 22-Jun-09 101 Batch 4 13-Mar-09 27-Apr-09 22-May-09 2-Jun-09 81 Batch 5 13-Mar-09 8-Jun-09 14-Aug-09 4-Sep-09 175 Batch 6 13-Mar-09 19-Jun-09 14-Aug-09 4-Sep-09 175 Batch 7 13-Mar-09 3-Jul-09 9-Nov-09 18-Nov-09 250 Batch 8 13-Mar-09 8-Jul-09 23-Jul-09 10-Aug-09 150

Batch 9 13-Mar-09 27-Jul-09 (transferred to

ARMM) Batch 10 13-Mar-09 12-Aug-09 7-Oct-09 22-Oct-09 223 Batch 11 13-Mar-09 24-Aug-09 23-Sep-09 16-Oct-09 217 Batch 12 13-Mar-09 15-Sep-09 18-Sep-09 9-Oct-09 210 Batch 13 13-Mar-09 18-Sep-09 12-Feb-09 26-Feb-10 350 Batch 14 13-Mar-09 10-Nov-09 15-Mar-09 3-Mar-10 355 Batch 15 13-Mar-09 16-Nov-09 (fund transfer)

Batch 16 13-Mar-09 17-Nov-09 21-Dec-09 (transferred to

ARMM) Batch 17 13-Mar-09 1-Mar-10 13-Apr-09 28-May-10 441 Batch 18 13-Mar-09 1-Mar-10 12-Mar-09 13-Apr-10 396 Batch 19 13-Mar-09 26-Apr-10 28-Apr-09 28-May-10 441 Batch 20 13-Mar-09 16-Jul-10 20-Sep-09 6-Aug-10 511 Batch 21 13-Mar-09 18-Aug-10 31-Aug-09 1-Oct-10 567 Batch 22 13-Mar-09 11-Oct-10 15-Oct-09 10-Nov-10 607 Batch 23 13-Mar-09 12-Oct-10 15-Oct-09 10-Nov-10 607 Batch 24 13-Mar-09 21-Oct-10 3-Nov-09 2-Dec-10 629

84

2010 Date GAA was Passed

SARO Release Date

Date DO was approved

SAA Release Date

Number of Days GAA to SAA

Batch 1 9-Feb-10 19-Mar-10 22-Apr-10 12-May-10 92 Batch 2 9-Feb-10 2-Jun-10 23-Feb-10 26-Feb-10 17 Batch 3 9-Feb-10 16-Jun-10 22-Jun-10 28-Jul-10 169 Batch 4 9-Feb-10 15-Jul-10 29-Jul-10 6-Aug-10 178 Batch 5 9-Feb-10 10-Nov-10 13-Dec-10 22-Dec-10 316 Batch 6 9-Feb-10 25-Nov-10 30-Nov-10 10-Dec-10 304 Batch 7 9-Feb-10 17-Dec-10 16-Feb-10 29-Dec-10 323

Annex 4. Review of funding allocation under the MNCHN grants facility

The Philippines has one of the highest maternal mortality incidences in the Association of

Southeast Asian Nations region. With the aim of dramatically reducing the high incidence of

maternal deaths in the country, the DOH has decided to increase budgetary support on the

LGU-led MNCHN project. This initiative has identified synchronized interventions that will

help improve the following reproductive health outcomes contributory to the reduction of

maternal deaths. These outcomes include: (1) contraceptive use, (2) antenatal care, (3)

facility-based delivery, and (4) fully immunized children. In 2008, the initial year of the

program, the DOH allotted a budget for LGUs as support to their contraceptive self-reliance

program. In the succeeding year, DOH continuously granted funds to LGUs based on their

commitment and performance to achieve the health outcomes aforementioned.

The execution of MNCHN grants is relatively systematic. The DOH head office is the

overall technical coordinator for the MNCHN grants. The Regional CHD will be in charge of

assessing the eligibility of the LGU (city or province). The maximum amount that LGUs can

get is based on the predetermined ceiling estimated relative to the number of poor women of

reproductive age in each locality. Prior to the release of the grant, the LGU should have the

ability to achieve MNCHN intermediate outcomes. The amount of grant to be released is

based on the degree of improvement of the set health indicators. Moreover, LGUS should

also demonstrate readiness to make counterpart investments (e.g., commitment to

improvement of structures, enrollment of indigents to PhilHealth, accreditation of health

facilities, etc). As regards utilization and monitoring, the DOH has identified specific and

systematic guidelines. CHDs and DOH-ARMM require LGUs financial reports to track the

movement of funds utilized. A well-defined monitoring tool was also devised to

systematically check the improvement of the overall effectiveness of the program.

The GAA of 2007 included a separate amount of PHP 180,000,000 as MOOE for

“artificial family planning” under the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control-

85

Family Health Office (NCDPC-FHO). This amount appropriated was to be suballotted to

CHDs and LGUs for the purchase of reproductive health commodities and the conduct of

family planning seminars. An appropriation was made in 2008 for the same purpose,

amounting to PHP 167,000,000. The table below presents the key components of the HFEP

vis-à-vis the MNCHN Grants Facility.

Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP)

MNCHN Grants Facility

Budget source HFEP program funds, line item in GAA NCDPC-Family Health Office funds for facility upgrading

Modes of implementation

To be undertaken by NCHFD Funds to come from NCDPC-FHO but execution will be under NCHFD

Basis for allocation Hospital must have 50-bed ABC and be licensed as Primary Level or Level II Category, must have passed the Rationalization of Health Care Delivery System based on Health Needs and must be aligned with the Province-Wide Investment Plan for Health

DOH Department Order No. 2009-0311: Guidelines on the Utilization of 2009 MNCHN Grant Facility for LGUs and Management/Program Support Fund for the CHDs

Criteria for allocation LGU Priority (LGU has allocated MOOE and human resource for the project; LGU has counterpart funds; and should be responsive to health status situation) CHD Review (within approved PIPH framework of LGU; complying with Certificate of Need and/or BEmONC/CEmONC requirements; deemed “rational” by the CHD if without RatPlan Plus Factor (>85 percent LGU IP enrollment; good track record in submitting reports; has good financial management in place)

Performance domains Domain 1: Ability to demonstrate achievement of MNCHN intermediate outcomes (CPR, ANC, FBD, FIC) Domain 2: Current capacity to deliver FP and MNCHN services (presence of trained staff, adequate commodities and supplies, IEC and health promotion activities, health information and surveillance, and targeting for the poor) Domain 3: Commitment to pursue improvement in the delivery of health services, particularly health budget increases.

Review of the Cheaper Medicines Program of the Philippines:

Botika ng Barangay, Botika ng Bayan, PHP100 Treatment Pack,

and the Role of PITC Pharma, Inc. in Government Drug

Procurement

Oscar F. Picazo1

Introduction

Objectives of the study

This study forms part of about a dozen assessments of specific policy and programmatic

interventions that the DBM commissioned to the Philippine Institute for Development

Studies (PIDS) in February 2011. The analyses were intended to be used as background

papers for the possible restructuring and budget allocations of these government programs.

This study aims to assess three discrete government programs designed to lower the

cost of medicines in the Philippines: the Botika ng Barangay (BnB), the Botika ng Bayan

(BNB), and the PHP100 treatment pack programs, and the mandate and role of the Philippine

International Trading Corp. (PITC) in these programs.

These interventions form part of a much broader Cheaper Medicines Program (CMP)

of the government which consists of a range of policies and regulations designed to lower the

cost of medicines and improve people’s access to them. In chronological order, the DOH has

formulated the following relevant CMP policies and regulations:

• The Generics Act of 1988 or RA 6675 aimed at promoting, requiring, and ensuring

adequate supply, distribution, use, and acceptance of drugs and medicines identified

by their generic names. Subsequently, the DOH issued the implementing guidelines

for the exclusive use of generic terminology in all prescriptions and orders in all

DOH hospitals (AO 169, s. 2004).

• Executive Order (EO) 49, s. 1993 directed the mandatory use of the Philippine

National Drug Formulary (PNDF) as the basis for the procurement of drug products

1 Research Consultant, PIDS. The research assistance provided by Ms. Leilani Bolong is appreciated.

87

by the government. AO 18, s. 2006 contained the implementing guidelines for the

PNDF system.

• RA 7581, the Price Act, mandated the DOH as the lead agency in identifying

essential drugs as basic necessities and monitoring their corresponding prices.

Following this law, DOH issued the guidelines for DOH-retained hospitals to engage

in wholesale procurement and distribution of essential drugs (AO 10, s. 2005); the

guidelines for drug consignment in government hospitals (AO 145, s. 2004); and the

revised policies and guidelines for the institutionalization and decentralization of the

DOH drug consignment system.

• AO 9, s. 2006 provided the guidelines for institutionalizing and strengthening the

Essential Drug Price Monitoring System; the use of the Drug Price Reference Index

as a guide to rational drug selection and drug prices; and the use of the Reference

Index as the basis for reimbursing drugs and medicines in hospital claims.

• Department Memorandum 98, s. 2004 provided the guidelines for enhancing the

informational transparency in the transactional visits of sales and medical

representatives in all DOH facilities.

• RA 9502 of 2008, the Cheaper Medicines Act, is intended to achieve universally

accessible and cheaper and quality medicines by pursuing an effective competition

policy in the pharmaceutical sector. The president subsequently issued an executive

order requiring maximum retail prices for a number of drugs.

• RA 9711 of 2008 created the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from the former

Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), and conferred upon it much broader regulatory

powers.

Scope and organization of the report

This study focuses only on the operations of the BnB, BNB, and PHP100 treatment pack

programs. It does not assess the much larger policies on parallel drug importation (PDI) and

the generics drugs law on which these programs depend. It also does not assess the impact of

the Government Mediated Retail Price (maximum retail price) of drugs and the subsequent

voluntary price reduction of pharmaceutical companies, done in the wake of the enactment of

the Cheaper Medicines Act. These issues require more intensive scrutiny beyond the scope of

this study.

88

The study involved a review of published and unpublished literature. Fortunately,

there already exists a wealth of data from studies produced in recent years, especially from

the Medicines Transparency (MeTA) coalition. No primary survey for this study was

involved. The study should not be viewed as an impact evaluation, but only a policy and

program review. The study also involved selected interviews with key informants in Metro

Manila. Due to time limitations, only a limited number of them were interviewed. No visits to

actual BnB, BNB, and PHP100 sites were made.

The report is organized as follows. This section provides the introduction. Section II

situates the assessment in the Philippine pharmaceutical context. Section III reviews the BnB

program, Section IV reviews the BNB program, Section V reviews the PHP100 treatment

pack program, and Section VI reviews the PITC Pharma system supporting government drug

procurement. Finally, Section VII reviews the mandate and performance of PITC in drug

procurement. The conclusions and operational recommendations are contained in the

respective sections, rather than pulled together in a separate section.

The report incorporates the comments of the DOH-NCPAM staff on an earlier version

of the study.

Pharmaceutical Sector Context

Overwhelming role of the private sector

Sales of pharmaceuticals in the Philippines are conservatively estimated at PHP 100 billion

annually, with 70 percent accounted for by multinational firms (Pabico 2006). According to

PHAP data (Ball 2010), about 80 percent of the sales are in drug stores, 10 percent in

hospitals, and 10 percent in other retail outlets. Out of total sales, 63 percent comes from a

major pharmaceutical chain, 17 percent from the combined sales of all other small

independent pharmacies, 7 percent from private hospitals, 2.5 percent from public hospitals,

10 percent from other private outlets, and 0.5 percent from other public outlets. Thus, the

private sector as a whole holds an inordinate share of the market (more than 90 percent),

while the public sector is a very minor financier and purchaser.

Drugs are a requirement for almost all modern health care. Drugs account for about

half of household health spending among Filipinos. Although pharmaceutical reimbursements

of the social health insurance program (PhilHealth) remain small relative to its members’

89

needs, they already account for 30 percent of its total payouts. There remains a large unmet

need for drugs which has not been quantified.

Country of expensive drugs

Drugs in the Philippines are more expensive than in other countries in Asia, and in countries

of similar economic status. This has been repeatedly shown in studies, e.g., Business

Meridian International, as cited in BIZCLIR (2009) in Table 1 and Lavado (2011) in Table 2.

Drug prices of brand names in the Philippines are anywhere from five to 30 times more

expensive than similar brand names of similar manufacturers in India and Pakistan. This was

the strongest factor that impelled the government to institute a parallel drug importation

policy under the CMP.

Table 1. Price comparison (in peso equivalent) of three selected drugs in the Philippines, India, and Pakistan, 2008

Brand Name Manufacturer Price in the Philippines

(a)

Price in India

(b)

Price in Pakistan

(c)

Ratio

(a/b)

Ratio

(a/c)

Norvasc Pfizer 45.00 5 n/a 9.0 - Ventolin GSK 315.00 123.00 62.00 2.6 5.1 Immodium Jansen 10.00 3.00 1.80 3.3 5.6 Source: Business Meridian International, as cited in BIZCLIR (2009) Table 2. Price comparison (in peso equivalent) of four selected drugs in the Philippines and India,

2010

Brand Name Manufacturer Price in the

Philippines

(a)

Price in

India

(b)

Ratio

(a/b)

Buscopan, 10 mg/tab Boehringer 15.83 1.92 8.2 Ponstan, 500 mg/tab Pfizer 25.77 2.96 8.7 Adalat Retard, 20 mg/tab Bayer 43.45 1.44 30.2 Bactrim, 400 mg/80 mg tab Roche 18.16 0.56 32.4 Source: Lavado (2011), based on Online MIMS Philippines 2010, http://www.mims.com/index.aspx; CIMS India 2010, http://www.mims.com/index.aspx

More disturbingly, the trend is not improving; in fact, it is worsening, at least until

after the imposition of the government-mediated access price (GMAP) in 2010. As Table 3

shows, the ratio of local median prices to international reference prices especially for

innovator (or originator) brands, in both public and private sectors, rose in most of the past

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decade. Indeed, the ratios of Philippine price to India price for all the four branded drugs

considered in Figure 1 rose from 2004 to 2010.

