Manila, Philippines – PhilHealth will not receive any government subsidy in 2025 after lawmakers decided it should use its PHP600-billion reserve funds instead.
This decision came during the finalization of the PHP6.352-trillion 2025 national budget during the committee meeting on House Bill No. 10800 or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
“Sa ngayon, ang PhilHealth ay hindi nabigyan ng budget. Sapagkat kailangan nilang gamitin muna yung kanilang reserve funds,” said Senate finance committee chair Grace Poe.
Initially, PhilHealth was set to receive PHP74.431 billion under House Bill No. 10800, but was later removed during bicameral discussions.
Poe clarified that PhilHealth still has funds for operational costs.
However, Senator Risa Hontiveros warned that cutting PhilHealth’s subsidy could hurt vulnerable groups.
“Denying PhilHealth support to pay the premium contribution of the most vulnerable is to deny Filipinos our right to health,” she said.
Senator Pia Cayetano also questioned the decision, pointing out that the zero subsidy contradicts the Sin Tax Law.
“PhilHealth’s excess funds need to be addressed, but this issue should be tackled separately,” she said.
In an interview, meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero assured the public that PhilHealth’s services would not be affected.
Escudero emphasized that with PhilHealth’s existing budget, members should be able to receive increased benefits.
“Wala talaga dahil PHP600 billion ang hawak nila ngayon (It won’t because they have PHP600 billion right now),” he said.
“Sang-ayon sa charter ng PhilHealth, pwede nilang gamitin ‘yung kanilang pondo para sa universal health coverage ng Philhealth. Ang maganda pa nga doon mula isang bulsa pabalik lamang sa kabilang bulsa nila yon,” he said.