The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has more than enough funds to cover for at least next year, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said in response to the false information being spread on the agency’s “zero subsidy” fund allocation for 2025.
In a press conference on Monday, the Acidre clarified that PhilHealth still has enough funds to cover programs for its members. PhilHealth’s reserved funds are enough for at least two years. Moreover, Acidre highlighted how the national budget is allocated for each agency.
“To be fair to the House, as I said kanina. Ang paggagawan ng budget hindi po ‘yan grocery list na lahat ng kailangan, ipapasok na lang basta,” Acidre said.
“Kailangan din natin aralin kung sa tuwing bibigyan namin ng budget ang isang ahensya, ay ito ba ay magpapalaki lamang sa problema at tungkuling hindi nila nagagampanan? O ito ba’y magreresulta sa mas maayos na serbisyo?” he added.
As a challenge to the agency, the Congressman stated that the agency should work on ensuring its efficiency. He also mentioned that PhilHealth should work on expanding its case rates.
“Based on the assessment of Congress, they have more than enough funds to cover for at least next year. Kasi kung dadagdagan natin iyon, lalaki ulit yung inefficiency,” Acidre mentioned.
“We’re not saying that we’re not going to fund PhilHealth forever. Wala hong Kongresista na gusto ‘yon, wala hong Senador na gusto ‘yon. Sinasabi lang ho natin, ayusin natin habang ganito lang ho,” he added.
Acidre noted how the agency offers various programs like the Konsulta Package, which offers free checkups yearly. However, he also questioned how much of the program’s budget was disbursed last year. Additionally, the lawmaker asked that Congress look into PhilHealth’s reserved funds worth PHP 607 billion.
Although the agency serves as the financing arm of these services, Acidre noted that it would still depend on the Department of Health’s (DOH) capacity, when offering these services.
The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability will be holding a briefing today, December 17, on PhilHealth’s “zero subsidy” issue under the 2025 national budget.
The Committee Chairman and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said that they will be studying whether the “zero subsidy” budget will have any conflicts with the services offered by the agency.
