By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Noting PhilHealth’s alleged failure to expand health insurance benefits or reduce premiums despite holding over P700 billion in reserves and more than P500 billion in investible funds, House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon announced today (15 December 2024) that he will file a resolution calling for a congressional probe into PhilHealth’s reserve funds.
Bongalon said he aims to uncover where these funds are invested and whether PhilHealth executives are personally benefiting from these transactions.
“At a conservative 4% annual interest, P500 billion could yield P20 billion in income. How much does PhilHealth really make from its investments? Where are the funds placed, and who decides on these investments? Most importantly, what’s the criteria for these investments?” Bongalon asked.
The investigation follows Congress’ decision to defund PhilHealth’s premium subsidies for 2025. Bongalon, a member of the House contingent to the Bicameral Conference Committee, said PhilHealth has failed to utilize allocated funds to expand medical benefits.
Responding to critics, he emphasized that Congress’ decision not to appropriate P74 billion in premium subsidies will not deprive Filipinos of health insurance benefits, as PhilHealth has more than enough funds to cover its obligations.
Bongalon pointed out that many of his constituents, including private hospitals, prefer the Department of Health-administered Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program because it covers entire hospital bills, unlike PhilHealth, which only partially covers medical expenses.
“MAIFIP is the real lifesaver. That should be the government’s priority instead of PhilHealth premium subsidies, which are just sitting in banks,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Department of Finance ordered PhilHealth to return P90 billion in unused subsidies sitting in banks, but the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against it.
Under the Universal Health Care Act, PhilHealth is required to use excess funds to either expand benefits or reduce premiums. However, the state insurer has done neither, prompting Congress to withhold additional subsidies.
In hearings, Bongalon revealed that P42 billion in Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) meant for benefit expansion, including the Konsulta Package, remain unused.
“Despite PhilHealth’s excess funds, hospitals are complaining that the state insurer often fails to pay them on time. Worse, some are even forced to pay bribes just to collect,” the Bicolano solon said.
PhilHealth’s handling of its funds has drawn increased scrutiny, especially as many Filipinos struggle with limited access to affordable healthcare. Bongalon emphasized that the investigation will ensure transparency and accountability in managing public funds.
“The Filipino people deserve answers,” he concluded.
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