SEN. Mark Villar urged the government Wednesday to address the rising number of suicide cases in the country.
In his privilege speech for the observance of Suicide Prevention Month, Villar cited the shortage of mental health professionals, limited access to services, and persistent stigma surrounding mental illness.
“Our people deserve a healthcare system that treats mental health with the same urgency, respect, and dignity as physical health. The numbers are deeply concerning,” Villar said.
Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, Villar said 3,379 deaths due to intentional self-harm were registered in 2024, up from 3,133 in 2023. He also cited Philippine National Police data showing nearly 2,000 reported suicide cases from January to June 2025.
In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office recorded 111 reported cases in the first quarter of 2026, up from 33 in the same period in 2025, or a 23.6-percent increase.
He cited a 2026 analysis showing that the country had only 409 accredited psychiatrists, with more than half based in Metro Manila. This translates to just 0.38 psychiatrists per 100,000 Filipinos, far below the 10 per 100,000 minimum cited by the World Health Organization.
“But Mr. President, how can we expect Filipinos to seek help when help itself remains difficult to access?” Villar said.
He urged lawmakers to provide sufficient funding to implement mental health laws and expand accessible, community-based services.
Among the legislation he supported are the Student Guidance Counseling Act, incorporated into the Comprehensive School Safety Act; One Registered Nurse in Every Barangay; the Anti-Workplace Bullying Act; and the proposed Youth Suicide Prevention Act.
“As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, let us honor those we have lost not only with words, but with meaningful action,” he added.