MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the healthcare system in the Philippines should not be freed from politics as he called on the local chief executives to continue creating programs that would 'bring life and security to everyone.' The President issued the statement as he led the distribution of 129 ambulances, or patient transport vehicles (PTVs) by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to various local government units (LGUs) at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

In his speech, the President reiterated his directive to PCSO General Manager Mel Robles to remove 'political colors' or 'political forces' in the government's healthcare programs.