Table 3. Median medicine price ratios for innovator brands and their generic equivalents in the

Philippines, in public and private sectors, 2002, 2005, and 2008/09

Type Sector 2002 2005 2005 2008/09 2008/09

Innovator Brand

Public 18.24 15.31 14.19 30.23 26.33 Private 15.95 17.28 - 37.10 -

Generic Equivalent

Public - 6.40 5.14 9.78 7.97 Private 8.36 –

17.76 5.64 - 10.76 -

Source: 2002 data are from Health Action Information Network (2002) and 2005 data are from the Institute of Philippine Culture (2005), as cited by Batangan and Juban (2009). Figure 1. Ratio of Philippine price to India price for selected medicines, 2004 and 2010

Source: Lavado (2011)

Gains have been achieved in the production and consumption of generic drugs,

following the enactment of the Generics Act in 1988. In the first-ever Generics Summit held

in September 2008, as many as 28 generic-drug companies were given quality seals for good

manufacturing practices; the number of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant firms

has since increased to 53, though a larger number continues to operate without having yet

complied with GMP standards. Nonetheless, the larger firms manufacturing prescription

drugs now meet GMP standards.

3.8

7.5

25

19.7

8.2 8.7

30.232.4

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Buscopan, 10 mg tab Ponstan, 500 mg tab Adalat Retard, 20 mg tab

Bactrim, 400 mg tab

2004

2010

91

Today, it is claimed that five to six out of 10 Filipinos purchase generic drugs. As

Table 4 shows, an increasing proportion of Filipinos are now buying cheaper generic drugs,

and the proportion of households that did not buy medicines (for any reason) has declined

significantly. DOH has mandated all government health workers to use only generic

terminologies in drug purchasing, prescribing, dispensing, and reimbursement. Reports

indicate that generic manufacturers now sell at prices 55–80 percent lower than their branded

counterparts.

Table 4. Percent of SWS-surveyed Filipino households that reported purchase of generic and branded medicines, 2003 and 2008

Type of Medicines 2003 2008

Generic medicines 47 55 Branded medicines 36 38 Did not buy medicines 17 7 Source: Social Weather Stations

However, even the cheapest generics in the Philippines still sell at a high multiple of

international reference prices. The case is even worse for originator drugs. Thus, affordability

of drugs remains a serious problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) survey of

patients in health facilities in 2009 defined affordability as the number of days’ wages that

the lowest-paid government employee needs to purchase standard treatments for selected

conditions. The results, shown in Table 5, indicate that drugs remain prohibitive for the

lowest-earning households; this means that drugs are even more prohibitive for the

unemployed and indigent.

Table 5. Number of days that the lowest-paid government employee needs to work to purchase

one day’s worth of generic medicine, by type of condition, 2009

Condition Generic Medicine Number of Days’ Work

Adult respiratory infection Amoxicillin 0.3 days High cholesterol Simvastatin 1.4 days Hypertension Atenolol 0.8 days Hypertension Captopril 1.1 days Ulcer Ompeprazole > 1 day Pediatric respiratory infection Ceftriaxone >1 day Source: Batangan and Juban (2009)

In a separate WHO household survey in 2009, it was found that the average cost of a

prescription for acute illness was PHP 485, and the monthly cost of medicines for chronic

diseases was PHP 946. Health insurance penetration among the surveyed households was

92

very low, and even among those with health insurance, pharmacy for outpatient care was not

usually covered (Batangan and Juban 2009).

To economize on going to the doctor or other health worker, Filipinos commonly

resort to self-treatment or self-prescription. In the WHO household survey, over half of the

medications taken in acute illness were self-prescribed or prescribed by a nonhealth

professional. Of course, this practice of self-treatment creates its own problems, including

possible improper medication and drug resistance in the case of use of antibiotics.

The household affordability of medicines is particularly acute for sufferers of chronic

and debilitating illnesses requiring maintenance drugs. A study on diabetes care in the

country (Higuchi 2008) showed that there are very few sustainable measures for the

maintenance of regular medications of diabetics because of personal cost constraints, which

leads to irregular treatment leading to more expensive complications and hospital admissions

later.

The onus of payment for drugs is on households

Households spend a significant percentage of medical care on drugs, and poorer households

tend to spend a larger share of their medical care costs on drugs than richer households do

(Figure 2). During the year, the poorest households spend on average more than half (59%) of

their medical care costs on drugs. For the richest households, this proportion is only 41

percent. Thus, relative to their income and medical care costs, the poor bear a heavier load on

drug costs than do richer households.

Figure 2. Percentage of household cash spending on drugs to total household spending for medical care, by income decile, 2006

Source: Family Income and Expenditures Survey (FIES) 2006, as cited by Banzon (2010).

59 55 53 52 51 48 49 48 45 44 41

93

Why do drugs take up a large proportion of household medical care costs, especially

among the poor? A primary reason is the absence or weakness of risk pooling. Many of the

poor, especially those in the informal sector, are not in any health insurance risk pool, such as

PhilHealth, private health insurance, or community, LGU, or other microinsurance programs

(Table 6). Moreover, even if they were in a risk pool, outpatient drug purchases are typically

not a covered benefit in such risk pools, including PhilHealth.

Table 6. Urban and rural poor households with and without health insurance based on data

derived from proxy means test

Type of Health Insurance National Capital Region Urban Poor

Rural Poor

PhilHealth or other social health insurance 25.0 20.5 HMO insurance 0.2 0.2 Cooperative health insurance 0.2 0.6 Other health insurance 4.0 4.0 No health insurance 70.0 75.0 Source: cited by Banzon (2010)

As for inpatient PhilHealth drug benefits, poor purchasing practices (especially in

government hospitals) often lead to bloated costs. The absence of drugs in many government

hospitals also forces households to buy in private pharmacies as out-of-pocket spending.

Thus, the two long-standing problems related to this issue are:

• No capitation for primary care. The lack of a capitation system to pay for primary care

providers is a severe shortcoming as 89 percent of pharmacy sales are made in

outpatient settings.

• No case-based payment for hospital care. Under a fee-for-service (itemized billing)

system of paying providers, private hospitals and physicians have little incentive to

use cheaper drug alternatives (such as generics) because the higher their value of

claims, the more reimbursements they obtain, and the better off they would be.

Factors affecting drug prices

Most drug ingredients in the Philippines are imported. Most local drug manufacturing is

through a toll system, a version of contract manufacturing where production is outsourced by

an originating company to third parties. About 80 percent of toll manufacturing by

multinational companies is done by Interphil Laboratories, a sister company of Zuellig

Pharma, which itself accounts for about 80 percent of wholesale distribution (Pabico 2006).

94

Another key factor in the local pharmaceutical market is the overwhelming share of

branded medicines. Before the end of the previous decade, the overwhelming demand for

drugs was for originator brands and “branded generics”; true generics accounted for a very

small percentage (about 3%) of sales, whereas it accounted for as much as 50 percent of the

US market (Pabico 2006). This is counter-intuitive in light of the already off-patent status of

many of the essential drugs in the Philippines.

Lack of household knowledge of drugs, pervasive marketing and advertising, the

strong role of medical representation in the sale of drugs, and the incentives given to

prescribing doctors have been frequently cited as contributing to the persistence of high drug

prices and the high consumption of branded drugs in the country. But perhaps the most

important factor is the sheer lack of supply of generic alternatives to households wanting

them, a situation that persisted until past the middle part of 2000s when generics finally

emerged on their own, thanks in part to the initiatives that will be reviewed in this report

(parallel drug importation, village pharmacies, drug franchises, drug treatment packs, and the

like).

Ball and Tisocki (2009) undertook a study in three regions of the country to examine

the price components for originator brands and a generic version of six medicines, namely:

cotrimoxazole, coamoxiclav, atenolol, glibenclamide, amlodipine, and atorvastatin. The study

covered public hospital pharmacies, chain and independent retail pharmacies, and village

pharmacies (BnB) in three regions. The selling price to patients was determined at each outlet

and then the price was traced back through the supply chain through distributors to

manufacturers or importers, using invoices and/or other documents from which validated data

could be obtained. The results of the study indicate the following:

(1) Highly concentrated market structure and product segmentation. Richer Filipinos

tend to use originator brands and “branded generics” sourced from private drugstores and

hospitals, while poorer Filipinos rely to a greater extent on lower-priced generics sourced

from public facilities and community outlets. Middle-class Filipinos tend to follow richer

Filipinos’ use of originator brands and “branded generics” but with greater use of public

facilities.

The dominance of expensive originator brands and “branded generics” among upper-

class Filipinos is due to a number of factors including strong marketing by dominant

manufacturers and support for their products by prescribing physicians incentivized by

medical representatives; lack of competition from public and nongovernment organization

(NGO) outlets that concentrate on the provision of lower-priced generics to the poor;

95

information imbalance among patients relying on physician advice and lacking knowledge of

competing products; and inadequate assurance of quality of generics by the FDA, formerly

BFAD) leading to popular doubts about the bioequivalence of generics to more expensive

originator brands or “branded generics”.

(2) High retailer markups. For generic products, markups ranged from 5–355 percent

at the retailer level, and 18–117 percent at the distributor level. For originator brand products,

markups were relatively lower (5–8%) at private retail pharmacies. However, a large chain

pharmacy had markups that ranged from 2–60 percent.

(3) Cost-increasing VAT. VAT is charged at a rate of 12 percent which the patient has

to pay. The original VAT is incurred at the first stage of the supply chain, and distributors

and retailers often charge their markup based on the VAT-inclusive price rather than on the

cost excluding VAT. This practice ratchets up the price paid for by the patient.

(4) Adverse effect of senior citizens’ discounts. Senior citizens are eligible for a 20

percent discount on the retail price of medicines. While retailers could offset some of this

cost (7%) through their VAT returns, there is no specific budgetary provision for this, so the

remaining 13 percent has to be recouped by retailers through increased prices to all patients.

(5) Discount schemes. To promote their corporate image, pharmaceutical companies

and retailers have resorted to loyalty cards that provide discounts and thereby incentivize

customers to purchase a particular brand or to buy from a particular store. These programs are

often accompanied by patient assistance schemes that in turn channel consumers to the

promoted products. The discount programs of Pfizer and Mercury Drug have been the most

visible in this regard. While there are certain positive features in such programs, they also

tend to irrational medicine selection by patients or their physicians, and could discourage

them from looking at other (cheaper) alternative drugs.

Through a combination of the above factors, there is a noticeable large variation in the

prices of fast-moving drugs in the Philippines, as shown in Figure 3 (Lavado et al. 2011).

Some outlets charge as much as two or three times the price of similar drugs in other outlets.

96

Figure 3. Maximum, average, and minimum prices of selected fast-moving drugs in the Philippines (in PHP), May 26, 2010

Note: Only average prices were labelled. Source: Lavado et al. (2011) based MIMS Philippines data retrieved on May 26, 2010.

Recent policies to lower the prices of medicines

1. Parallel drug importation. The BnB, BNB as well as the PHP100 program rely crucially

on PDI. In 2000, the DOH initiated PDI as an innovative strategy to cut costs of medicines.

PDI involves the importation into the country of a patented drug from a third country without

the authorization of the patent holder (in a second country, usually the United States and

European countries where many of these drugs were researched, developed, and patented). It

is mainly used when the price in the third country is considerably lower than the price the

patent holder charges in the country concerned. Figure 4 shows how the drugs imported

through the PDI policy are retailed.

PITC imported the PDI medicines, mostly from India and Pakistan, and DOH

distributed them under the Gamot na Mabisa at Abot Kaya (GMA 50) Program in its 72

DOH-retained hospitals and three LGU hospitals in the ARMM. The DOH’s Pharmaceutical

Management Unit claimed that PDI imports achieved an estimated average 60.9 percent

reduction in the price of drugs in 2004, much higher than the targeted 50 percent reduction by

2010. The prices of essential medicines further decreased by an average of 41 percent in 2005

and again in 2006 (David and Geronimo 2008).

11.056.45

68.34

13.16 14.57.66 5.99 3.03

77.33

4.370

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Maximum

Minimum

Average

97

Figure 4. Retailing of parallel drug imports in the Philippines

LGUs can also directly purchase PDIs. Indeed, in the early 2000s, the provinces of

Capiz and Negros Oriental placed orders for PDIs. In the case of Capiz, the provincial

government even became the market leader, forcing private drugstores to reduce their prices

(MSH n.d.).

When the BnB and BNB emerged in the mid-2000s, they became the primary retailers

of PDI drugs. The Cheaper Medicines Act also allows the retailing of PDI drugs to the

private sector, but in an assessment of the business climate in the health sector, BIZCLIR

(2009) pointed out that PDI drugs are retailed only in BnB, BNB (and subsequently the

PHP100 programs), not in private outlets. At that time, most BNBs were still NGO

(nonprofit) operations. Lately, however, there has been interest among for-profit business

enterprises to become BNBs, and most BNBs are now for-profit private enterprises.

However, in hindsight, the overall size of PDI procurement has been very small

relative to total pharmaceutical sales in the Philippines. In the decade between 2000 and

March 2010, the Philippine government imported only USD 8.789 million of PDI drugs (or

PHP 377.9 million in today’s current exchange rate of USD 1.00: PHP 43.00) [Table 7]. This

translates to a measly average yearly importation of USD 799,000 (or PHP 34.4 million).

