HIV Alarming:Marcos to Declare Health Emergency
2 min read
JUNE 04,2025
DOH warns PH may hit 400,000 HIV cases by 2025 if left unchecked.
HIV Alarming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is seriously considering declaring HIV a national public health emergency, following an alarming surge in cases, especially among young Filipinos, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on June 4.
HIV Alarming DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa revealed that President Marcos has shown strong interest in mobilizing a whole-of-government response, similar to the country’s COVID-19 approach. This comes after the DOH reported a staggering 500% increase in new HIV cases across the country.
HIV Alarming-Highest in the Western Pacific
From January to March 2025, the country recorded an average of 57 new HIV cases daily, putting the Philippines at the top of the Western Pacific Region for the highest number of new infections.
“If this trend continues unchecked, we’re looking at over 400,000 HIV cases by the end of 2025,” Herbosa warned. “Right now, we already have 215,000 Filipinos living with HIV, and the numbers are rising fast.”
HIV Alarming a Call for Collective Action
In a press interview, Herbosa stressed that only the President can make the emergency declaration, which would allow the government to adopt a unified, fast-tracked response. “I’ve already drafted the proposal outlining the steps we need to take,” he said. “It’s patterned after the COVID-19 model where private sector, media, and all government agencies worked together to combat the crisis.”
Despite the urgency, Herbosa clarified that there is no need to form a new task force. “We already have the structure—we just need to act,” he noted.
Meeting Delays, But Presidential Support is Clear
A Cabinet meeting to discuss the potential declaration has already been scheduled but was postponed multiple times due to other priorities. However, Herbosa assured the public that the President is deeply interested and is expected to address the matter soon. NOWTREND
“This isn’t just about statistics—it’s about lives,” Herbosa emphasized. “We have a generation of young Filipinos at risk, and we cannot afford to be silent.”
About The Author
