BY: VANESSA BUGTONG

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated, “PhilHealth services will not be reduced, including insurance claims.”

This was President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s statement regarding the agency’s zero-subsidy budget for 2025.

Under House Bill No. 10800 approved by the House of Representatives, PhilHealth was initially allocated a 74.431 billion pesos subsidy.

However, this was removed in the Bicameral Committee Report of both Houses of Congress.

The subsidy would have included over 50 billion pesos for premium packages for unemployed Filipinos and 20 billion pesos for additional benefits for workers.

Some members are worried that the benefits they receive from the agency might decrease.

“I hope the funds collected by PhilHealth will be put to good use,” said Lolita Montano, PhilHealth Member.

But the President reassured everyone, “I would like to just assure everybody, don’t worry about reduced services for seniors, the poor, or the middle class. Nothing will be taken away.”

Meanwhile, Senator Chiz Escudero challenges PhilHealth to fulfill its mandate efficiently.

However, Senator Christopher Bong Go expressed dismay and doubt.

PBBM added, “PhilHealth services will increase, not decrease. Don’t worry; no services will be cut.”

Despite the zero subsidy, PhilHealth will utilize its 284 billion pesos budget for 2025.