Marcos studying suspension of PhilHealth’s 5% contribution hike

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is studying Health Secretary Ted Herbosa’s request to suspend the 5 percent hike in PhilHealth.

“The President is studying the request,” said Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil in a message to reporters.

Herbosa sent a letter to the President on Tuesday making the appeal.

Philhealth contributions are set to increase in 2024 as part of the Universal Health Care law.

“Kailangan natin ng pondo para matugunan ang ating mga nasimulang magagandang pagbabago sa mga benepisyo ng PhilHealth,” said PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. in a previous briefing.

(We need funds to meet our initiated changes in PhilHealth benefits.)