Published by: Jean Ashley Lugod
Date Published: February 17, 2025
Time Published: 12:56 PM
Every year, many Filipinos continue to suffer from illnesses. Despite healthcare being provided through both private and public hospitals in the Philippines, our country is still in need of improvement in terms of affordable and accessible medical care. This is why a lot of Filipinos rely on various medical insurances that are available in the Philippines. But what happens if our country’s healthcare is denied government support? Will it still be helpful to our citizens during dire times?
Recently, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or better known as PhilHealth has been denied a subsidy for the year 2025. Initially, a total of ₱74.431 billion government subsidy was allocated for the state insurer until the Bicameral Conference Committee came up with the decision to cut the subsidy to zero for the reason that there are ₱600 billion reserve funds that are enough for PhilHealth to use [1]. However, this decision is truly concerning as there is a huge number of Filipinos who rely on the insurance agency. There is no doubt that it will affect both direct and indirect contributors who are the source of PhilHealth’s funds in ways that the direct contributors, particularly the formal workers, will have no choice but to continue paying their mandatory contribution every month while the indirect contributors, including senior citizens, indigents, and PWDs will be given less access to health services.
The defundment of PhilHealth was supported by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wherein he stated in an interview that the supposed subsidy can be used for something else, and the agency can survive the coming year with their sufficient funds [2]. As an insurance agency, it is PhilHealth’s obligation to set aside a portion of its total revenues, as it is the reserve funds, and considering these are reserve funds, it must only be used in case there is an unexpected event, and not as some sort of regular funds to pay for claims.
In relation to this, the proposed budget worth ₱138 million for PhilHealth’s 30th anniversary at celebration next year has drawn criticism from health advocates and the beneficiaries of the state insurer. The breakdown of expenses for the celebration was posted by Dr. Tony Leachon, a prominent health advocate, and some of the items included in the list are coffee table books, giveaways, building displays, and gala nights [3]. In light of the zero allocation of funds for 2025, it is disheartening to find out that such a huge amount of money that was hard-earned by millions of Filipinos would be devoted for an event that surely will not benefit the members of the state health insurer. Whether or not the budget list is official, the sum nevertheless shows an obvious absence of judgement in how public funds are used.
Healthcare is a top concern in our country, so the government has a constitutional duty to prioritize the health of the public, and failing to fund Philhealth means violating this mandate.
Defunding the insurance agency is not the solution for addressing the escalating issues with health financing. A large number of impoverished Filipinos seek support from Philheath, so denying it any subsidies will just make it more difficult for them to get medical card. The lawmakers must take immediate action by enhacing transparency and developing alternative ways to generate funds.
Philhealth must not be seen as merely a government organization, but as a lifeline for millions of Filipinos who depend on it for their health and survival.
REFERENCES:
[1] Sarao, Z. (2024, December 16) Philhealth assures benefits to continue even without 2025 subsidy. INQUIRER.net.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2016061/philhealth-assures-benefits-to-continue-even-without-2025-subsidy
[2] Esguerra, D. J. (2024, December 16) Marcos vows scrutiny of 2025 budget, justifies Philhealth zero subsidy. Philippine News Agency.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240027
[3] Villanueva, R. (2024, December 15) Philhealth: 138 million for anniversary, not Christmas party. Philstar Global.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/12/15/2407500/philhealth-p138-million-anniversary-not-christmas-party
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