Several lawmakers filed a measure seeking to grant President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. the power to suspend the increase of premium rates of direct contributors of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth).
House Bill 6772 dated January 13 was filed by authors House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Manuel Jose Dalipe, Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos, Yedda Romualdez, and Jude Acidre
In an explanatory of the measure, the lawmakers said while they understand that PhilHealth only aims to fulfill its mandate, the increase in premium hike “will definitely enforce a new round of financial burden to its members.”
“Our countrymen have barely recovered from the losses and difficulties brought about by COVID-19. Most livelihood, businesses, and other sources of income have not reopened yet, and many Filipinos remain unemployed,” they said.
PhilHealth earlier announced that premium contribution in 2023 would increase from 4.0 percent to 4.5 percent, which means the contribution of individuals who earn Php 10,000 will be up to Php 450 from Php 400.
Under the Universal Health Care program or Republic Act No. 11223, PhilHealth is mandated to adjust contribution rates annually.
“Suspending the imposition of the new PhilHealth premium rates will provide a much-need relief during national emergencies or calamities and will assure Filipinos that the government is sensitive to their sentiment in this difficult time,” the lawmakers said.
Earlier, the President through the Office of Executive Secretary issued a suspension on PhilHealth’s implementation of a hike increase and income ceiling for this year.
