By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the approval of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr of the five (5) percent increase in premium contributions for Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, PhilHealth president and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. on Friday (23 Feb 2024) assured that Filipinos will be able to feel their benefits.
The Philhealth chief said the five (5) percent increase in premium contributions will be sustained, as the Office of the President (OP) expressed through a letter that “they pose no objection” to the increase implemented last January.
“I want to assure all of you, yes maraming pera ang PhilHealth. But you can be assured, 100 percent that money will be used wisely and reported in detail, regularly with President [Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.],” Ledesma Jr. said.
To recall, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa appealed to Marcos last month to suspend the implementation of the premium hike.
Ledesma Jr. contended that the increase in contributions is intended to generate more funds for PhilHealth reform.
He noted that under the Universal Healthcare Act, PhilHealth is mandated to raise members’ premiums by 0.5 percent every year beginning in 2019.
Ledesma Jr. also said the 0.5 increase will translate to P35 billion in income for PhilHealth, which will be used for more benefits and programs.
He disclosed that PhilHealth is eyeing to increase their manpower from the current 7,000 to 10,000 for reorganization.
(el Amigo/MNM)
