Recto: PhilHealth has adequate funds for 2025 despite zero subsidy

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto stated on Monday that PhilHealth's operating budget for fiscal year 2025 is adequate despite a proposed zero government subsidy.

Recto assured at a Palace press briefing that PhilHealth has sufficient funds and reserves to cover its expenses, including an estimated surplus of P150 billion from the previous year.

The Department of Finance will closely monitor PhilHealth's spending to ensure it uses its budget wisely, focusing on the top 10 illnesses affecting Filipinos.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the P6.326-trillion national budget on Monday, which includes no subsidy for PhilHealth despite advocacy groups urging reconsideration.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin assured that the Office of the President will ensure PhilHealth can sustain its services and expand benefits for members in 2025.

Dr. Tony Leachon, an independent health reform advocate, however, expressed concern that PhilHealth's P284-billion budget may not be enough to cover the costs of top killer diseases in the country.