National Gov’t To Give Zero Subsidy to PhilHealth in 2025
PHILHEALTH – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation will appeal the zero subsidy despite having enough funds for the operation and member benefits.
Following the discussion of the budget of the different government agencies and offices in 2025, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is now once again mentioned in several reports. This came after the lawmakers decided to deny it of a subsidy for next year.
Senator Grace Poe announced that PhilHealth will be given a zero subsidy in 2025 and they have to use their reserve funds instead. According to the lawmaker, the state-run health insurance provider has around P600 billion reserve funds.
Poe claimed that the reserved funds of the state entity is kept in a bank account and the government is allegedly losing in this situation as it earns very little. The lawmaker clarified that while there is no subsidy for the institution, they will be given their budget for their operations.
Senate President Chiz Escudero also spoke on the decision of the lawmakers to deny PhilHealth of a subsidy in 2025. According to the Senate President, the lapses of the state-run health insurance provider has led to the decision.
Escudero stressed that the reserve funds of the office showed that they have failed in their mandate under the Universal Healthcare Law. He also expressed his hope that this will serve as a wake up call to the institution.
Recently, PhilHealth broke its silence on the decision of the lawmakers to give it a zero subsidy in 2025. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the state-run health insurance provider admitted that it will appeal the decision of the lawmakers.
PhilHealth spokesperson Dr. Israel Francis Pargas revealed that they will write a letter to Pres. Bongbong Marcos on the lack of government subsidy for their office next year. According to Pargas, they hope that the Chief Executive will have time to look into the impact of the cutting of the subsidy which aids the premiums of senior citizen, poor, and PWD members of the state health insurer.
Based on the report, amid its admission that it will appeal the lack of subsidy, PhilHealth assured that their funds can handle the members’ benefits and the operation. The state health insurer’s spokesperson stressed that they will have to make adjustments but they will adapt.
“Kakayanin naman po so far ng ating pondo… Of course, we will have to adjust, but we will adapt… Gusto lang din natin i-assure sa ating mga miyembro na patuloy po ang pagbibigay ng ating mga benepisyo,” Pargas said.
Amid the issue, PhilHealth is slammed by several netizens on social media over its Christmas Party and 30th Anniversary celebration alleged spending.