House to probe PhilHealth finances, may suspend contributions

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez announced that the House of Representatives will investigate PhilHealth's financial management next year and may suspend contributions for one year if funds are stable.

Romualdez emphasized that the investigation aims to ensure proper use of PhilHealth funds and provide relief to Filipinos facing inflation and rising costs, focusing on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.

If the inquiry reveals surplus funds or underutilized resources, lawmakers plan to recommend a one-year moratorium on contributions for paying members as well as broadening healthcare coverage and enhancing benefits.

PhilHealth's president Manuel Ledesma reported total fund reserves of P280 billion and investment funds of P490 billion, prompting concerns about prioritizing investments over healthcare support.

Lawmakers criticized PhilHealth for not reducing premiums despite calls from representatives like Marikina's Stella Quimbo to alleviate the financial burden on members.

Romualdez added that the investigation is focused on ensuring every peso works for the benefit of PhilHealth members and would also look at reducing premium contributions to reduce the burden on workers.

The bicameral conference committee's proposed 2025 budget, ratified by both houses of Congress, removed government subsidy for PhilHealth, citing sufficient funds for at least two years.