Congress allocates zero funding for PhilHealth subsidies in 2025

Lawmakers from both chambers of Congress agreed to allocate zero funding for PhilHealth subsidies in 2025 due to its P600 billion reserve funds.

Senator Grace Poe, who heads the finance committee in the Senate, stated that PhilHealth should use its reserve funds to address issues with reimbursements and processing delays, emphasizing that the government is at a loss by storing these funds unused.

Despite removing funding from the subsidy, PhilHealth will still receive money for operational costs as outlined in the final version of the proposed national budget bill.

Senate President Francis Escudero noted that PhilHealth has nearly P500 billion in reserve funds but is unable to reduce member contribution rates despite having significant reserves.

Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed alarm over the bicameral conference committee's decision, saying it is unfair and potentially unconstitutional to deny Filipinos the right to health by not funding PhilHealth subsidies.

Hontiveros maintained that PhilHealth’s reserve funds cannot be used for premium payment of indirect contributors such as the poor, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

The opposition senator argued that it is the government's obligation to pay for the premiums of these indirect contributors, emphasizing the need for universal healthcare.