Statement of the Philippine Society of Oncologists Inc on Upholding Good Governance and Transparency: The Bedrock of Cancer Control in the Philippines

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Date: November 20, 2025

The Philippine Society of Oncologists Inc. (PSO), representing the dedicated oncologists and healthcare professionals committed to reducing the cancer burden in the Philippines, issues this urgent call to the Philippine Government for renewed commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency in public service.

Affirming the Global Vision

Today, as the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) inaugurates the World Cancer Declaration 2025–2035, a new roadmap to achieve measurable progress in reducing cancer mortality and improving equitable access to care globally, the PSO stands ready to champion this vision. The Declaration, anchored on principles of Equity, Evidence, Sustainability, and Accountability, presents a monumental opportunity for the Philippines to solidify its place among nations prioritizing the health of its citizens.

Reaffirming the National Mandate

The Philippines has already demonstrated its political will through the enactment of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), or Republic Act No. 11215. This landmark legislation enshrines the State’s commitment to providing a comprehensive, integrated, and affordable continuum of cancer care for all Filipinos, especially the underprivileged. NICCA is not merely a policy; it is a sacred covenant with millions of patients and their families. We challenge the government to reaffirm this commitment by accelerating the robust, transparent, and timely implementation of all NICCA provisions, including the full and protected funding of the Cancer Assistance Fund and the establishment of functioning Regional Cancer Centers.

The Erosion of Trust: A Direct Threat to Health

However, the efficacy of our national health programs, particularly those requiring substantial and sustained public investment like cancer control, is inextricably linked to the integrity of governance. The recent fiasco involving corruption in critical infrastructure projects, such as the flood control initiatives, has resulted in a deep and damaging distrust in government systems. This widespread corruption, and the resultant harm caused to the citizens the government is mandated to protect, is not an isolated incident; it sends dangerous ripples across all sectors.

The misappropriation of taxpayers’ money directly impacts the cancer control ecosystem in two critical ways:

Financial Loss: Funds diverted by corruption are funds stolen from life-saving cancer medicines, screening programs, facility upgrades, and the training of oncology specialists—the very investments mandated by NICCA. Financial malfeasance cripples the ability of the government to deliver on its promise of universal health coverage (UHC) for cancer patients.

Loss of Public Trust: When citizens lose faith in the government’s fiduciary relationship with their resources, they become hesitant to engage with public health systems. Distrust undermines health education campaigns, reduces compliance with screening and prevention programs, and severely weakens the essential partnership between the government, medical community, and the public. Trust is the hidden currency of public health.

A Call for Committed Leadership and Transparency

The Philippine Society of Oncologists Inc. therefore calls upon the Philippine Government and the National Integrated Cancer Control Council (NICCC) to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the UICC World Cancer Declaration 2025–2035 and the spirit of NICCA through three non-negotiable pillars:

Committed Leadership: Placing individuals of unquestionable integrity and expertise in positions of authority within health agencies to oversee NICCA implementation.

Fiduciary Responsibility: Ensuring that every peso allocated for cancer control—from the Cancer Assistance Fund to infrastructure—is protected, audited rigorously, and utilized exclusively for its intended purpose.

Transparency: Implementing open and accessible reporting mechanisms for all cancer-related expenditures, projects, and outcomes, allowing the PSO, patient groups, and the public to monitor progress and hold leaders accountable.

Only through committed, transparent, and accountable leadership can the Philippines truly bridge the equity gaps in cancer care and fulfill the promises made under both national law and global commitments. The lives of millions of Filipinos depend not just on the brilliance of our medical science, but on the integrity of our governance.

Philippine Society of Oncologists Inc.

Advocating for Integrity and Life-Saving Care

Warren R. Bacorro, PSO President, 2025                                      

Herdee Gloriane C. Luna, PSO President, 2024

Conrado J. Lola, PSO President, 2018

Roel S. Tolentino, PSO President, 2013

Enrico D. Tangco, PSO President, 2009

Gloria R. Cristal-Luna, PSO President, 1995-1996

Rafael S. Claudio, PSO President, 2004-2005

Gonzalo C. Banuelos Jr., PSO President, 2022

Juanita Lu-Lim, PSO President, 2008

Rey H. Delos Reyes, PSO President, 2004

Rafael S. Claudio, PSO President, 2005

Alfredo Q.Y. Pontejos Jr., PSO President, 2007

Jose S. Garcia, PSO President, 2011

Luzviminda S. Kwong, PSO President, 2009

Gil M. Vicente, PSO President, 2020-2021

Ramon C. Severino, PSO President, 2016-2017

Jorge G. Ignacio, PSO President, 2014-2015

Edwin S. Tan, PSO President, 2023

Cecilia L. Llave, PSO President, 2019

Romulo Jacinto S. de Villa, PSO President, 2012