Universal Health Care Law

Also known as RA 11223

The Universal Health Care (UHC) law, enacted in 2019, aims to provide equitable access to quality health services for all Filipinos but faces challenges such as uneven budget allocations and underutilized PhilHealth funds. Local governments like Pangasinan are stepping up by expanding healthcare services and upgrading equipment, while the Supreme Court debates the constitutionality of transferring PhilHealth funds to the national treasury. Despite these obstacles, efforts continue to strengthen implementation across both urban and rural areas in 2025.

This is an AI-generated summary based on recent coverage.
Last updated at April 22, 2025.

Recent stories about RA 11223

SC justice shares PhilHealth struggles amid UHC law

Supreme Court Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez shared his personal experience with PhilHealth during a hearing on the transfer of P89.9 billion in PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury, highlighting the promise of Universal Health Care (UHC) law which aims to ensure no Filipino family suffers due to illness.
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PhilHealth transfers P89B to natl treasury, sparks const. debate

The transfer of funds from PhilHealth to the national treasury has sparked debates over its constitutionality and the government's handling of unprogrammed appropriations.
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PhilHealth lifts 45-day benefit limit, expands coverage

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has lifted its 45-day benefit limit for members, enhancing healthcare coverage and ensuring continued access to services.
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SC orders Quimbo to defend 2025 GAA against unconst. claims

The Supreme Court ordered House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Stella Quimbo and members of the technical working group to attend oral arguments regarding the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) from April 1 to 3 in Baguio City.
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Leachon files SC petition against PhilHealth zero subsidy

A health advocate and cardiologist, Anthony C. Leachon, has filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the 'zero subsidy' for PhilHealth under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). He argues that this move violates Filipinos’ right to health as mandated by the Universal Health Care Act and the Constitution.
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PhilHealth president vows compliance with SC ruling on fund transfer

Dr. Edwin Mercado, the newly appointed PhilHealth president and CEO, stated on Wednesday that his organization respects the Supreme Court's process regarding the transfer of PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury.
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Supreme Court hears arguments on constitutionality of P89.9B PhilHealth fund transfer

Petitioners argued before the Supreme Court that transferring P89.9 billion from PhilHealth to the National Treasury is unconstitutional.
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House OKs PhilHealth reform bill, cuts premium rate

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill that reduces the PhilHealth premium contribution rate from 5% to 3.5%, aiming to strengthen the country's healthcare system.
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House OKs PhilHealth premium cut to 3.5%, caps admin costs at 7.5%

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives approved a bill to reduce PhilHealth premium contributions from 5% to 3.5%, with adjustments based on actuarial studies evaluated by an independent body.
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Rodriguez, Ungab file SC petition on 2025 budget

Former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez and Davao City 3rd District Representative Isidro Ungab filed a petition before the Supreme Court last Monday challenging the constitutionality of the 2025 national budget due to alleged irregularities.
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