MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The House of Representatives will push for a one-year suspension of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) contributions if it is deemed that the state-run insurer鈥檚 finances are healthy, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday.
In his speech before the House adjourned its session, Romualdez said the legislative chamber would start an investigation into PhilHealth in 2025 to check if funds are being managed properly.
鈥淣ext year, the House of Representatives will also conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into how PhilHealth鈥檚 funds are being managed.聽 This investigation is not about blame; it is about finding solutions.聽 Our goal is clear: to ensure that every peso in PhilHealth鈥檚 coffers works for the benefit of its members 鈥� the hardworking Filipino people who contribute month after month,鈥� he said.
鈥淚f funds remain stable and in surplus, we will recommend a one-year suspension of premium payments for all paying members.聽 This will serve as a form of relief to millions of Filipinos already grappling with inflation and rising prices,鈥� he added.
According to Romualdez, the House will do this because PhilHealth鈥檚 primary mandate should be to help people during medical emergencies.
鈥淥ur goal is clear: to ensure that every peso in PhilHealth鈥檚 coffers works for the benefit of its members 鈥� the hardworking Filipino people who contribute month after month,鈥� he said.
鈥淲hy are we doing this? Because the Filipino deserve no less.聽 PhilHealth exists to provide security and comfort in times of medical emergencies.聽 It should not hoard resources at the expense of its members.聽 If we can alleviate the burden of contributions without compromising its sustainability, we will do so,鈥� he noted.
Romualdez also noted that if the investigation reveals that PhilHealth funds are not maximized, the House will demand the expansion of benefits packages and eventually reduce contributions without affecting the insurer鈥檚 services.
鈥淚f this investigation reveals that existing funds are being underutilized or are in excess of what is needed for current operations, we will pursue the following recommendations: one, further expand benefits for members until we reach the vision of zero billing all in hospitals.聽 We will also ensure that PhilHealth provides expanded healthcare coverage, including additional medical services, hospitalization support, and better benefits for those in need,鈥� he said.
鈥淣umber two, further reduce premium contributions for workers and employers burdened by rising costs, we will explore reducing premiums while maintaining PhilHealth鈥檚 capacity to deliver its services,鈥� he added.
Congress was scrutinized recently after the bicameral conference committee tackling the proposed 2025 national budget decided to remove the over P70 billion government subsidy for PhilHealth.
Over social media, several individuals expressed concerns about the lack of subsidy, with some fearing that the insurer would not be able to assist them if they got sick.
However, House lawmakers clarified that the absence of an allocation from the General Appropriations Bill did not mean that PhilHealth would not have any funds, as it has P600 billion in surplus.
On Tuesday, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Manuel Ledesma told the House committee on good government and public accountability that the state-run insurer was financially healthy, as it has surplus funds worth P150 billion, a reserve fund of P280 billion, and an investment fund of P490 billion.
Ledesma did not provide a total, but his figures show PhilHealth has P920 billion. However, since the reserve fund is usually not used to pay off benefits claims, PhilHealth would have P640 billion to spend for 2025.
Due to this, lawmakers scolded PhilHealth for seemingly prioritizing investments over providing healthcare support for its beneficiaries and members.聽 Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo, in particular, called out Ledesma for ignoring her calls to reduce premiums.