PDI Imports

PITC Pharma

PITC and DOH

Logistics

BnB Program

BNB Program

P100 Program DOH

Hospital

LGU Hospital

Outlets

Outlets

DOH Procurement

LGU Procurement

98

Table 7. Value of parallel drug imports (in USD million), 2000 to March 2010

Year Annual Imports (USD Million)

2000 0.420 2001 0.256 2002 1.499 2003 0.519 2004 0.578 2005 1.020 2006 1.540 2007 1.338 2008 1.473 2009 0.110

2010 March 0.036 Total 8.789

Source: PITC Pharma (2010) 2. Cheaper Medicines Law. The enactment in 2008 of the “Universally Accessible Cheaper

and Quality Medicines Act” (RA 9502) and in 2009 of the “Food and Drug Administration

Act” (RA 9711) were important milestones in laying the foundation for improving the quality

and reducing the prices of medicines. The “Cheaper Medicines Act” confers on the president

the authority to regulate the price of medicines and drugs and empowers the DOH secretary

to establish a drug price monitoring and regulation system. Pursuant to this Act, the president

issued EO 821 (made effective August 15, 2009) prescribing the maximum retail prices

(MRP)—also known as GMAP—for selected medicines that address some diseases that are

common causes of morbidity and mortality in the country. The EO covered only five active

pharmaceutical ingredients including some antihypertensive, antibiotics, and antineoplastics/

anticancer ingredients.

At the same time, some manufacturers negotiated with the government to reduce the

prices of selected products voluntarily rather than fall under mandatory price regulation. The

DOH approved voluntary price reductions of up to 50 percent for 16 molecules (or 41 drug

preparations) in August 2009, and a further 97 products in 2010. However, voluntary price

reductions apply only to the products of participating manufacturers, not to alternative

suppliers of generic substitutes. The DOH has established a process for monitoring and

evaluation of the impact of these measures.

Initial feedback has identified a number of concerns: (i) the selection of products for

price restraint does not follow rational selection principles (for example, not all first-line

treatments for hypertension or asthma are covered); (ii) the level of price reductions is

arbitrary (surveys have found Philippine prices for originator brands to be over 15 times

99

higher than international reference prices, and even lowest-cost generics five to six times

international reference prices); (iii) the scheme may reduce generic competition and publicize

brand-name medicines (for many of the products there is a much cheaper, quality generic

substitute available); (iv) PhilHealth cannot use voluntary price reductions in its

reimbursement of medicines because they apply to specific manufacturers only, and in

aggregate, the medicines falling under the scheme account for a relatively limited share of the

market.

Review of the Botika ng Barangay Program

Program description

The village drug outlet has had a checkered history in the Philippines. It was known as

“Botika sa Barangay” in the 1970s; faded out of the scene in the 1980s and 1990s (Flores et

al. 2001); and was revived during the 12th Congress when President Gloria Macapagal-

Arroyo pledged in her state of the nation address (SONA) in July 2000 to lower the prices of

drugs and medicines frequently bought by the poor by 50 percent during her administration

(DOH 2003). This was part of her 10-Point Legacy Program.

Following this presidential pledge, the DOH entered into a memorandum of

agreement with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the PITC to purchase

and distribute the drugs and medicines through the DOH networks of the renamed Botika ng

Barangay (BnB) and, later, the larger Botika ng Bayan (BNB). PCSO earmarked PHP 20

million to be transferred to PITC for the procurement of BnB drugs. The initial target was

800 BnB, which will each be seeded with PHP 25,000 worth of drugs. To operationalize this

program, the DOH issued AO 64, s. 2003, which contained the policy guidelines for the

operationalization of BnBs by the regional CHDs.

The AO defined a BnB as a drug outlet of a proponent LGU2; selected by the CHD

concerned; approved by the Pharma 50 Project which was purposely set up to manage the

SONA pledge; and licensed by the BFAD, now known as the FDA. All BnB drugs pass

through the quality control and product registration standards of the FDA.

The BnBs were mandated to sell low-priced generic over-the-counter (OTC) drugs

and, originally, two prescription drugs (amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole). Later, the number of

2This was the original intention, but as will be shown below, the BnBs have evolved such that most of the sponsoring organizations now are actually private entities.

100

drugs was increased, with each BnB being able to sell a selection from a list of around 35

OTC generic medicines and household remedies and seven prescription drugs. Today, BnBs

can sell up to 40 essential OTC drugs and eight prescription drugs (NCPAM n.d.).

The rest of the DOH AO defines the general and specific guidelines with respect to:

(a) handling procedure for the initial deliveries of drugs procured through the PITC; (b) BnB

responsibilities of proponent LGUs; (c) stocks replenishment orders from the BnBs; (c) BnB

supplier eligibility and accreditation; (d) BnB drug price determination for stock

replenishments; (e) fund management conditions for the BnBs; (f) rational drug use; and (g)

project monitoring.

Program performance

1. Extent of BnB and the poor’s access to them. Figure 5 shows the impressive growth of

BnBs since the program was launched. It has been estimated that a typical BnB serves around

500 people per month (NCPAM n.d.). This means that the 16,350 BnBs in existence by the

end of 2010 serve about 8.2 million people a month or about 8.7 percent of the country’s

population. It is difficult to estimate the number of Filipinos they serve each year because

some of the clients certainly will have repeat purchases throughout the year.

Figure 5. Annual and cumulative number of BnBs established, 2003–2010

Note: 2007 data were not available.

427

22662977

7392

10996

13498

16350

427

1839711

44153604

2502 2852

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2008 2009 2010

Cumulative

Annual

101

By the end of 2010, a total of 16,350 BnBs had been established nationwide,

including those of two NGOs (106 of the Kabalikat ng Botika Binhi and 473 of the National

Pharmaceutical Foundation or Health Plus). Official reports showed that the original target of

one BnB per three barangays was achieved one year early (in 2009) [NCPAM 2010].

The new target has been set at 1:2 for all barangays. Based on this new target, a

survey done under the auspices of the European Union’s (EU) Health Sector Policy Support

Program (Vreeke et al. 2009) showed that 62 percent of 389 BnBs seen do serve two

barangays, while 38 percent serve one barangay. In other words, the program target has been

exceeded by more than 30 percent.

For the poorest of the poor barangays, the target is 1:1. In ARMM as well as

geographically isolated and depressed areas, the target is also 1:1.

Results of the EU BnB survey showed that a third of the BnBs were found in

residences in the barangay (Table 8). An additional half (49 percent) were found in barangay

health stations, barangay halls, or sari-sari (variety) stores. More than half (55%) of them

were within five minutes of walking distance to the nearest health facility (typically a rural

health unit) while another 25 percent were within 30 minutes’ walking distance. Only around

19 percent of the BnBs were an hour or more of walking distance from an RHU. On the basis

of these findings, it can be concluded that the existing BnBs are accessible to their rural

clients.

Table 8. BnBs by site, 2009

Site Number of BnBs Percent

Residence 120 33 Barangay health station 68 19 Barangay hall 57 16 Sari-sari store 51 14 Rural health unit 9 2 Municipal hall 1 Negligible Others 56 15 Total 362 100 Note: The 362 total represents only the functional BnBs. Source: Vreeke et al. (2009)

Although there has been notable achievement in the growth of BnBs, their geographic

distribution across the country has not been as equally impressive. Using population/BnB

ratio, Table 9 and Figure 5 show that the regions worst served with BnB also tended to be the

102

poorer ones, e.g., ARMM (one per 14,900), Bicol (one per 14,000), Soccsksargen (one per

10,700), and Mimaropa (one per 9,000).

Provincial distribution is even more striking, with the poorest provinces such as

Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-tawi, Compostela Valley, Suquijor, Batanes, and

Marinduque without BnBs as late as 2009. The other poorly served provinces were Nueva

Vizcaya (with only 12% of its barangays having a BnB), Albay (10%), Sorsogon (5%),

Siquijor (4%), and Catanduanes (3%) [Lavado et al. 2011]. Seven years after the program

was initiated in 2001, 15 of the 40 poorest towns still do not have BnBs (Ragaza and Morales

2009).

BnBs’ inability to penetrate the poorest areas quickly, which was the original

intention of the program, is due to the fact that DOH is not directly involved in determining

and setting up BnB outlets. BnBs are largely a local initiative of the LGUs and community

organizations with support from the DOH’s regional CHD.

The absence of BnB in a poor locality may also be due to the lack of a supervising

pharmacist who wants to work in the area. According to DOH rules, only a supervising

pharmacist is authorized to dispense prescription drugs. The Pharmacy Law also requires the

presence of a pharmacist in a drugstore or retail outlet.

The continued supply of drugs after the initial stock has run out has been a major

problem. CHD interviews indicate that while the BnBs were originally conceived to operate

as drug-revolving funds, with the funds managed at their respective CHDs, this business

format has not been followed. Thus, there has been a weak reflow of funds. Moreover, each

BnB has been left to itself to locate its own source of supply. In some instances, the BnBs

have sourced their drugs from private distributors and retailers (even for-profit sources), thus

increasing their costs and the prices faced by consumers. The problem seems to be of

economies of scale, i.e., individually, each BnB is too small to warrant a regular visit from a

supplier, especially if the BnB is in a far-flung area.

A system of pooling drug requirements to achieve economies of scale remains to be

worked out. However, DOH-NCPAM staff opine that central-pooled procurement will be

difficult for the reorders because of (a) the large numbers of BnB and communication

challenges; (b) the different procurement cycles of BnBs because of their variations in

demand and sale patterns; and (c) the so-far nonexistent IT technology needed to respond

quickly to the requirements of BnBs, secure orders, and deliver the products to them.

103

Table 9. Regional distribution of BnBs and population/BnB in each region, 2009

Region Number of BnBs (2009)

Number of BnBs

(2010)

Population in Million

(2007)

Population/BnB

I – Ilocos 1,019 1,713 4.6 4,461 CAR – Cordillera Administrative Region

436 702 1.5 3,488

II – Cagayan Valley 421 513 3.1 7,248 III – Central Luzon 1,625 1,823 9.7 5,982 NCR – Metro Manila 534 747 11.6 21,635 IVA – Calabarzon 1,304 1,614 11.7 9.0 IVB – Mimaropa 750 860 2.6 3,413 V – Bicol 363 532 5.1 14,077 VI – Western Visayas 1,548 1,632 6.8 4,421 VII – Central Visayas 519 595 6.4 12,329 VII – Eastern Visayas 673 995 3.9 5,814 IX – Zamboanga Peninsula 535 734 3.2 6,038 X – Northern Mindanao 822 1,073 4.0 4,808 XI – Davao 607 869 4.2 6,848 XII – Soccsksargen 357 346 3.8 10,726 Caraga 354 712 2.3 6,479 ARMM 277 311 4.1 14,877

Subtotal 12,144 15,771 88.6 7,294 Kabalikat ng Botika Binhi 892 106 - - National Pharmaceutical Foundation

462 473 - -

Grand total 13,498 16,350 88.6 6,562 Source of basic data: DOH (2009); Depano (2011); last column was calculated based on the raw data of DOH. Figure 6. Percentage of barangays with a BnB, by region, as of May 2010

12.7 14.518.2 18.7

23.2

33.536

4042.4

49.4

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Note: This figure does not contain data for seven regions as they are not available in the level of disaggregation (per barangay) needed. Source: Lavado (2011)

2. Rational drug use. One BnB analyst has taken issue with the choice of drugs included in

the BnB in relation to the burden of disease in the country. DOH uses the top causes of

mortality and morbidity as basis for the choice of drugs. While this may seem acceptable at

first blush, it does not have sound technical mooring as disease burden should be calculated

based on disability-adjusted life years (DALY), which is the globally accepted methodology.

DALYs take account of the number of people who died or got sick of the disease (the usual

mortality and morbidity data), as well as the period of time that people got sick (standardized

in a year) and the severity of the disease. Very few DALY studies have been done in the

Philippines, mostly as graduate theses. The DOH is just beginning to get into this type of

analysis. In any case, while the burden of disease averted by BnB drugs looks large from a

simple mortality and morbidity reckoning, it may not be so if reckoned in terms of DALYs.

Drugs sold by BnBs are all approved by FDA, but they stock only a small number of

the list of products needed for public health. These include OTC medications for minor

illnesses such as diarrhea, dehydration, stomach acidity, coughs, and dizziness. Two

antibiotics were included when the program started (cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin). Five

prescription drugs for chronic diseases were added in 2005: metformin and glibenclamide for

diabetes; metropolol and captropil for cardiovascular diseases; and salbutamol for respiratory

illnesses.

However, BnBs do not carry drugs for common diseases such as malaria and TB.

These conditions are deemed more complicated and require professional consultation; the

noninclusion in the BnB drug list implies that self-treatment is not encouraged.

BnBs ought to be monitored regularly by a licensed pharmacist, but the lack of

available pharmacy staff has turned this into a major problem (MeTA 2010). The EU BnB

survey noted that regulatory supervision by a supervising pharmacist is hardly taking place

(Vreeke et al. 2009). Some deem the lack of regular pharmacist supervision and lack of

linkage to primary care facilities as limiting most BnBs’ potential to provide access to

prescription medicines for chronic conditions. The linkage to an RHU, however, is not a

physical-distance problem as they are close to most BnBs, but rather a coordination problem.

In any case, a significant proportion of BnBs (35%, according to the EU survey) had

expired medicines on the day of the visit, indicating the gravity of the supervision and related

problems. Moreover, the lack of control and information on prescribing behavior arising from

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the lack of supervising pharmacists (and the lack of up-to-date prescription registers) poses a

serious public health risk because of potential overuse of antibiotics.

A few BnBs have gone beyond their mandate by procuring their own stocks of

prescription drugs that the DOH prohibits them to sell. Ragaza and Morales (2009) reported

that a 2006 Commission on Audit (COA) team had discovered several BnB outlets in Caraga

and Metro Manila selling unauthorized medicines—Alexan and Ambroxol, among others,

because they were being demanded by patients suffering from bronchitis. As this is a COA

report on a specific location, however, it cannot be ascertained whether the practice is

widespread nationwide or not.

The biggest challenge that the BnB program has to face is how to situate the BnBs

within the overall framework of the health care system. The BnB program appears to have

started as a coping mechanism for the shortage of drugs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It

has succeeded in getting supplies to many areas that did not have access to drugs before, but

certain poor areas remain without them. Moreover, supervision has loomed as a major

problem. With the sudden upsurge of private generic pharmacy outlets everywhere, the BnB

program certainly needs to be re-examined.

