BY: VANESSA BUGTONG
As 2024 ended, the zero subsidy for PhilHealth sparked widespread discussion.
Despite this, the president assured that the agency’s responsibilities and services would not be affected.
“PhilHealth’s services, particularly the payment of insurance claims, will not be reduced,” PBBM reassured.
Under House Bill No. 10800, approved by the House of Representatives, PhilHealth was allocated 74.431 billion pesos last year.
However, this was removed during the bicameral committee report by both chambers of Congress.
The subsidy was supposed to include over 50 billion pesos for premium packages for unemployed Filipinos and 20 billion pesos for additional worker benefits.
Because of this, some members expressed concern about possible reductions in their benefits.
“I hope nothing changes, and they still provide what’s due since our contributions are increasing as well,” said Digna Sacyaten, a PhilHealth Member.
Despite the concerns, the president reassured members of PhilHealth.
“We will ensure that PhilHealth benefits for all Filipinos will continue and even expand,” PBBM stated.
The Department of Finance clarified that PhilHealth has multiple sources of funding.
Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin expressed, “The president said there will be no reductions in benefits, only enhancements. Secretary Recto also explained that PhilHealth has ample resources to expand benefits for our citizens.”
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) stated that aside from the zero subsidy, there were minimal changes to PhilHealth’s budget.
“Once it’s removed from the enrolled bill, it can’t be added back. We can’t increase it anymore,” said DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.
This ensures that PhilHealth will still fulfill its duties to its millions of members.