The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) reportedly admitted to using its reserve funds, amounting to ₱600 billion, for investments.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Dos Por Dos on Wednesday, Antipolo 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop disclosed that PhilHealth admitted to utilizing government subsidies intended for senior citizens' premiums not only for payments but also for other investments.
Acop raised concerns over PhilHealth's actions, suggesting it operates more like a business enterprise than a service provider.
"Hindi naman nagagamit ng PhilHealth ang ibinibigay na government subsidy. Tinanong ko sila kahapon, sabi nila ay iniinvest," said Acop.
"Inamin din nila sa pagtatanong ko kahapon na ini-investment din nila – part of their investment. So sabi ko, hindi ba dapat ibigay natin sa benefit packages," he added.
The lawmaker stated that the agency's actions are not in accordance with the law, as it stipulates that the premium paid by enrolled Filipinos should decrease, not be used for investments.
According to Acop, PhilHealth's total funds are estimated at around P700 billion as a result of its investment activities.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. emphasized that their goal is to provide adequate health insurance to Filipinos, not to generate profit.
Ledesma assured the public that member contributions remain intact despite their investment activities. He also committed to improving and expanding benefit packages in the coming year.
On the other hand, Acop clarified that what they conducted yesterday was not a hearing but merely a briefing, as PhilHealth was not under oath when questioned by the House Panel.
"Hindi po pala hearing ang tawag doon. I would like to correct that. Nagkaroon lang po sila ng briefing sa amin kasi ni-require ng chairman na mag-brief sila sa Committee of Good Government and Public Accountability," Acop stated.
Acop further mentioned that PhilHealth was summoned in response to the public's concerns regarding the reclaimed P89 billion in excess funds and the agency's zero subsidy for the year 2025.
In the latest bicameral conference committee report, it was noted that the agency will not receive any subsidy in the 2025 national budget.
The Executive Department had originally proposed a ₱74.431 billion subsidy, but after the Senate reduced it to ₱64.419 billion, the bicameral conference committee decided to remove it from the national budget entirely.