3. Cost efficiency vis-à-vis the private sector. Comparing the efficiency of BnBs vis-à-vis

alternative sources of retail drugs is fraught with difficulty. First, the institutional structures

and ownership of retail suppliers differ. Second, the importation modes vary: while BnBs rely

on parallel drug importation with its inherent subsidy, others do not. Third, BnBs also rely on

the distribution system of DOH and CHDs, which is another form of subsidy; alternative

suppliers do not. BnBs are also farther out in rural areas, with their attendant higher transport

costs. For these reasons, suppliers are not directly comparable, even if they may be selling

similar pharmaceutical product lines. (There are also issues about bioequivalence between

BnB drugs and private sector alternatives, which is a separate issue.) Despite these

difficulties, it is important to compare BnB prices with those of alternative suppliers.

In mid-2000s prior to the rapid emergence of private retail pharmacies selling generic

drugs, and prior to the implementation of the Maximum Retail Price Law, Ramos (2006)

compared the selling price of selected drugs between a BnB and a leading private drugstore

chain. The results, shown in Table 10, indicated that BnB prices were consistently lower than

the comparator-supplier across all the drugs considered. The price reduction varied from 38

percent to 90 percent; on average, drugs were 62 percent cheaper than the alternative.

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Note, however, that while the table shows price comparison, it is not really a true

comparison of alternative pharmaceutical retail sources, since the BnBs enjoy implicit

government subsidies that the leading drugstore chain does not3. Thus, this table should only

be used to compare the prices that the household faces in either BnB or the drugstore chain,

not the economic efficiency of the two sources. This issue is discussed in the next section.

Table 10. Selling price of selected drugs between BnB and a leading private drugstore chain, June 2006

Generic Name and Dosage BnB Leading Drugstore

Chain

Peso Savings Percent Price

Reduction

Amoxicillin, 250 mg 23.14 80.50 57.36 71 Amoxicillen, 500 mg 2.02 7.25 5.24 72 Cotrmoxazole, 800 mg 1.69 17.50 15.81 90 Loperamide, 2 mg 1.05 4.10 3.05 74 Mefenamic acid, 250 mg 0.88 3.00 2.12 71 Multivitamins for adults, 100/box 1.78 4.95 3.17 64 Multivitamins for children, 60 mL 27.11 58.65 31.55 54 Paracetamol, 500 mg 0.46 1.35 0.90 66 Povidone iodine 10% sol., 15 mL 24.35 39.25 14.90 38 Metformin, 500 mg 1.61 3.25 1.64 50 Glibenclamide, 5 mg, 100/box 0.62 5.90 5.28 89 Metoprolol, 50 mg 1.63 2.65 1.03 39 Captopril, 25 mg 4.28 8.15 3.87 48 Salbutamol, 2 mg 0.36 1.90 1.54 81 Salbutamol, 5 mL 19.83 42.25 22.43 53 Source: Ramos (2006)

PITC Pharma’s own price comparison between BnB outlets (with an assumed 30%

markup price) and The Generics Pharmacy or TGP (a private franchise retailer) in April 2010

also showed a significant cost advantage of the BnB over TGP in almost all the drugs sold

(Table 11). Note, however, that this comparison was based on listed prices, with the assumed

30 percent markup for BnB outlets—an assumption that often does not hold in reality, as will

be shown in the next section.

3In the comments provided by DOH to the draft report, DOH staff themselves noted that these comparisons are not appropriate since the drug outlets already apply a significant margin at retail.

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Table 11. Price comparison of retail prices between the BnB and The Generics Pharmacy, as of April 2010

Generic Name Dosage PPI Selling

Price to DOH

BnB Retail Price4

The Generics

Pharmacy Price

Price Difference

PHP Percent

Aluminum Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide

225 mg/200 mg per 5 ml suspension

20.55 26.72 45.00 18.29 41

Amoxicillin trihydrate

250 mg/5 ml powder/granules suspension

23.00 29.90 48.00 18.10 38

Amoxicillin trihydrate

500 mg tablet 230.80 3.00 3.00 0.00 0

Ascorbic Acid 500 mg tablet 95.00 1.24 1.60 0.37 23 Captopril 25 mg tablet 264.30 3.44 4.00 0.56 14 Cotrimoxazole 800 mg sulfamethoxazole/

160 mg methoprim tablet/ capsule

125.00 1.63 2.50 0.88 35

Ferrous sulfate Tablet equiv. to 60 mg elemental iron

42.00 0.55 1.00 0.45 45

Glibenclamide 5 mg tablet 70.45 0.92 1.10 0.18 17 Loperamide Hydrochloride

2 mg capsule 71.45 0.93 1.30 0.37 29

Mefenamic Acid 250 mg capsule/tablet 66.70 0.87 1.20 0.33 28 Metformin 500 mg tablet 90.00 1.17 1.70 0.53 1 Metoprolol 50 mg tablet 120.00 1.56 2.20 0.64 29 Multivitamins for children

Per 5 ml syrup 20.75 26.98 32.00 5.03 16

Multivitamins for adults

Capsule 128.60 1.67 2.10 0.43 20

Paracetamol 250 mg/5 ml syrup/suspension

19.65 25.65 27.00 1.46 5

Paracetamol 500 mg tablet 35.35 0.46 0.60 0.14 23 Povidone iodine 10% solution 17.50 22.75 n.a. n.a. n.a. Salbutamol 2 mg tablet 33.50 0.44 0.50 0.06 13 Salbutamol 2 mg/5 ml syrup 14.30 18.59 25.00 6.41 26 Source: PITC Pharma (2010)

Another analysis compares the selling prices of selected drugs among BnBs and a

range of private suppliers, namely: generic, branded generic, innovator drug equivalent, and

discounted innovator drug equivalent (cited by Gloor 2009). The results of this relatively

more accurate comparison are shown in Table 12. Of the drugs considered, only four were

reported for BnBs. Of these four drugs, BnBs could claim to have the lowest selling price

4At 30 percent markup.

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only for one drug (metformin 500 mg, selling at PHP 1.62 per tablet), and even their price

advantage over the lowest generic (PHP 1.70) was very small. On the other three drugs for

which comparable data are available, the BnBs were outpriced by the lowest generic supplier.

Indeed, the innovator drug discount price was even lower than the BnB price for felodipine

and amlodipine. These data suggest that BnBs do not offer the lowest price in the market,

even with the implicit subsidies they receive, e.g., parallel drug importation, logistics support

from PITC and DOH, and supervision of CHD.

Table 12. Selling price (PHP) of selected drugs among BnB, private generic, branded generic, and innovator drugs, 2009

Selected Drugs BnB Lowest Generic

Branded Generic

Innovator Drug

Innovator

Drug Discount5

Felodipine 10 mg 39.00 35.00 40.00 77.25 38.62 Amlodipine 10 mg 37.00 15.00 17.50 77.00 30.80 Clindamycin 300 mg - 8.00 41.00 71.50 42.89 Budenoside - - 56.50 370.00 - Montelukast 10 mg - 40.00 38.75 51.50 46.30 Gliclazide 80 mg 11.60 5.80 4.25 8.25 - Metformin 500 mg 1.62 1.70 4.50 11.00 - Tamoxifen - - 30.75 61.00 - Source: DOH (2009)

Why are BnB prices not the lowest in the market for comparable drugs? A MeTA

study conducted by HAI Global in 2008 showed that BnBs had some of the highest markups

(25–355%) even though they are supposed to have a regulated 30 percent markup. The

authors of this study contend that some of the high markups were a result of the BnB having a

minimum selling price of PHP 1 per tablet/capsule—thus the high markups on medicines

costing much less than this—and the need for the BnB to increase the price of fast-moving

items to recover losses due to expiry of slow-movers. It must be noted that BnBs have no

control over the range of products initially supplied and cannot return expiring products for a

refund (HAI Global 2008a).

The EU survey (2009) of BnBs reaffirmed the HAI study findings, citing operators’

complaints that the 30 percent markup calculation do not seem to have taken into account the

actual transport costs between the supplier and the BnB. The Provincial Health Offices

(PHOs) and CHDs interviewed as key informants also confirmed these findings. 5Price reduction program

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Even as some BnB outlets outprice their private competitors, the wide variation in

BnB prices means that some of them are really pricing way above the competition. The EU

survey gathered the prices of three prescription drugs and the results are shown in Table 13.

For amoxicillin, although the median price is PHP 3.00, 70 percent of the BnBs surveyed sold

it at a price higher than PHP 3.00; indeed, 10 percent of them sold it for as high as PHP 7.00

or more. Similar patterns of pricing occurred for cotrimoxazole and metropolol.

Table 13. Price variations of three prescription and three over-the-counter drugs in BnBs, 2009

Price Ranges Amoxicillin 500 mg

capsules

(N=330)

Cotrimoxazole 800 mg/160 mg tablets

(N=292)

Metoprolol 50 mg tablets

(N=201)

Median price (PHP) 3.00 2.50 2.50 Percent of BnBs with price below PHP 2 4 19 16 Percent of BnBs with price between PHP 2 and 3 26 33 20 Percent of BnBs with price between PHP 3 and 4 28 21 12 Percent of BnBs with price between PHP 4 and 5 21 9 6 Percent of BnBs with price between PHP 5 and 6 8 4 6 Percent of BnBs with price between PHP 6 and 7 3 1 0 Percent of BnBs with price between PHP 7 and 8 10 13 14 Source: Vreeke et al. (2009)

To be fair, Gloor (2009) notes that the competition that BnBs/BNBs had posed in the

domestic pharmaceutical market—aside from the MRP/GMAP-mandated price reduction—

has brought down the local prices of drugs. Thus, the prices of innovator medicines have

gone down through their generic counterparts in BnB/BNB, or sold by the private drugstores

throughout the country. It is as if the BnBs/BNBs and private pharmacies selling generics

have brought down the once-dominant sellers of innovator drugs, causing them to lower their

prices dramatically. Now, the table is being turned, with discounted innovator drugs

outpricing the BnB/BNBs. It must be noted at this point that the period 2009/2010 was

marked by high instability in drug prices because of the combined effect of PDI, the sudden

emergence of generic pharmaceutical franchising, 6 and the implementation of the

MRP/GMAP. Thus, the data in Table 13 must be treated with caution.

The BnBs’ and BNBs’ role in increasing the contestability of the local drug market is

an important role that the government plays, even if BnBs/BNBs now have prices that may be

6 Such as The Generics Pharmacy.

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a bit higher than alternative private suppliers. Some quarters fear that if BnBs/BNBs

withdraw completely from supplying the local market, private suppliers might raise their

prices again to “precontested” levels. This is a strategic consideration that should be taken

into account about the future of BnBs/BNBs.

Program sustainability

1. Sponsoring organizations and functionality. Although the BnB was originally conceived as

an LGU initiative, the EU survey (Vreeke et al. 2009) (n=302) has shown that most (47%) of

BnBs seen were actually sponsored by private entities or individuals (Table 14); an additional

11 percent were sponsored by the barangay health worker. The minority (42%) were

sponsored by government entities. It appears that BnBs continue to receive support from the

LGU after a change in administration, mainly because they are politically popular.

Table 14. Number of BnBs by sponsoring organization or individual, 2009

Sponsor Number Percent

Private 142 47 Barangay council 57 19 Other LGUs 35 12 Barangay health worker 34 11 Other government-related interests 34 11 Total 302 100 Source: Vreeke et al. (2009)

How many BnBs are functional? The EU survey (2009) defined functionality in terms

of alternative indicators, and these are shown in Table 15:

(a) The BnB was open and the operator was present at the time of the survey. A high

87 percent of the 302 BnBs actually visited were still functional. Of the 34 BnBs that were no

longer functional as of the date of the survey, the reasons for closure included no demand for

products; resupply problems; and financial difficulties in keeping the business up. Political

interference was cited by just one BnB operator.

Data from NCPAM-DOH showed that since 2003 when the BnB program started, a

total of 1,920 have closed, representing 11.7 percent of all BnBs that were established. The

regions with the highest rates of BnB closure were ARMM (57.2 percent), Eastern Visayas

(22.6 percent), Calabarzon (22.1 percent), and Central Visayas (16.3 percent).

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(b1) Sales were over PHP 18,000 per year, which was related to the use of the seed

capital of PHP 25,000 over 18 months. Less than a third (27%) met this functionality

definition.

(b2) Sales were over PHP 12/person/year. Only a quarter (25%) met this functionality

definition.

(c) The main management tools of sales book, inventory register, and prescription

register were available. Only 7 percent of the BnBs met this functionality definition and only

2 percent were up to date with their business data.

Table 15. Functionality of BnBs using alternative definitions, 2009

Indicator Number Percent

Open BnB and present operator - Functional BnBs 297 87 - Nonfunctional BnBs 34 13 - Total BnBs actually visited 302 100

Gross sales level - BnBs with annual sales > PHP 18,000 104 27 - BNBs with annual sales < PHP 18,000 136 35 - Not reported 149 38 - Total BnBs in the original + substituted sample 389 100

Per capita sales level - BnBs with annual per person sales >PHP 12 97 25 - BnBs with annual per person sales <PHP 12 130 33 - Not reported 162 42 - Total BnBs in the original and substituted sample 389 100

Operational management system - BnBs with annual sales > PHP 18,000 + 3 registers present 26 7 - BnBs with annual sales > PHP 18,000 + 3 registers present +

up-to-date data 8 2

- Total BnBs in the original and substituted sample 389 - Source: Vreeke et al. (2009)

2. Financial condition. The NCPAM (n.d.) reports that the BNBs are earning, and some of

the best-practice BnBs have PHP 100,000 in their bank accounts. The typical BnB, however,

is just struggling along (median sales of PHP 14,000 per year), and about half of them

reported undesirable sales figures. Out of the 240 BnBs with financial data analyzed in the

2009 EU study, 54 percent were deemed acceptable or desirable, i.e., with sales of at least

PHP 24,000 per annum (Table 16). However, almost half (46%) of the BnBs had annual sales

figures of PHP 24,000, which was deemed undesirable. Thus, economic viability remains

precarious for many of the BnBs. Because of the large variance in sales, it has been suggested

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that the package of seed capital given to BnBs be customized to the market and catchment

area of the BnB.

