ABS-CBN
Members' contributions not included in PhilHealth fund transfer - exec
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) stated it conducted due diligence when transferring excess funds to finance unprogrammed appropriations, ensuring contributions from paying members were excluded.
PhilHealth Corporate Affairs Vice President Rey Baleña clarified that the transferred funds originated from the unused portion of the National Government subsidy for Indirect Contributors, not from the contributions of active members.
These funds are intended to support national economic growth through infrastructure and social programs, and PhilHealth assures that member benefits and partner hospital payments will not be affected.
The Department of Finance supported the fund transfer, calling it a prudent fiscal option that mobilizes unused funds for public benefit without compromising the viability of government corporations.
Health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon questioned the move, suggesting an investigation into the diversion of funds and criticizing PhilHealth's effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate.
Former Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson raised concerns about potential security issues and questioned the Department of Finance's assertion that PhilHealth's funds were idle, citing budgetary gaps in Universal Health Care programs.
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Over 60 medical societies and healthcare organizations are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reverse the Department of Finance's directive to transfer nearly P90 billion in surplus funds from PhilHealth to the National Treasury.
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Senator Christopher "Bong" Go plans to investigate the legality of the P90-billion fund transfer from PhilHealth to the National Treasury.
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The Department of Finance (DOF) proposed that using idle funds from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) for public projects is a more sensible fiscal approach than increasing borrowings or levying new taxes.
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