MANILA — The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to reject a petition challenging the transfer of unused funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) back to the national treasury. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra argued that the return of idle funds, amounting to PHP89.9 billion, was lawful and did not violate the constitutional right to health, as claimed by petitioners, led by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III.
In a comment submitted to the SC, Guevarra stated that the Department of Finance (DOF) circulars governing the transfer were constitutional and that the unused funds were excess amounts not needed for PhilHealth’s ongoing operations or benefit payments. He emphasized that PhilHealth’s financial position remains robust, with a reserve fund of over PHP488 billion and annual net income exceeding PHP100 billion over the past three years.
Guevarra dismissed claims that the fund transfer was responsible for the population’s continued out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. He noted that any issues with the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act (UHCA) were separate from the fund transfer and did not amount to a breach of the right to health.
The Solicitor General also cited procedural flaws in the petition, including the failure to exhaust legal remedies and the lack of legal standing. He urged the SC to dismiss the petition outright, arguing that it failed to demonstrate any concrete harm or impact on public access to health services.
PhilHealth, meanwhile, announced plans to expand its benefits, including increased coverage for various cancer treatments and outpatient medications, with an additional 50% boost in benefits expected by the end of the year.
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