By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Just a few hours after a top executive of Philippine Health Corporation claimed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr has approved the increase of state health insurer’s contributions, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Atty Cheloy Garafil on Friday (23 Feb 2024) said the Chief Executive was still reviewing the increase.
“The review is still ongoing. The President wants to ensure that any premium increase will substantially be much more in value in terms of benefits and coverage to Philhealth members,” Garafil said in a text message.
PhilHealth president and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. earlier 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.
He also assured that Filipinos will be able to feel their benefits.
But Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa has pushed for the suspension, explaining that Philhealth “has enough money to continue giving benefits.”
(el Amigo/MNM)