Leachon files SC petition against PhilHealth zero subsidy

A health advocate and cardiologist, Anthony C. Leachon, has filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the 'zero subsidy' for PhilHealth under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). He argues that this move violates Filipinos’ right to health as mandated by the Universal Health Care Act and the Constitution.

Leachon’s petition requests a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction to halt the implementation of Republic Act No. 12116, which concerns PhilHealth funding, and also seeks a writ of mandamus directing government agencies to allocate funds for PhilHealth as per existing laws.

He criticizes that while other departments received increased budgets, PhilHealth was left with no allocation despite having P600 billion in reserve funds. Leachon emphasizes this action is arbitrary and undermines the country’s healthcare system.