Gubernatorial Bet Targets Health Reforms, Open Leadership

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Former Victorias City Mayor Wantan Palanca, one of four challengers to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson in the 2025 midterm election, plans to dismantle the One Hospital Command and ensure open access to the provincial capitol if elected.

Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, Palanca, who is running under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, said the One Hospital Command is no longer necessary since the pandemic has ended.

“It’s no longer necessary; there is no more pandemic,” Palanca said.

The One Hospital Command, established by the provincial government during the pandemic, requires patients to be referred by their respective municipal or city health offices before admission to government hospitals. Without a referral, patients are denied admission, even in emergencies.

Palanca claimed the system has caused numerous complaints and has been blamed for patient deaths.

“Sadly, patients die while waiting for referrals or while en route to designated hospitals,” Palanca said.

He added that the system is anti-poor and vowed to abolish it if elected.

Palanca also said free hospitalization for all would be one of his health priorities.

Regarding governance, he pledged to open the Office of the Governor to all Negrenses.

“When I was mayor of Victorias City for nine years, I had the words ‘Sulod Kamo’ (Come In) posted on my door,” Palanca said.

He emphasized that his office was open to everyone, especially the masses, during his tenure as mayor.

“I’ve been in politics for 27 years—nine years as a councilor, nine as vice mayor, and nine as mayor. I’ve seen it all,” Palanca said.

Palanca criticized the inaccessibility of the current administration, saying farmers from remote areas like Hinoba-an often come to the capitol seeking help but are denied an audience with the governor.

“If you really care and want to help, you will find a way,” he said, promising to personally address concerns or follow up with constituents if he is too busy to meet them immediately.

Joining Palanca at the press conference were PDP senatorial candidate Atty. Jayvee Hinlo, 6th District congressional aspirant and former Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao, and other PDP candidates.