Table 16. Level of gross sales of BnBs, 2009

Sales Level Number Percent

Desirable - Sales PHP 48,000 and above 33 14 Acceptable – Sales between PHP 24,000 and 48,000 97 40 Undesirable – Sales less than PHP 24,000 110 46 Total 240 100 Source: Vreeke et al. (2009)

It is not clear whether the BnB sponsors had any training in financial management and

related skills. Some observers note that the program should not expect barangay health

workers, who manage most BnBs, to be conversant with financial management, since

admittedly their training has been on other skills. For this reason, it has been suggested that

BnBs increasingly be focused on those with entrepreneurial skills and adept at financial

management, such as sari-sari (variety store) owners.

Unlike BnBs that are supplied solely by PITC and must pay for every delivery they

receive, The Generics Pharmacy does consignment for its franchisees, which can also get

medicines from other sources. Under consignment, the supplier (consignor) provides an

inventory of drugs to a retailer, which pays only the items that it is able to sell. This is an

important distinction between BnBs and for-profit franchisees that confers on the latter a

distinct advantage. The Generics Pharmacy also tends to advertise more, thus attracting more

customers.

The discount given to senior citizens (as called for under the law) is a key factor in the

financial condition of BnBs. Senior customers are entitled to a 20 percent discount, but the

markup enjoyed by BnB outlets is only 7–8 percent of the catalogue price of PITC. Thus, for

each senior customer purchase, the BnB suffers an outright loss of 12–13 percent. The total

loss can be considerable, especially at the startup period of the BnB, and more so if it is just a

small or medium-sized outlet.

Observers claim that it is not profitable to run a BnB on a stand-alone basis. Its

smallness works against efforts to make it sustainable. Indeed, sales are too low for many of

them. To address this issue, it has been suggested that non-economical BnBs should be

allowed to fold up, and an alternative approach utilizing already-existing structures (such as

variety stores) as drug outlets should be pursued.

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3. Market competition. The BnBs have had important demonstration effects. Realizing that

low-cost retail of drugs can be profitable (as shown by the best BnBs), for-profit drug

franchise operations have mushroomed quickly, most notably The Generics Pharmacy, the

first generics retail pharmacy to franchise in the Philippines. It is now reputed to have 1,100

franchisees nationwide (as of June 2011) and is the fastest-growing drugstore in the country.

For-profit franchise upstarts that followed in its wake include K2 Drugs, Pharmaquick 24,

Emmaflor, and Johnston Drugs. The Watsons Drugstore chain has also branched out rapidly,

with 247 pharmacies nationwide. The BnB idea itself branched out to the larger Botika ng

Bayan (BNB), which operates on the same franchise format as its private sector counterparts.

Despite the still precarious situation of BnBs, the Drugstore Association of the Philippines

now views them as undue competition.

Overall assessment and operational recommendations

The BnB program has rapidly grown in terms of number, but the systems requirements to

make the BnBs effective, efficient, and sustainable have lagged behind. In January 2011, the

DOH placed a moratorium on additional BnBs, until the systems problems are fixed. The

following problem areas need particular attention:

(a) To stabilize the supply and prices of drugs in BnBs, the DOH is considering

alternative options to pool procurements, impose order, and monitor drug quality. The

National Center for Pharmaceutical Access and Management (NCPAM), working in tandem

with the CHDs, plans to identify and formulate a list of legitimate drug suppliers that will be

allowed to supply quality drugs to BnBs at the prices set by DOH. BnB operators will not be

allowed to obtain supplies outside of those on the list.

(b) New location strategies need to be formulated on account of emerging competition

from the private sector. The BnBs should focus on really poor but viable areas, and the

budget request for additional BnBs should reflect these concerns. Moreover, a new set of

criteria should be set to determine the location of new BnBs, including the distance of the

closest BnB, the location of other (private) retail outlets, population size in the catchment

area of the BnB, and economic and poverty conditions in the area.

(c) Capacity building of BnB operators need to be given more prominence. Skills in

basic drug retail management, pharmaceutical operations, stock and inventory management,

and accounting and record-keeping should be given priority. DOH is partnering with the

Philippine Pharmacists Association to provide training on “pharma-preneurship” and good

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pharmaceutical practices. NCPAM plans to come up with a standard training manual for BnB

operators.

(d) CHD supervision is key to ensuring the viability of BnBs. Toward this end, the

supervising pharmacists shall be required to monitor the income of the BnBs to help the

regional CHDs target their assistance.

(e) The AO establishing the BnB program has to be revamped. NCPAM is now

finalizing the revised guidelines for the BnB program, addressing such issues as drug re-

supply, the need for pharmacist services, and other operational issues. NCPAM also needs to

rethink the overall strategy for the BnBs given the changed market for pharmaceuticals with

the recent entry of private local suppliers, the viability and long-term sustainability of BnBs,

the cost-effectiveness of the traditional village pharmacy model, and alternative models that

could be considered.

(f) For BnBs that have matured beyond their original mandate, and have good

financial and operational management practices, NCPAM intends to assist them become

licensed as regular pharmacies. The benchmark is that they should reach an income level

close to the average income of a small private retail outlet.

Despite the current problems, the BnB program provides a strong signal from

government of its commitment to promote affordable and quality drugs. The role of BnBs

and BNBs in reducing prices through competition is an important consideration. These

outlets have helped ease the contestability of the local drug market, which used to be

dominated by one large chain store. There are well-founded fears that the drastic reduction, if

not complete stoppage, of the BnB program could signal to the private sector to resume high-

price regimes since there is no longer competition.

The smallness of the BnB as an economic enterprise can be addressed if it is allowed

to operate also as a sari-sari (variety) store. More to the point, rural drug distribution should

be restrategized to tap already-existing rural stores, which can then sell OTC drugs on the

side. Along this thrust, a pooling or aggregator mechanism can be more easily employed to

join together the resupply mechanisms of a group of sari-sari stores, following the logistics

mechanism of the other products that they sell.

Proposal for program impact evaluation

With existing data, it is impossible to isolate the impact of the parallel drug importation and

the involvement of PITC in logistics on BnB operations, costs, and effectiveness. Current

comparisons between BnB and alternative (private) retail sources of drugs are erroneous

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because they are comparing different drug importation modes, institutional structures, and

subsidized and unsubsidized logistics and distribution systems. It is necessary to isolate the

individual effects of these factors, and Table 17 proposes a method to do this.

Table 17. Proposed design for an impact evaluation of BnB and BNB

Importation Mode Institutional Structure Owner Dependent on DOH/CHD Distribution Logistics

Generics sourced via PDI (subsidized)

BnB Government Yes (subsidized) BnB Private Yes (subsidized) BNB Nonprofit Yes (subsidized) BNB For-profit Yes (subsidized)

Private retail pharmacy For-profit Yes (subsidized) Generics sourced outside of PDI (unsubsidized)

Rural pharmacy Government Yes (subsidized) Town pharmacy NGO No (unsubsidized

Private retail pharmacy For-profit7 No (unsubsidized) Source: This study

Review of the Botika ng Bayan8 Program

Program description

The Botika ng Bayan (BNB) program aims to establish one BNB outlet per municipality,

using the franchising business format. BNBs are flagship outlets of the CMP of the

government. The eligible applicants are NGOs and cooperatives; trade and labor unions or

employees’ associations; corporate foundations and religious groups; senior citizens and

women’s groups; and sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.

Like the BnBs, BNBs rely on parallel drug importation, mainly from India and

Pakistan, though they also carry local branded generic drugs. Most of the medicines being

imported under this program are for asthma, hypertension, and diabetes.

Some special outlets under the BNB network are:

• Botika sa Parokya, which are operated by the Social Action Centers of parishes.

Funding for the initial stocks was provided by the Office of Religious Affairs of the

Catholic Church through the PCSO. Eight as of end-2009.

• Coops for Christ. Fourteen as of end-2009.

7Including franchise drugstores, such as Generics Pharmacy. 8This program is not explicitly included in the scope of work. This report includes it in order to provide a complete picture of the pharmaceutical retail initiatives under the CMP of the government.

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• Military and police outlets, which are operated respectively by the Armed Forces of

the Philippines Commissary and the Philippine National Police Service Stores. Six as

of end-2009.

• Philippine Government Employees Association outlets. Nine as of end-2009.

• State colleges and universities outlet. One in Cavite as of end-2009.

• LGU outlets. Six as of end-2009, in the provinces of Cavite, Mindoro Oriental,

Zamboanga Sibugay, and Sulu; and in the cities of Malolos (Bulacan) and Ozamis

(Misamis Occidental).

The requirements for prequalification are: valid and current registration as an

institution (Securities and Exchange Commission, Cooperative Development Authority,

Department of Labor, or other relevant agency); minimum revolving capital of PHP 500,0009

for the project as evidenced by a certification issued by an authorized bank; proposed location

plan (floor area of at least 15 sq m) and vicinity map; and capability to comply with the

documentation, technical and other requirements of FDA in the filing of application for a

license to operate as a drugstore, including the availability of the services of a licensed

pharmacist.

The BNB proponent signs a memorandum of agreement with the PITC stipulating the

following key terms and conditions:

• PITC will supply all drugs and medicines and other consumer products, which will be

sold in the BNB outlet. No other products will be sold by the BNB. The BNB outlet

must maintain the following monthly purchase of drugs from PITC:

o PHP 10,000 for BNBs in 1st–5th class cities or 1st class municipalities;

o PHP 7,500 for BNBs in 6th class cities or 2nd– 4th class municipalities; and

o PHP 5,000 for BNBs in 5th– 6th class municipalities.

• The BNB will sell the drugs at no more than the prescribed MRP (or GMAP).

Violation of this condition will allow PITC to revoke the accreditation of the BNB as

participant in the program. BNB outlets will be required to provide qualified senior

citizens with the standard price discount in accordance with existing laws.

• PITC will arrange training support to the supervising pharmacist and other BNB

personnel.

9Minimum initial capital was originally set at PHP 300,000 for 1st–5th class cities or 1st class municipalities; PHP 200,000 for 6th class cities or 2nd–4th class municipalities; and PHP 100,000 for 5th–6th class municipalities.

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• PITC will arrange for standard signages, collaterals, and product lists in the retail

outlets.

• PITC will provide BNB outlets with certificates of product registration as well as

BFAD/FDA reports of analysis for all batches of drug supplies delivered.

• For all deliveries from PITC or its designated distributor, the BNB will pay in full

through a thirty-day postdated check. Late payments are subject to an interest rate of 2

percent per month. Failure to remit payments for previous deliveries will allow PITC

to withhold processing of follow-up orders.

• Returns or exchanges of products delivered by PITC are allowed only within seven

working days from the date of the delivery. Returns are accepted only in cases of

defective or tampered packaging; inability of PITC to provide the required certificate

or product registration or report of analysis of the batches or lots delivered; and when

the remaining shelf or usable life of the product is less than six months.

In turn, the BNB operator agrees to (a) provide the initial capitalization of the outlet

and the inventory of medicines to be sold; (b) shoulder the overhead, manpower, legal, and

other expenses required to operate the outlet; (c) purchase the standard program signage and

other collaterals from PITC for use in the outlet; (d) display, in a prominent location and

within sight of consumers, the product list and MRPs, the license to operate, and the

certificate of accreditation; (e) when requested, and subject to further negotiation, share in the

expenses for marketing and advertising support for the program; and (f) comply with the

reporting and monitoring requirements which may be instituted by PITC and DOH/FDA in

connection with the program. Following the issuance of BFAD/FDA of the license to operate,

the operator posts a surety bond of PHP 500,000 in favor of PITC to guarantee faithful

compliance with the terms and conditions of the program.

The BNB idea itself has evolved into a derivative format called BNB Express, which

requires a smaller investment (PHP 30,000) for the initial set of medical stocks. BNB

Expresses are also privately run outlets. They are supervised by an institutional pharmacist or

a territorial one who goes around similar BNBs.

Program performance

1. Extent of BNBs. Since the program started in 2005, the cumulative number of BNBs has

continued to rise, peaking at 2,256 in 2010 (Figure 7). However, the annual addition to BNBs

has declined from a peak of 347 in 2007 to only 61 in 2010.

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Figure 7. Annual and cumulative number of BNBs established, 2005–2010 (end of year)

Source: Botika ng Bayan Secretariat, PITC. www.botikangbayan.com.ph

Do BNBs improve access? Table 18 shows the regional distribution of BNBs and the

population/BNB by region. As expected, the regions with the densest concentration of BNBs

are NCR and the surrounding areas of Region III (Central Luzon) and IV-A (Calabarzon),

which are also the most affluent regions. The regions with the next level of concentration are

I (Ilocos), CAR, II (Cagayan Valley), IV-B (Mimaropa), and V (Bicol). The poorest regions

(all of Mindanao and Region VIII or Eastern Visayas) have expectedly the least concentration

of BNBs.

Table 18. Number of BNB outlets by region and population/BNB, 2010

Region No. of BNB (2010)

Regional Population in Mn

(2007)

Population/BNB

I – Ilocos 142 4.6 32,394 CAR – Cordillera Administrative Region

42 1.5 35,714

II – Cagayan Valley 77 3.1 40,260 III – Central Luzon 251 9.7 38,645 NCR – Metro Manila 2,256 11.6 5,142 IV-A – Calabarzon 309 11.7 37,864 IV-B – Mimaropa 77 2.6 33,766 V – Bicol 88 5.1 57,955 VI – Western Visayas 149 6.8 45,638

995

263347 318 272

61

995

1,258

1,605

1,923

2,195 2,256

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

119

VII – Central Visayas 101 6.4 63,366 VIII – Eastern Visayas 42 3.9 92,857 IX – Zamboanga Peninsula

41 3.2 78,049

X – Northern Mindanao

35 4.0 114,286

XI – Davao 53 4.2 79,245 XII – Soccsksargen 44 3.8 86,364 Caraga 22 2.3 104,545 ARMM 10 4.1 410,000 Total 2,256 88.6 39,273 Source of basic data: BNB Secretariat; Philippine Statistical Yearbook (2010)

The BNB target is to have one BNB for each city or municipality. Given this program

target, Figure 8 shows the percentage of cities and municipalities in each region with a BNB.

