Manila, Philippines – Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. assured the public on Monday that the agency will continue to provide health benefits despite the absence of government subsidy in the 2025 budget.
Ledesma highlighted PhilHealth’s strong financial position, revealing reserves of PHP281 billion and surplus funds amounting to PHP150 billion as of October 2024.
He also noted that the agency’s investment portfolio has reached PHP498 billion.
“Our financial position is strong and sufficient to sustain our operations,” Ledesma said.
Meanwhile, despite of public outcry, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. previously justified the zero subsidy, pointing out unused funds to be still streamlined for disbursement.
Ledesma pledged to address these concerns and improve benefit packages, reaffirming PhilHealth’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage.
“We shall do better to provide reasons for the provision of government subsidies, which are vital to ensuring long-term improvements,” Ledesma said.