‘Paano tuluyang ma-eexpand ang benefits ng PhilHealth kung ni piso ay walang ibibigay na subsidy ang gobyerno?’ — Bong Go on proposed zero budget for PhilHealth

The recent decision by Congress to allocate a “zero budget” next year for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has sparked widespread public outrage, with Filipinos taking to social media to express their frustration and doubts about continuing their contributions.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go also expressed his strong reservations on the decision, emphasizing its adverse effects on poor Filipinos and the goal to fully implement the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.

“I do not agree that we should completely defund subsidy for PhilHealth. This is unacceptable and anti-poor,” Go asserted as he did not sign the Bicameral Conference Report which contains the provision of allocating zero subsidy from the government to PhilHealth.

Go highlighted that Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law mandates that the amount necessary to implement the provisions of the UHC shall be included in the GAA, explaining: “ ito po yung nakolekta noong 2023, dapat po’y nakalaan ito para sa 2025, and shall be appropriated under the DOH and National Government subsidy to PhilHealth.”

“May pinanggalingan na po iyan tulad ng sin tax collections na dapat ay para sa implementation ng UHC, nasa batas po iyan. May earmarking po iyan under RA 11346 at RA 11467 or the Sin Tax Laws,” he added.

There is also a provision in the UHC Act that premium subsidy from indirect contributors shall be included annually in the General Appropriations Act.

“Paano tuluyang ma-eexpand ang benefits ng PhilHealth para sa Pilipino kung ni piso ay walang ibibigay na subsidy ang gobyerno para dito?” he questioned.

Go pointed out that while recent Senate Health Committee hearings he led revealed that PhilHealth has a reserve fund exceeding PHP 500 billion, it does not justify completely removing the government’s subsidy for the state health insurance program.

He further emphasized that while PhilHealth must use its existing funds appropriately, lawmakers should also uphold their responsibility to direct government funds toward health-related initiatives to ensure that healthcare services are not compromised.

“Ipinaglalaban nga natin na gamitin dapat ng PhilHealth nang tama ang pondong mayroon sila ngunit bilang mga mambabatas, suportahan rin natin ang hangaring ito sa pamamagitan ng pagsigurong mapupunta sa health ang pondo na para naman talaga sa health na naaayon naman sa batas! Hindi dapat ito mapunta sa ibang paggagamitan,” he said.

Although Go has joined the chorus of concerned voices strongly criticizing the decision to withhold funding for PhilHealth, he still urged the state health insurer to deliver on its commitments to expand health benefits for Filipinos by utilizing its available funds properly.

“Naiintindihan ko po ang galit at pagkadismaya,” Senator Go stated. “Ngunit hindi dapat maging hadlang ito para hindi magawa ng Philhealth ang trabaho niya.”

Go shared that the Senate Health Committee shall hold its continuous monthly hearings on the state of the Philippine healthcare system and is scheduled to meet on December 18 to inquire about the plans of PhilHealth and the Department of Health moving forward.

“Kung ginamit po sana nang tama ang pondo, hindi tayo aabot sa puntong ito. Ang dapat gawin ng PhilHealth ay siguruhin na ang pondo ay talagang napapakinabangan ng taumbayan,” he said.

Under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, PhilHealth is mandated to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare services for all Filipinos, primarily by reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Senator Go noted that the failure to utilize excess funds effectively has led to a financial dilemma, where unused resources are reverted to the national treasury instead of benefiting members.

“Ang PhilHealth po ngayon ay parang ginigisa sa sariling mantika,” Senator Go remarked. “Dapat itong maging wake-up call sa kanila para gawing mas episyente ang paggamit ng pondo. Kung hindi ito maayos, ang taumbayan ang magdurusa.”

Senator Go appealed to PhilHealth to ensure it can continue operating efficiently despite its current financial predicament. These include stricter auditing processes, the appointment of competent leadership, and compliance with the UHC Act’s provisions.

“Tulungan natin na umayos ang sistema. Pero kasabay nito, dapat din pong managot ang mga opisyal na nagpabaya. Huwag nating hayaan na ang mahihirap ang magbayad ng presyo ng kanilang kapabayaan,” Go urged.

Go remains firm in his advocacy for health reforms and universal health care. He reminded Filipinos that their contributions remain vital to helping the less fortunate. He further appealed for the welfare of indigent patients, arguing that improving PhilHealth benefits could significantly ease their financial burdens.

“Uulitin ko po, mga mahihirap na pasyente ang kawawa dito. Malaking tulong po sa indigent patients kung mapapaganda ang benepisyo ng PhilHealth para mabawasan ang kanilang gastos o out-of-pocket expenses. Imbes na ibayad sa ospital, pwede na nila itong ipambili ng gamot, pagkain, at iba pang pangangailangan,” he earlier said in his statement.

He noted that lessons from the pandemic underscore the need for sustained investment in healthcare, saying, “Katumbas niyan ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Kaya dapat bigyan po natin ng prayoridad ang health. Dapat po ang pondo ng PhilHealth ay para sa health. Kaya nga po PhilHealth.”

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