At end-2010, it was estimated that around 1,000 municipalities were not yet served by a

BNB.

Figure 8. Percentage of cities and municipalities with BNB, by region, as of May 2010

Source: Lavado (2011)

2. Rational drug use. The BNB drugs were also selected based on the most prevalent causes

of mortality and morbidity, not on DALYs, which are the more accurate and appropriate basis

for drug selection. Nevertheless, because BNBs offer a wider selection of drugs (including

6.8 9.1 1115.1 16.1

26.5 29.2 31.838.6 39.1 40 41.6 43 43.8

60 63.4

100

120

curative and asymptomatic conditions), they seem more able to address the health conditions

of their catchment populations far more than what BnBs are capable of doing.

There is no data on the prescribing and dispensing behavior of BNBs, but one can

surmise the lack of supervising pharmacists is also a problem, especially for municipalities

further out.

3. Cost efficiency vis-a-vis the private sector. No study has been done on the pricing of BNBs

relative to other pharmaceutical suppliers.

Program sustainability

1. Mortality rate. Table 19 shows the types of BNB and the number that have been closed.

Out of the 2,256 BNBs established, 137 have closed as of end-2010 for a total mortality or

closure rate of 6 percent. Note, however, that BNBs are private businesses which can be sold.

Indeed, cursory search in the Internet shows BNBs for sale in Bulacan and Davao. One is

reportedly being sold for PHP 130,000 (Davao).

Table 19. Types of BNB by major island group and number of BNBs that have closed, as of end-2010

Type Luzon Visayas Mindanao Closed Pending Application

Total

Full 259 23 20 47 - 349 DSAP 466 93 62 27 34 682 NDSAP 777 176 120 63 73 1,207 Government agency 7 - 3 - - 10 Private Pharma program

2 - - - - 2

Military camp 6 - - - - 6 Total 1,515 292 205 137 107 2,256 Source: PITC Pharma

2. Financial condition of BNBs. Based on PITC’s financial projections (Table 20), a typical

BNB should demonstrate profit of PHP 304,400 per year, out of total sales of PHP 6 million.

This is an idealized model, and little is known of the actual financial condition of BNBs.

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Table 20. Estimated annual projected marginal statement of operations, in PHP

Sales 6,000,000 Variable Costs Cost of sales 4,800,000 Supplies expense 36,000 Utilities 72,000 Repairs 150,000 Communications 25,000 Taxes and licenses 27,500 Advertising expense 30,000 Miscellaneous 10,000 5,150,500 Contribution margin 849,500 Fixed costs Salaries and wages 216,000 SSS, PHIC, HMDF 21,600 Insurance expense 13,500 13th month pay 18,000 Security expense 96,000 Lease expense 120,000 Interest expense 60,000 545,000 Profit 304,400 Source: PITC Pharma, Inc.

Overall assessment

The BNB format (franchise) is far more structured than the BnB. Its for-profit nature has

built-in incentives for the owner to perform better; the owner can also sell the business, and

there is a domestic market for such business sale. The BNB urban market is also more stable

than the BnB rural market.

The supply replenishment of the BNB has been less of a problem than the BnB:

there is an agreed-upon resupply of drugs under the franchise agreement with PITC

Pharma, which the BnB agreement with the CHD does not have.

Competition from the private sector is getting more keen; the future of the BNB

will depend on how well PITC Pharma manages its franchise network.

BNBs are less of a budget concern since they are the responsibility of PITC

Pharma as a government-owned and -controlled corporation.

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Review of the PHP100 Treatment Pack Program

Program description

The PHP100 treatment pack program solves two constraints in pharmacy prescription at the

same time. On the one hand, compliance packaging helps address the need for patients to

adhere to their medication schedule. This is a practice that has been in place in long-term care

pharmacies in developed countries for years. On the other hand, “tipid” (thrift) packs have

increasingly been used in the Philippines for the marketing of products such as shampoo,

detergents, cooking oil, cell phone load, cigarettes, and alcoholic drinks. Thus, the PHP100

treatment pack combines these two concepts in an innovative marketing approach that takes

into cognizance both the medical necessity of drug compliance as well as households’ ability

to pay for drugs.

The PHP100 treatment pack was patterned after the Walmart USD4 Prescription

Program for Americans without health insurance. This program now has 300 drugs.

The DOH initiated the PHP100 Treatment Pack10 ( PHP100 for short, and also known

as the “Tipid” or Thrift Pack) Program in December 2008 to widen people’s access to

prepackaged generic drugs with an affordability limit of PHP100 or lower. The intention is

to encourage patients to take the full course of their drug treatment regimen (i.e., improve

compliance), instead of patients buying them in individual tablets or capsules that end up

being more expensive and often leads to discontinuance once the patient feels well enough.

The drugs are packaged in a full set. Thus, the program meets two key pharmaceutical

objectives at once: (a) improving the availability of quality-assured drugs at affordable prices,

and (b) promoting the rational use of medicines. The program was piloted in 72 DOH-

retained hospitals and 28 LGU hospitals.

The program includes 24 drugs most commonly used, including antibiotics,

antihypercholesterolemia, antiarthritis, antiasthma, antidiabetes, and Vitamin C. Table 21

shows these medicines, their dosages and treatment course, and the common brand. Of the 17

brands on the PHP100 list, five are in the Essential Drug List, the prices of which have gone

down dramatically following the implementation of the MRP/GMAP. In addition, seven

other drugs have since been included in the PHP100 list after the MRP/GMAP was

implemented.

10It is now rebranded as the DOH Complete Treatment Pack Program, to take account of some drug packages that are priced higher or lower than PHP100 per pack.

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Table 21. Drugs included in the PHP100 program and peso savings per treatment pack relative to the common brand, 2010

Group Drugs Common Brand Treatment Course

Quantity Per Pack

Anti-infectives (7) Amoxicillin 500 mg cap

Amoxil 3x a day for 7 days

21

Co-amoxiclav11 625 mg tablet

Augmentin 2x a day for 7 days

14

Cefalexin 500 mg cap Keflex 3x a day for 7 days

21

Ciprofloxacin 500 mg tab

- 2x a day for 7 days

14

Clindamycin 150 mg cap

Dalacin C 4x a day for 7 days

28

Cotrimoxazole 160 mg tab

Bactrim 2x a day for 7 days

14

Metronidazole 500 mg tab

Flagyl 3x a day for 7 days

30

Antiasthma (1) Salbutamol 2 mg/2.5 mL nebules

Ventolin 3-4x a day or as needed

9

Antihypertensive (2)

Amlodipine 10 mg tab Norvasc 1 tab once a day 6 Felodopine ER 10 mg tab

Plendil ER 1 tab once a day 3

Felodipine ER 2.5 mg tab

Plendil ER 1 tab once a day 7

Felodipine ER 5 mg tab

Plendil ER 1 tab once a day 5

Antihyperlipidemic (1)

Simvastatin 10 mg tab Zocor 1 tab once a day 15 Simvastatin 20 mg tab Zocor 1 tab once a day 18 Simvastatin Zocor 1 tab once a day 4

Gout preparation (1)

Allopurinol 100 mg tab

Zyloprim 1 tab once a day 30

Oral hypoglycemic (2)

Melformin 500 mg tab Glucophage 3x a day 90 Glibenclamide 5 mg tab

Daonil 1 tab once a day 30

Antacids and antiulcerants (2)

Omeprazole 20 mg capsule

Losec 1 tab once a day 15

Ranitidine 150 mg tab Zantac 1 tab once a day 28 Antihypertensive (3)

Amlodopine 5 mg tab Norvasc 1 tab once a day 12 Atenolol 50 mg tab Tenormin 1 tab once a day 14 Metropolol 100 mg tab

Betaloc 1 tab once a day 30

Metropolol 50 mg tab Betaloc 2x a day 90 Vitamins (1) Ascorbic Acid 500 mg

tab Cecon 1 tab once a day 30

Source: DOH (2009)

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Program performance

1. Potential program benefits. In health care settings in developed countries where

compliance packaging has been the norm for some time, the benefits of treatment packs

include: effective treatment of a condition; establishing optimal dosing; incorporation of all

medications (prescriptions and nonprescriptions); more effective communications between

health professionals and patients; providing clarity and transparency of treatment

expectations and objectives of the program; maximizing drug utilization while minimizing

waste; simplifying compliance with labeling and record-keeping requirements; minimizing

need to consult a physician for routine administrative matters; and appropriate handling and

disposal of confidential material (OCP 2011). No impact evaluation of the PHP100 program

has been undertaken, and it would be useful to assess how far these potential benefits have

been realized so far.

2. Cost comparison and savings to the patient. Table 22 shows the selling price of the

common brand vis-a-vis the PHP100 for a complete treatment, and the associated savings for

the purchase of the latter. Two data sets are available for analysis, and they show the

following:

Table 22. Price comparison of PHP100 treatment pack with equivalent common brand in Oriental

Mindoro pilot and overall DOH, 2009

Drugs DOH, 2009 Oriental Mindoro, 2009

Selling Price of Common

Brand

PHP (A)

PHP100 Selling Price

PHP (B)

DOH

PHP Savings

(A-B)

Selling Price of

Common Brand

PHP

PHP100 Selling Price

PHP

Savings

PHP

Allopurinol 100 mg tab

204.90 50.00 154.90 204.90 27.00 177.90

Amlodipine 10 mg tab

448.50 100.00 348.50 - - -

Amlodopine 5 mg tab

507.00 100.00 407.00 633.75 94.80 538.95

Amoxicillin 500 mg cap

214.20 70.00 144.20 - - -

Ascorbic Acid 500 mg tab

169.50 50.00 119.50 - - -

Atenolol 50 mg tab 403.90 70.00 333.90 - - - Cefalexin 500 mg cap

561.75 100.00 461.75 - - -

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Ciproflaxacin 500 mg tab

- - - 1,022.00 25.20 996.80

Clindamycin 150 mg cap

1,120.00 100.00 1,020.00 - - -

Cotrimoxazole 160 mg tab

382.20 25.00 357.20 - - -

Felodopine ER 10 mg tab

196.11 100.00 96.11 - - -

Felodipine ER 2.5 mg tab

198.80 100.00 98.80 198.80 80.50 118.30

Felodipine ER 5 mg tab

201.85 100.00 101.85 - - -

Glibenclamide 5 mg tab

306.00 25.00 281.00 306.00 16.50 289.50

Melformin 500 mg tab

733.50 100.00 633.50 733.50 81.00 652.50

Metropolol 100 mg tab

786.00 100.00 686.00 - - -

Metropolol 50 mg tab

1,377.00 100.00 1,277.00 - - -

Metronidazole 500 mg tab

591.00 50.00 541.00 591.00 28.50 562.50

Omeprazole 20 mg capsule

1,904.25 75.00 1,829.25 253.90 90.00 163.90

Ranitidine 150 mg tab

896.00 75.00 821.00 896.00 64.40 995.50

Salbutamol 2 mg/2.5 mL nebules

230.85 100.00 130.85 254.70 95.85 158.85

Simvastatin 10 mg tab

615.00 75.00 540.00 615.00 74.25 540.75

Simvastatin 20 mg tab

738.00 100.00 638.00 - - -

Simvastatin 164.00 100.00 64.00 - - - Co-amoxiclav12 625 mg tablet

1,190 500.00 690.00 - - -

Source: DOH (2009)

• The wider DOH 2009 price comparison shows that the savings range from PHP 64.00

to PHP 1,829. For instance, ranitidine (brand name Zantac) costs PHP 32 each. If

needed for 28 days, the cost would be PHP 896. But with the PHP100 pack, the

regimen would only cost PHP 100, saving for the patient PHP 821.

• The 2009 price comparison for Oriental Mindoro, where the program was pilot-tested

under the PHO, shows that that the savings range from PHP 158.85 to PHP 995.50.

Since the PHP100 program was initiated, the market for generics drugs in the

Philippines has boomed, with the rapid growth of the private-for-profit The Generics 12Special bonus package

126

Pharmacy as well as similar generic compliance-pack initiatives of the private pharmacy

chain Watsons (using Pharex products) and Rite-Med branded generics (using Unilab

products). Thus, price comparison of the PHP100 treatment pack should also be made with

these newer initiatives.

3. Beneficiaries. The PHP100 packs are dispensed at DOH-retained and selected LGU

hospitals, which are mostly patronized by the poor and lower middle class. However, there

has been poor record-keeping of those who had actually obtained these treatment packs. If the

program is to be targeted better, a tracking system needs to be put in place.

There have been allegations of leakage, with sporadic anecdotal accounts of

“balikbayans” (returning Filipino expatriates) purchasing large volumes of PHP100 packs to

be brought home. There is no available data on the volume of this leakage.

This program was rebranded as the DOH Complete Treatment Pack Program, and

beginning 2011, was to branch out into three subprograms with different sets of beneficiaries

as explained below.

4. Rational drug use. The PHP100 treatment pack program was intended to improve

adherence to medication. With its rebranding and relaunch as the DOH Complete Treatment

Pack program, it is envisioned to be offered more widely to indigent Filipinos. Thus,

medications for common acute infections and maintenance drugs for hypertension, diabetes,

and high cholesterol will be provided for free to the poor CCT recipients, on the following

conditions: (a) the patient consults with the RHU physician; (b) the patient has a DSWD ID

number and/or PhilHealth number as being covered under the PHIC Sponsored Program; and

(c) the patient adheres to the regimen prescribed by the RHU doctor and constantly does

follow-up.

