KMU files bid to stop PhilHealth from raising premium

MANILA, Philippines—Militant group on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to stop the Philippine Health Corporation (PhilHealth) from implementing the increase in the members’ premiums this year.

In a 23-page petition, Kilusang Mayo Uno through counsel Remigio Saladero Jr. told the high court to also nullify PhilHealth Circulars 0027-2013, 0025-2013 and 0024-2013 for being unreasonable and inequitable.

Under PhilHealth circular 0027-2013, increase in contributions of PhilHealth members employed would only involve those members with a salary range of P8,999.99 and below.

On PhilHealth circular 0025-2013, contributions for land-based Filipino overseas workers increased from P1,200 annually to P2,400 while Circular 0024-2013 increased by P600 the annual PhilHealth contributions of members with monthly income of P25,000 and below.

“Those with lower salaries have their PhilHealth contributions increased while those with higher salaries, maintain their contribution rates…Surely, there is no equity in such a scheme,” the petitioner said.

PhilHealth said the increase is necessary because it will entitle members to in-patient hospital care, out-patient coverage and other special benefit packages under the National Health Insurance Program.

“Yet, a look at the records of PhilHealth will show that it can attain these objectives without adopting the drastic increase in its contribution schedules,” the petitioner said.

Petitioners noted that in 2012, PhilHealth awarded some P1.5 billion in bonuses and allowances to its top officials and employees.

“This only shows that if only respondent PhilHealth would only use its funds judiciously and would be less capricious in spending its funds, the need for contribution hikes from its members would be obviated,” the petitioner insisted.

KMU said the increase will be an added burden to workers as it would mean a reduction in their take-home pay.

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