Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has urged the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to summon former Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo to clarify reports linking her to the alleged ₱300-million allocation under the Department of Health’s (DOH) Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) program.
In a recent statement, Magalong said he came across DOH documents suggesting that Quimbo’s office received a ₱300-million share from the MAIP funds—an amount he described as unusually large compared to allocations received by other lawmakers.
“Shouldn’t that always be an equitable distribution? Surprisingly, ₱300 million was allocated to her. That’s how powerful they are,” Magalong said, noting that the ICI should invite Quimbo to shed light on the issue and explain the circumstances surrounding the fund allocation.
The MAIP program is intended to help poor and marginalized patients access medical care by covering hospital and treatment costs. However, recent discussions in both local government and Congress have raised concerns about how the funds are distributed and whether political influence affects their allocation.
Magalong also suggested that Benguet Representative Eric Yap, a former chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, be invited to the inquiry, citing his key role in budget deliberations.
Stella Quimbo, who served as Marikina’s 2nd District Representative from 2019 to 2025 and was vice chair and later chair of the Appropriations Committee, has yet to issue an official statement regarding Magalong’s remarks.
The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of potential “budget insertions” in the 2025 national budget. Lawmakers and watchdog groups have repeatedly called for transparency in the handling of public funds, especially in programs meant to serve vulnerable sectors.
As of this writing, the Independent Commission on Infrastructure has yet to respond to Magalong’s call or confirm whether it will initiate a formal investigation into the matter.