5. Delivery challenges. A major criticism of this program is the limited number of access

points. So far, only DOH hospitals and a limited number of LGU hospitals are dispensing

with PHP100 packs. Region VII is considering expansion of this program beyond the existing

access points; other regions may follow suit. However, with the expansion of the delivery

network, stock availability needs to be improved. DOH and regional PHP100 coordinators

will also be necessary. Stock inventory and delivery remain major problems for this program.

Good PHP100 practices have been culled from the experience of Oriental Mindoro,

and these may be worth disseminating. In this province, the PHP100 stocks are delivered

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through the Regional Store, using the Provincial Hospital Depot. The distribution outlets

include all the government hospitals; the RHUs and BnBs are being eyed as potential outlets.

Promotion is done through trimedia (print, TV, and radio). Support is obtained from all

government health personnel in hospitals, RHUs, and the interlocal health zones.

Finally, the drug list in the PHP100, so far, has been very limited. There is certainly

scope for adding more drugs to this list.

DOH rebranded and relaunched the program in late 2011 to deal with these delivery

challenges. As has been mentioned, the intention is to scale up the program in three ways:

• Providing the treatment packs for free to poor, CCT-receiving families and/or families

deemed indigent and enrolled under the PhilHealth Sponsored Program. DOH will

provide these as a grant to the DSWD-identified 1,021 poor municipalities as part of

the 4Ps/CCT Program. The municipalities’ RHUs will be the program’s access points.

• Selling the treatment packs in participating DOH and LGU hospitals, at allowed

margins inclusive of all applicable discounts. This will ensure the availability of these

drugs to nonpoor patients. Government hospitals may stock these treatment packs in

their pharmacies on a consignment basis. The program could be run as drug revolving

funds at the respective government hospitals.

• Selling the treatment packs in private retail outlets. The NCPAM shall secure

approval from the Department of Finance to allow these sales, exempting the

treatment packs from special discounts and VAT. Private hospitals may also stock

these treatment packs in their pharmacies on a consignment basis.

6. Procurement of treatment packs. The initial supply system was limited to PITC Pharma.

Restocking the hospitals was difficult because of variations in demand/consumption patterns.

PITC Pharma was also beset with operational issues and financial liabilities, which affected

its performance as a procuring agency. With the relaunched treatment pack program,

procurement will be done centrally at DOH-Central Office Bids and Awards Committee

(COBAC) through one-time bidding.

Program sustainability

1. Funding. The DOH initially funded the program with PHP 50 million. Additional technical

and other support was initially provided by WHO, EU, and GTZ. In Oriental Mindoro, the

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PHP100 budget is included in the annual procurement budget for medicines in the different

satellite hospitals (Legaspi n.d.).

The payment is done through fund transfers. The PHP100 project of Oriental Mindoro

indicates that the treatment pack program can be sustainable. Data for the month of

December 2008 alone showed that sales at cost was PHP 459,170 while sales at selling price

was PHP 530,610, yielding a net income of PHP 71,440 (or an annualized net income of PHP

857,280).

NCPAM is now accounting for the initial PHP 50 million that seeded the program in

2008. DOH and LGU hospitals that failed to remit by September 2011 would not be allowed

to participate in the rebranded and relaunched treatment pack program.

The rebranded and relaunched program certainly requires significant funding from

DBM in the initial year. Table 23 lays out the potential funding sources of this program, as

culled from the way it is described in the comments to this report provided by DOH/NCPAM.

These ideas are elucidated in the last section of this chapter.

Table 23. Funding of Treatment Pack Program by type of recipients and classification of households

Classification of Households

Type of

Recipients

Initial

Funding for Treatment Packs

Subsequent

Funding for Treatment Packs

Poor 4Ps/CCT recipients DBM/DOH DBM PhilHealth indigents and Sponsored Program members

DBM/DOH PHIC capitation and/or Outpatient Benefit Package

Nonpoor Public hospitals (DOH, LGUs)

DBM/DOH - Consignment

Drug revolving fund

Private hospitals and clinics

DBM/DOH – Consignment

Drug revolving fund

Note: This table is for illustrative purposes only. No DOH administrative order or Philhealth circular has been issued with respect to the proposals contained in this table. The ideas in this table reflect those culled from the DOH/NCPAM staff comments on the earlier draft of this report. Source: This study

2. Systems support. Systems support was weak for the original PHP100 program, but public

health potential is large. Current monitoring and evaluation system does not provide a unified

and up-to-date information on the use of the initial PHP 50 million that seeded the program.

Only about PHP 19 million have been remitted by participating hospitals after three years.

The COA is now going after these hospitals.

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Supply replenishment by PITC Pharma also remains a major problem. Part of this

problem is the challenge of pooling the demand requirements among DOH and LGU

hospitals for procurement purposes.

Under the new, rebranded treatment pack program, NCPAM plans to computerize the

reporting and monitoring system from the RHUs by 2012. The program will be designed with

clear reporting, monitoring, and accounting procedures. The RHU physicians will be required

to submit quarterly reports to the CHDs on their distribution and utilization of treatment pack

medicines, as well as their inventory levels. A patient registry will be required to provide

information on patient name, DSWD and/or PhilHealth numbers, diagnosis, and medications

given.

3. Need for drug revolving funds. While the PHP100 program can be sustainable, it requires

drug revolving funds (DRFs) in health facilities for the program (and related fee-generating

schemes such as PhilHealth reimbursements, private health insurance reimbursements, and

user fees) to be truly institutionalized. Without such DRFs and an accompanying fee-

retention policy at the local level, health staff would not be as encouraged to offer PHP100

treatment packs for sale. The problem is that not all LGU health facilities have established

DRFs, and revenues for the PHP100 program are usually plowed back to the local treasury,

reducing the incentive of health staff to collect payments.

This is an area that NCPAM and the CHDs need to focus on. Technical assistance,

capacity building, IT hardware and software support, and training are needed to see this

through. As the relaunched treatment pack program is going to be nationwide, the scale of

this effort is going to be large.

4. Use of treatment pack in PhilHealth capitation. In 2009, PhilHealth, in its Circular No. 20,

extended the coverage of the PHP100 program for its Sponsored Members (indigents) to

include their drug consumption outside the hospital (take-home drugs) so that the patient can

complete the full course of treatment. For chronic illness, this often extends to a maximum of

two weeks’ supply of the appropriate PHP100 pack.

PhilHealth is also considering including the treatment pack as an outpatient benefit

package that can be used by patients of outpatient departments, not only patients who were

admitted. Indeed, PhilHealth should seriously plan for the roll-out of its capitation program,

which should involve both government and private physicians as primary care providers

(PCPs). This capitated PCP program could start with the planned roll-out of the rebranded

130

treatment pack as its outpatient pharmacy benefit, both for one-off treatment and for chronic

care patients. The initial funding is expected to be provided by DBM, but PhilHealth

capitation and outpatient benefit package reimbursements should kick in subsequent years.

A major issue that PhilHealth needs to resolve is the very limited amount that it pays

government RHUs for patients under the Sponsored Program. While the program is deemed

operating on a capitation basis, the current level of PHP 300 is pitifully low that policy

analysts have deemed it a “rebate” or “discount”. This is because it is nowhere near the full

amount of a capitated system, estimated to be around PHP 1,200. PhilHealth needs to

accurately calculate this amount, taking into account the need to cover the cost of the

treatment packs that will be provided as a benefit under its Sponsored Program (for indigents)

and for regular members (if and when it decides to extend the OPB to all its members under a

capitation system).

5. Demonstration effects. Despite problems in the PHP100 program, the model has caused

ripple effects in the private sector. Compliance pack marketing programs have been

established by Unilab’s Rite-Med and Watson’s Pharex. Both of these private sector

programs, however, are still focused on the rich and middle class.

Overall assessment and operational recommendations

The PHP100 program is highly innovative in the Philippine context, with a large potential for

reducing out-of-pocket spending, especially on those drugs dealing with chronic care.

However, the program needs to be redesigned and funded adequately from the government

budget (pump-priming) and the PhilHealth capitation program (sustaining). Moreover,

procurement of drugs should be open to the private sector (under COBAC) and not limited to

PITC Pharma. DOH’s Materials Management Division can be the lead unit as it is doing

outsourcing.

Following the above parameters, the new, rebranded DOH complete treatment pack

program is expected to be the main pharmaceutical procurement activity in government, even

as the BnB program is expected to slow down. The treatment pack program will have the

following main features:

(1) Three separate subprograms can be considered, as explained above:

• Treatment packs to be provided for free to poor, CCT-receiving families and families

deemed indigent and enrolled under the PhilHealth Sponsored Program (Subprogram

1).

131

• Treatment packs to be provided to nonpoor families in participating DOH and LGU

hospitals, at allowed margins inclusive of all applicable discounts (Subprogram 2).

• Treatment packs to be provided to patients in private retail outlets (Subprogram 3).

(2) The supply of treatment pack drugs will be open to bidders (private suppliers + PITC

Pharma), since a healthy market for generic drugs has made this possible. Procurement of

these treatment packs will be done centrally through open bidding. The annual needs of

municipalities have been forecasted based on population and epidemiology. This should be

reconciled with what would be made available by DBM as budget in 2012 and subsequent

years.

The availability of budget will also determine whether the program can expand to

include other chronic diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and insulin

for diabetes).

(3) DOH and LGU facilities will be provided with the treatment packs as grants under

Subprogram 1 described above. Only facilities that have remitted the sales revenues from the

original PHP100 treatment pack program will be eligible.

DBM will be asked to fund the “pump-priming” program, but PhilHealth should be

asked to roll out its capitation scheme under the Sponsored Program for indigents, with the

treatment pack as centerpiece benefit for about eight million primary members. PhilHealth

and DSWD targeting systems are being harmonized for this purpose.

(4) DOH and LGU hospitals will also be provided with treatment packs under consignment

basis to be used for nonpoor patients, under Subprogram 2 described above. The supply for

this subprogram could similarly be contracted out to the private sector under a bidding

arrangement (for non-PDI drugs). If local generics prices rise, the government has the option

to go back to PDI as an emergency measure. The initial year’s requirements should be funded

by DBM, with the expectation that the subsequent years’ funding should come increasingly

from PhilHealth’s Outpatient Benefit Package, for PhilHealth members.

(5) Finally, private hospitals and clinics could also be provided with treatment packs under a

consignment basis, under Subprogram 3 described above.

132

Review of the Drug Inventory Management System Supporting the

Government Pharmaceutical Programs

Advantages of PITC Pharma procurement

Are PDI medicines procured by PITC Pharma of good quality? According to an assessment

done by the Management Sciences for Health or MHS (n.d.), three factors guarantee the

quality of PDI medicines (MSH n.d.): (a) the drugs are purchased only from the largest and

most reputable distributors in the country where they are imported from; (b) among branded

imports, only branded products manufactured by reputable multinational companies are

procured; and (c) BFAD/FDA and DOH perform laboratory testing on each batch of PDI

drugs using standards stricter than those used for locally made drugs (MSH n.d.). Despite

these assurances, a few key informants for this study raised the issue of bioequivalence in

PDI drugs. This is a technical issue that is beyond the scope of this review.

Aside from low price and assured quality, the other advantages of LGU and DOH

health facilities buying PDIs from PITC Pharma are as follow (MSH n.d.):

(1) No need for bidding. Since PITC Pharma is a government agency, LGUs and DOH can

simply enter into a negotiated contract with PITC.

(2) Value for money. Because of lower prices offered by PITC Pharma, LGUs can maximize

their drug budgets.

(3) Reasonable payment terms. The PITC is prepared to extend credit within a reasonable

time from the date of delivery. In addition, payment is in pesos, not dollars.

The process through which the medicines procured by PITC Pharma are distributed to

the existing government programs is above board. According to an assessment of LGU

procurements done by Wong and Deluna (2001a), the process involves not only PITC

Pharma but hospital retailers as well. Although this assessment is dated, there is little reason

to suppose the process has changed dramatically since 2001:

- Drug selection. LGU and participating hospitals selects drugs it needs from among the

products available through PITC.

- Quantification. LGU and participating hospitals then estimate the quantities of the

drugs needed, taking into account their available funds (allocation).

- Each LGU and participating hospital submit requirements to the Provincial Health

Officer who will consolidate all the purchase requests (PRs) and then forward the

consolidated PR to the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO).

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- The PGSO processes the PR and, with the approval of the governor, issues a Purchase

Order (PO) to the PITC.

BnB program procurement and inventory management

Table 24 shows the process of distributing PDI drugs under the BnB program.

Table 24. PITC procurement and distribution process for the BnB program

Steps Days Sequence

FOD1 gets advance copy of PR with CAF Day 1 FOD1 checks PR as to dosage form, quantity, and price 1 Convenes meeting among SAM (JAC and CER), LSC, Distribution, BAC Secretariat, IPMU

2

Start of BAC process 3 Pre-bid conference 10 Deadline for submission and opening of bids 25 Bid evaluation/Post qualification 26-28 Approval by the HOPE of the postqualification evaluation sheet 29 Issuance of NOA (Notice of Award) 30 Acceptance of the NOA by the winning bidder (5 days) 31-35 Issuance of the Notice to file Performance Security 36 Posting of Performance Security 38-46 Issuance of Purchase order (PO) and Notice to Proceed (NTP) 39-47 Acceptance of PO and NTP 39-54 Delivery of Medicines to PPI Warehouse 43-84 Completion of Inspection by PPI Quality Assurance (QA) (2 days) 85-86 Inspection by NCPAM/Collection of samples by FDA 87-88 Preparation of sales invoice and property receipts 87-88 Packing by CTSI/ACCLI (7 days) 87-95 Delivery to CHDs (7 to 14 days) 89-95 Retrieval of PODs by CTSI and ACCLI 96-109 Receipt of PODs from CTSI/ACCLI by PPI 110-116 Release of RA from FDA 117-118 Preparation of documents for DOH billing 118 Transmittal of documents to DOH 119 Processing of payment at DOH 120 Transmittal of documents to DBM 121-135 Processing of payment at DBM 136 Release of check to DOH 137-157 Processing of payment to PPI 158 Receipt of payment from DOH by PPI 159-161 Processing of payment to suppliers by PPI 162 PPI releases checks to suppliers Day 163 Source: PITC Pharma

LGUs initially hesitated to participate in retailing the PDI drugs due to the perceived

long lead time for ordering. In the first year when PITC had not yet stocked up, the ordering

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process took as long as four months. However, with PITC stockpiling, rapid distribution was

done as soon as the orders came.

