National Anti-Poverty Commission Supports Return of PHP89.9 Billion to PhilHealth

MANILA — The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) has endorsed the reinstatement of PHP89.9 billion in unused funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), aligning with legislative efforts to bolster the country’s healthcare financing.

A According to Philippines News Agency, from the Formal Labor and Migrant Workers Sector Council (NAPC-FLMWSC), the group supports a petition led by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III. The petition, currently before the Supreme Court, seeks the reversal of a transfer from PhilHealth to the National Treasury, a move facilitated by Department Circular 003-2024 from the Department of Finance. This transfer, the council argues, contravenes the mandates of the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act No. 11223), particularly the provisions dedicated to ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized Filipinos receive quality healthcare services.

The council’s statement highlighted the importance of these funds in supporting PhilHealth’s mission to provide universal health coverage. “This recent transfer of substantial funds undermines PhilHealth’s primary objective of providing universal health coverage for all Filipinos,” it noted, adding that healthcare is a fundamental human right and that reallocating these funds would significantly enhance PhilHealth’s capacity to deliver essential health services.

Further emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the NAPC-FLMWSC called on authorities to act swiftly to restore the funds to PhilHealth. This, they believe, will fortify the health insurance system’s ability to meet the healthcare needs of Filipinos, particularly in these challenging times. The Council also voiced support for PhilHealth’s proposal to reduce monthly premium rates and for the implementation of Section 9 of the Universal Health Care Act, which concerns additional program benefits for direct PhilHealth contributors.