SolGen defends PhilHealth fund transfer before SC

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra defended before the Supreme Court the transfer of PHP60 billion in unutilized Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funds, calling it a common-sense and temporary measure to fund essential government programs without increasing national debt or taxes.

Guevarra argued that Congress authorized the move through Special Provision No. 1D of the 2024 General Appropriations Act, which directed government-owned and controlled corporations to reduce their reserve funds to fund unprogrammed appropriations.

He assured the public and the court that there was no "dark or sinister plan" behind the transfer of the fund balance.

The Solicitor General stated that the Department of Finance's circulars were constitutional and did not violate the right to health, clarifying that the process did not involve 'savings' as defined under the General Appropriations Act.

Guevarra also highlighted the country's national debt, which reached P15.8 trillion as of February 2024, amounting to a per capita debt of P139,000 for each Filipino.

The Supreme Court had previously issued a temporary restraining order in October against further transfer of PhilHealth funds, following petitions filed by groups including 1Sambayan Coalition and Bayan Muna party-list.

Guevarra also asked the SC to strike out President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s name as respondent, citing the Chief Executive's immunity from suit while in office.