Recto favors better PhilHealth benefits over reduced contributions

MANILA, Philippines — Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said he prefers better benefit packages for members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) amid calls from several groups and individuals to reduce members’ contributions.

During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, Recto said he favors better benefit packages for Filipinos to help reduce their out-of-pocket expenses when they get sick.

“Payag ba akong bawasan ‘yang contribution? Ang unang sagot ko diyan, I would prefer better benefit packages para makatulong sa ating mga kababayan na mabawasan ‘yung out-of-pocket expenses ng mga nagkakasakit,” he said.

(Will I agree to reduce that contribution? My initial answer is that I would prefer better benefit packages to help our countrymen reduce their out-of-pocket expenses when they get sick.)

READ: Petition filed at SC vs PhilHealth fund transfer, cites constitutionality

Last August 2, groups and individuals led by Senator Koko Pimentel filed a petition at the Supreme Court against the transfer of P89.9 billion PhilHealth excess funds to unprogrammed appropriations in the national budget.

Recto was one of the respondents along with the House of Representatives, represented by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez; the Senate, represented by Senate President Francis Escudero; Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin; and PhilHealth, represented by its President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr.

READ: Recto: Fund transfer from PhilHealth, GOCCs follows Congress’ order

The petitioners questioned Department of Finance (DOF) Circular No. 003-2024, which directs the transfer of unused subsidies from government-owned and controlled corporations, specifically PhilHealth, to the national treasury to support the government’s unprogrammed appropriations.

The petitioners also argued that instead of transferring the funds to the national treasury, they should be utilized to improve PhilHealth benefits instead.