Palace: Health care law ‘not negotiable’

MANILA, Philippines — The universal health care law “cannot be delayed, that’s not negotiable,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said, adding that it would be “a criminal act” should Philippine Health Insurance Corp. president Ricardo Morales defer its implementation amid dwindling premium collections because of the pandemic.

Morales should just say if he needs additional funds and legislators would consider the matter, Roque said. “If need be, the President will certify the need for further funding as urgent so Congress could act on it,” he added.

—Leila B. Salaverria