SC hears arguments on PhilHealth fund transfer

During Tuesday's (February 25) second oral argument at the Supreme Court regarding petitions against the P89.9 billion fund transfer from PhilHealth to the national treasury, PhilHealth’s counsel, Government Corporate Counsel Solomon Hermosura, argued that the state insurer remains financially sound and fully capable of fulfilling its mandate.

Hermosura clarified that the reported P1.150 trillion in liabilities is a provision for future obligations based on actuarial estimates rather than actual debt, emphasizing PhilHealth's financial stability.

He cited Section 58 of the National Health Insurance Act which guarantees the financial viability of PhilHealth’s program and noted that there are no current claims against these provisions.

PhilHealth Senior Vice President Renato Limsiaco admitted during questioning by Justice Lazaro-Javier that all claims had not been paid before transferring funds to the treasury, despite maintaining that the corporation has a stable financial health and an investment portfolio sufficient for benefit payments.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra defended the transfer of excess funds, asserting that PhilHealth's services have improved, while petitioners argued that returning these funds would better address healthcare needs in the country.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the next oral argument on March 4, 2025, to continue deliberations on this issue.