Groups file SC petition against DOF Circular on PhilHealth funds

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, economist Cielo Magno, constitutional law expert Dante Gatmaytan, Philippine Medical Association (PMA), and other groups filed a petition with the Supreme Court on Friday challenging the transfer of PHP89.9 billion in excess PhilHealth funds back to national coffers.

The petitioners argue that DOF Circular No. 003-2024 is unconstitutional and violates provisions in the 2024 General Appropriations Act, asserting it exceeds Congress' power to allocate funds and fails to meet constitutional criteria for special-purpose funds.

Petitioners emphasize these funds are crucial for implementing the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act and expanding healthcare benefits as mandated by law, warning that redirecting them is a grave disservice to Filipinos who rely on PhilHealth.

The petition seeks a temporary restraining order to prevent the transfer and asks the Supreme Court to declare DOF Circular No. 003-2024 unconstitutional, with an additional request for funds to be utilized within the health sector.

During post-Sona discussions, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa assured that over PHP20 billion of the excess funds were already used to pay health emergency allowances (HEA) to those who served during the pandemic.