PhilHealth transfers unused NG subsidies as per executive directive

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) confirmed on Tuesday that it has complied with a directive from the executive department to transfer excess funds from government-owned corporations for unprogrammed appropriations this year.

Rey Baleña, PhilHealth's Corporate Affairs Vice President, assured in a text message to ABS-CBN News that no contributions of paying members were included in the fund transfer. The transferred funds are from unused portions of National Government subsidies, ensuring financial stability and continued benefits for its members.

PhilHealth stated it did due diligence and consulted several agencies before transferring the funds as per legal requirements. It also emphasized that the agency is enhancing its benefit packages to improve healthcare access and fund payouts.

Despite these assurances, health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon called for an investigation into PhilHealth's effectiveness in providing affordable healthcare services, citing inefficiency despite excess reserves.