PhilHealth Fund Transfer Concerns Sen. Go Reiterates Worries Amid SC Justice's Warning

PhilHealth Fund Transfer Concerns Sen. Go Reiterates Worries Amid SC Justice's Warning

Senator Bong Go has once again expressed concerns about the transfer of billions of pesos from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to the National Treasury, citing worries over the potential impact on healthcare services.

Go's concerns were reiterated after the Office of the Solicitor General confirmed that the P16 billion transfer was legal. However, the senator emphasized that his primary concern is not whether the transfer is legal or illegal, but rather whether it is fair and transparent for Filipinos.

I'm not questioning the legality of the transfer, Go said. My question is is it fair for Filipinos? What is this fund really for? Isn't it meant to support healthcare services?

The senator's concerns were echoed by Supreme Court Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, who warned that PhilHealth may already be financially unstable. According to a Commission on Audit (COA) report, the agency has been operating with reserves far below its actuarial requirements for at least three years.

Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, has long opposed the redirection of PhilHealth's idle funds, arguing that these should have remained within the agency to improve healthcare services. Over P60 billion has already been transferred, and Go continues to seek clarity on its current status.

We need transparency on where this money went, Go said. If it was used for a specific purpose, we want to know that it benefited the people in terms of healthcare services.

Go underscored that PhilHealth was established to ensure accessible healthcare services for Filipinos. He cautioned that diverting its funds, even if deemed lawful, undermines its purpose and may set a dangerous precedent.

It's scary to think that PhilHealth funds can be transferred so easily, Go said. If we don't take action to protect these resources, they will continue to be swept away.

The senator called on PhilHealth's new leadership to be more assertive in protecting its resources, ensuring that every peso is maximized for medical assistance, hospital improvements, and benefit expansion.

As the future of healthcare services hangs in the balance, it is crucial to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the well-being of our fellow Filipinos.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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