SC urged to return P60B to PhilHealth, PhilHealth president says ready to comply

Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Kho urged returning P60 billion from National Treasury back to Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), arguing that funds should be used for increasing contributors' benefits.

During oral arguments, PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado stated the organization would comply with any ruling issued by the high court, while Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman suggested doubling the subsidy for PhilHealth in the next fiscal year if the SC orders the return of funds.

Justice Kho also suggested overhauling the PhilHealth board during the hearing, to which Mercado defended the current board's dedication and performance.

The transfer of P89.9 billion in excess funds from PhilHealth to the national treasury has been challenged by lawmakers and civic leaders, leading to a case now being heard by the Supreme Court.

In 2025, lawmakers decided to give PhilHealth zero subsidy, citing the organization's P500 billion reserve fund.

Another SC justice noted that PhilHealth appeared to have prioritized investments rather than programs for beneficiaries.