Impact of PCSO Closure to Universal Healthcare Revealed by Finance Department
The Department of Finance (DOF) revealed the impact of PCSO closure on the universal healthcare program.
Last week, the closure of all gaming operations linked to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has been one of the most controversial topics online. President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the suspension of PCSO gaming activities due to the alleged corruption happening in the agency.
On Monday (July 29, 2019), the Finance Department revealed that the impact of PCSO closure on universal healthcare will be minimal only.
Finance Assistant Secretary Antonio Lambino II said that the prolonged suspension of PCSO gaming activity is not going to have a significant impact on the healthcare program.
“Ito pong PCSO share sa universal healthcare financing ay for the first year of implementation na P257 billion ‘yung kailangan natin, P3 billion ‘yung galing sa PCSO. So that’s less than 1.2% of the requirement for universal healthcare,” Lambino said.
PCSO is a corporation controlled by the Philippine government that provides medical assistance and services for the less-fortunate Filipino people.
Mr. Duterte has already approved the Universal Healthcare bill, which will be implemented in 2020 with the aim to guarantee all Filipinos to equal access to medical healthcare services.
The Department of Health, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), PhilHealth members’ contributions, sin tax revenues, and PCSO funds will fund the Universal Healthcare bill.
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