Senator Risa Hontiveros advised the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to halt the transfer of the remaining unused funds worth P70 billion to the national government following the upgrade of the country’s Rating and Investment Information.
On Wednesday, the senator stated that there was no reason for the funds to be transferred as the healthcare sector is currently in need of more services. She continued by stating that instead of using the money to pay for the interest, it can be utilized for the benefit of Filipinos.
As the author and advocate of the Universal Health Care Act, Hontiveros pressed that the transfer raises serious questions about PhilHealth’s leadership and management credibility in fulfilling the act’s mandate.
Amendments to the law were introduced to ensure that the funds obtained from any source will remain with the state health insurer, and will be used to lower the members’ premium contribution rates, including increasing benefits for patients in need.
"Sa pamamagitan ng amendment na ito, wala na pong duda at wala na pong alternative na opinyon. (Through its amendment, there are no more doubts and alternative opinions) Here, the mandate of the legislature will be crystal clear, and will preclude any confusion -- genuine or otherwise,” Hontiveros said.
On May 10, P20 billion was transferred to the general fund by the state health insurer, and is set to transfer another P10 billion on August 21, P30 billion on October 16, and P30 billion on May 26, 2025.