Still, some BnBs have low turnover and face problems with resupply. In Pakil,

Laguna, a UP-Public Health study found that BnBs usually ran out of stocks because of

larger-than-expected demand for drugs. The antibiotics cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin were

usually unavailable in the 11 BnBs studied.

COA auditors also found that between 2005 and 2007, more than PHP 1.5 million

worth of BnB drugs nationwide had expired, mainly because of the procurement of least-

requested drugs. BnBs have to absorb this cost of unsold drugs because rules do not permit

their return to PITC for a refund. The unintended wastage is a consequence of combined

factors including lack of BnB manager’s knowledge of local disease conditions, poor

quantification, weak logistics at CHD offices, and poor inventory and management of BnB

operators. At Region XII in 2007, the large number of the five antibiotic drugs that expired

was due to the absence of a supervising pharmacist needed to dispense them, not so much to

lack of demand. However, there seem to have been an improvement; DOH officials are

confident that there has been no reported expiry of drugs recently.

PHP100 program procurement and inventory management

The PITC procures the PHP100 medicines on behalf of DOH. The PHP100 system enjoys the

benefits of economical bulk procurement as it allows the DOH to consolidate all the drug

requirements of various (small) LGUs and its own retained hospitals. This aspect of the

program is very important but is often not highlighted. With devolution, LGUs became small

procurers, many of them purchasing at highly uneconomical prices, leading to extremely high

prices as documented elsewhere in this report.

With the system of procurement, difficulties in reordering have been experienced

under the PHP100 program, as in the BnB program. To deal with this problem, NCPAM

(n.d.) has proposed a new procurement system outlined in Table 25.

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Table 25. Proposed new procurement system for the PHP100 program

Unit Tasks

CHD Identify one DOH-retained hospital as central processing and distribution agency in each region Through the provincial health offices, identify LGU hospitals in the region who are interested in participating in the PHP100 program Quantify and consolidate the demand volumes for PHP100 within the region Submit the consolidated summary of demand volumes and submit to DOH central office

DOH Central Office

Suballot the budget to the DOH-retained hospital identified in each region as the central processing and distribution agency Identify the approved budget ceiling/allocation for each recipient LGU hospital

DOH hospital

Decide on the appropriate option whether (a) to procure from PITC Pharma, or (b) bid out the d/m competitively to private suppliers (as per RA 9184), inclusive of packaging and labeling Provide the allocation for each recipient hospital Apply for license to operate as distributor/repacker Repack and distribute PHP100 d/m to recipient hospitals

Recipient hospital

Receive PHP100 supplies and sell them What to do with the proceeds of sales and fund management is still to be determined. Discussions with DOF, DBM, DOH, and each LGU to be held

Source: NCPAM n.d.

Review of PITC Mandate and Performance

PITC mandate

PITC is a government-owned and -controlled corporation established by virtue of Presidential

Decree 1071 as amended, under the Department of Trade and Industry. It has over 30 years’

experience in the export, import, and marketing of a wide range of commodities, industrial

products, and consumer goods. It was established in 1973 to take the lead in the Philippine

trade with socialist and other centrally planned economies then in existence.

In August 2004, PITC was designated as the key agency in the implementation of

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s 10-Point Legacy Program, one thrust of which is to

lower the price of essential medicines by 50 percent by 2010. PITC Pharma, Inc. was formed

as a subsidiary to procure the required drugs internationally and distribute them locally.

Under the approved arrangement, PCSO earmarks the money for PITC to procure the drugs,

PITC distributes the purchased drugs to the CHDs, the CHDs will sell to the BnBs within the

respective catchment areas, and the selling price (including markup) will be determined by

the 50 Pharma Project Management Unit.

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Performance of PITC vis-a-vis DOH and LGUs

Ball and Tisocki (2009) assessed the public procurement prices of medicines in the

Philippines based on a survey of DOH-retained, provincial and municipal hospitals in six

regions as well as PITC. The study covered a basket of 50 medicines (originator brands as

well as generics) and compared local prices with the corresponding international reference

prices usually of not-for-profit suppliers. The median price ratio (MPR) indicates how the

local unit price compares with the international reference price. The study (Table 26) finds

the following:

(1) DOH-retained, provincial and municipal hospitals procured generic medicines at

2.9 times the international reference price. When originator brands were procured, they were

on average 15.7 times more than the international reference prices.

(2) For generic procurement, DOH-retained hospitals (MPR 2.2) were generally more

efficient than provincial hospitals (MPR 3.2), and provincial hospitals were more efficient

than municipal hospitals (MPR 3.9).

(3) PITC Pharma was able to procure low-cost generic essential medicines using its

current structures, procuring generics on average at levels similar to the international

reference prices (median MPR 1.0).

(4) PITC parallel-imported originator brands were cheaper than locally available

originator brands and, in some cases, cheaper than publicly procured generic equivalents.

However, PITC Pharma was able to procure generic captopril at prices lower than that of the

parallel-imported originator brand (unit costs PHP 2.4 and 6.7, respectively). Procuring

generics is thus more advantageous for patients although probably less lucrative for PITC

Pharma (HAI Global 2008b).

(5) The overall conclusion is that PITC is more efficient than DOH and LGUs in drug

procurement. Because of this comparative advantage, Ball and Tisocki (2009) recommended

that PITC concentrate on procuring quality generic medicines for the public sector.

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Table 26. Variation of actual procurement price (PHP) of generic amoxicillin and ranitidine at each procurement entity in NCR, Region IV-A, and Region IV-B, 2008

Procurement Entity Region Procurement Price (PHP)

Generic Amoxicillin Generic Ranitidine

DOH-retained hospitals NCR 4.8 5.0 IV-A 4.5 4.3

Provincial hospitals IV-A 7.1 16.2 IB-B 2.9 -

Municipal hospitals NCR 5.0 5.0 NCR 3.0 4.0 IV-A 9.4 14.0 IV-B 2.1 -

Non-DOH hospital NCR 4.0 5.0 BLOM IV-B 2.6 2.7 PITC Pharma NCR 1.3 0.7 Source: HAI Global (2008a)

Performance of PITC vis-a-vis private sector

While PITC outperforms other government procurers (DOH, LGUs) in terms of price, it does

not beat the prices of a private pharmacy selling generics. In Table 27, all four drugs are

cheaper in the generic private pharmacy compared with PITC. Sometimes, PITC was also

beaten by pharmacies selling branded generics (both Salbutamol). Finally, in at least one of

the sampled drugs (Salbutamol 2 mg/5mL syrup), the difference between the PITC generic

and the innovator (branded) drug was surprisingly quite close (PHP 100.10 for PITC and

PHP 108.00 for the innovator drug). These findings indicate that the private sector has a cost

advantage (is more efficient) than PITC, especially for generic drugs.

Table 27. Price comparison of a sample of essential medicines among PITC generic, branded generic, private sector generic, and innovator drugs, 2009 (PHP)

Sample of Essential Medicines PITC Generic Private Sector

Generic Branded Generic

Innovator Drugs

Salbutamol 2 mg tab 4.50 0.50 2.30 7.00 Salbutamol 2 mg/5mL syrup 100.10 25.00 55.75 108.00 Glibenclamide 5 mg tab 5.10 1.50 11.60 16.00 Cotrimixazole 400 mg tab 8.00 1.50 9.50 19.50 Source: Gloor (2009)

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PITC challenges

While PITC outperforms DOH and LGUs in drug procurement, the private sector

outperforms PITC. An assessment done by BIZCLIR (2009) cites some of the reasons for

PITC’s cost disadvantage. These are the remaining challenges it needs to face:

(1) Sustainability. PITC Pharma is funded by the DOH, and its expansion is limited

by the availability of DOH funds. Other non-DOH sources of government funds (PhilHealth,

DRFs of government hospitals) have not evolved in the Philippines to an extent that they

could be tapped by PITC Pharma for financing. Because of these developmental issues,

funding for PITC Pharma has been low and erratic.

(2) Shortcomings in information technology (IT). PITC Pharma has severe

weaknesses in IT and inventory management. It will be challenged to manage the distribution

of drugs even if the money is found. According to an interviewee in the BIZCLIR (2009)

report, “It is 1980 at PITC Pharma, Inc. There are computers, but they’re used as typewriters.

There are spreadsheets, but no database. Information is all entered by hand, and nothing

connects to anything else.”

(3) PITC Pharma has not been able to send a purchasing agent abroad to Southeast

Asia or India. Instead, it is forced to rely on local interlocutors, contacted by phone and e-

mail. It is receiving technical assistance from the European Union, but this consists of a

single embedded technical expert (BIZCLIR 2009).

(4) Competition. Theoretically, there are clear benefits of a large procurement agency

like PITC as it is able to consolidate the individual procurements of each DOH and LGU

health facility and BnB/BNB outlets, thus conferring on it economies of scale to undertake

bulk procurement and negotiate better prices. However, it needs to upgrade its institutional

capacity to do so.

Strategic considerations

Charting the future of PITC Pharma needs to be taken in the context of the overall

government strategy in lowering the price of drugs and oligopolistic elements in the

distribution and retail of drugs. Overall, there has been progress over the past four to five

years, mainly because of the push for PDI and generic drugs, and the emergence of

alternative private sources of drugs, mainly through franchising arrangements.

However, there continues to be serious capacity constraints all over the supply chain:

PITC Pharma lacks more efficient procurement systems and skills training; BnBs remain

fragile enterprises and need institutional support; BNB performance is unknown although

139

they are growing and facing healthy competition from the non-PITC-supported private sector;

and the PHP100 treatment pack program remains very limited in reach, despite its popularity

and rapid expansion.

A major part of the problem is the very small scale of government budget financing

for pharmaceuticals, compared with total pharmaceutical sales in the country. (Added to this

is the huge underutilized potential of PhilHealth to be the main source of pharmaceutical

reimbursement and financing, both for inpatient and outpatient care.) Despite these

limitations, government has been able to make a significant dent on the reduction of

pharmaceutical prices in recent years. Given the structure of the private pharmaceutical sector

in the Philippines, as well as the level of poverty that requires pharmaceutical financing

subsidy, what needs to be highlighted is the importance of the countervailing power of

government in pharmaceutical procurement and distribution.

Thus, existing opportunities to enlarge government financing of pharmaceuticals must

be exploited, including increasing DOH appropriation (e.g., through annual commitment to

finance essential drugs); pooling LGU procurements; persuading PhilHealth management to

expedite and massively increase pharmaceutical benefits, both for inpatient and outpatient

care; and strengthening BnBs and the PHP100 programs so that reflows of pharmaceutical

funds are assured. These external problems must be sorted out, even as PITC Pharma sorts

out its own internal problems.

Alternative options for government drug procurement

Given the large number of Filipinos who remain poor and who rely primarily on government

health services and commodities, there is strong economic basis for government involvement

in the financing of drugs. Indeed, government health financing under the previous

administration fell or remained stagnant, and this trend needs to be arrested. However, there

is no ex-ante basis for government procurement of the drugs and related commodities,

especially if it can be shown that the private sector can do it better at a lower cost.

It must be mentioned parenthetically that controlling the prices of the private sector,

as was done in the GMAP, is politically risky, painful to producers, expensive to monitor,

and engenders unintended consequences such as hoarding and artificial shortages, and

dampening longer-term investments in the sector. Key informants for this study unanimously

endorsed the need for government to increase the financing and improve the procurement and

distribution of medicines for the poor, rather than trying to control prices across the board.

140

The options to dramatically increase pharmaceutical financing cover a much broader

topic than what could be dealt with in this report, e.g., universal health care, PhilHealth

reforms, LGU financing and DOH financing, and potential public-private partnerships. Thus,

the options to be dealt with in this section only cover alternative procurement arrangements.

The following options, not necessarily mutually exclusive, can be considered:

(1) Option 1: Contracting out procurement to international agencies (International

Dispensary Association, UNICEF/Copenhagen, Crown Agents, and others). Key informants

noted that any of these arrangements could be more expensive than the status quo, since they

involve foreign exchange costs and expatriate management.

(2) Option 2: Contracting out procurement to local GMP-certified pharmaceutical

firms. For generics, this is possible since the market has become competitive; local

procurement would hasten the process and ensure an uninterrupted flow of supply (WHO

2009). WHO is providing technical assistance for defining the strategies under this option.

DOH prefers this route using COBAC procedures and the Materials Management Department

as lead unit. However, this requires pooling of procurements at the national level for

economies of scale to be gained.

(3) Option 3: Expand the drug consignment system now in place in certain

government health facilities. Under this system, the private supplier places its drugs in a

government health facility, and the latter pays as it consumes the stocks. Thus, the

problematic areas of inventory and logistics management is “privatized” as these risks are

turned over to the private supplier and not internalized by the government health facility. For

instance, expired drugs will not be used and paid. This consignment system was pioneered in

the Southern Philippines Medical Center (PIDS 2011), and has since been adopted in other

government (LGU) hospitals as well, e.g., Negros Oriental Province.

(4) Option 4: Central purchasing via a Public/Private Partnership “Service Access

Program” of the PHAP. This idea was broached by PHAP representatives, but the concept

note is still being finalized.

(5) Option 5: Strengthen PITC Pharma. The capacity-building program should

address the logistics, information technology, staff skills, and management gaps already

identified earlier. In addition, greater attention should be placed toward developing a more

transparent, open, and competitive procurement system.

Note that the overall problem in this area is rooted in poor government financing of

drugs and the fragmented drug procurements (arising from the devolution of health services)

141

that need to be pooled through some mechanism. The procurement agency problem, which is

the focus of this section, is secondary.

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