Groups file SC petition for PhilHealth funding

Several health advocacy groups have filed a petition with the Supreme Court questioning the zero subsidy for state insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in the 2025 national budget.

The petitioners argue that the absence of funding is unconstitutional and weakens Universal Health Care's sustainable financing.

They seek to compel Congress and the Executive to follow the letter and spirit of the law by ordering automatic appropriation of sin tax share for PhilHealth, implementing quarterly remittances from PAGCOR and PCSO, and creating special accounts in the general fund.

The decision to slash PhilHealth's subsidy stems from its P600-billion reserve funds, as disclosed during the bicameral conference committee meeting on the 2025 General Appropriations Bill.

Senate President Francis Escudero cited PhilHealth's lapses as the reason behind removing its subsidy following controversies surrounding the transfer of excess funds to the national treasury.