Groups ask SC to stop P89.9B PhilHealth fund diversion

Updated Fri, August 2, 2024 at 6:20 PM Published Fri, August 2, 2024 at 5:00 PM

Several groups, including the Philippine Medical Association and Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, have petitioned the Supreme Court to stop the diversion of P89.9 billion in excess PhilHealth funds to the national treasury.

The petitioners argue that the provision in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and Department of Finance (DOF) Circular 003-2024 unconstitutionally appropriates these funds.

They are seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or a writ of preliminary injunction to block the transfer and to undo the effects of the circular and the GAA provision.

The petition also asks the DOF to return any funds already transferred to the national treasury.

As of last month, P20 billion of the P89.9 billion has already been transmitted, with the remainder to be released gradually.

The petitioners stated that redirecting these healthcare funds is a betrayal of the most vulnerable Filipinos.

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Supreme Court Department of Finance Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III

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