Senator Bong Go denounces zero budget for PhilHealth, calls it anti-poor

On 11 December, the Senate ratified the Bicameral Committee Report that confirmed the government’s decision to allocate zero budget for PhilHealth in the coming year. Senator Bong Go has expressed strong opposition to this decision, describing it as both unacceptable and anti-poor.

“Despite discovering during Senate Health Committee hearings that PhilHealth has over P500 billion in reserve funds, I do not agree with completely defunding government subsidies for PhilHealth,” the senator stated.

He highlighted the critical role of government support in expanding PhilHealth’s benefits for Filipinos, especially indigent patients. “How can PhilHealth expand its benefits if the government provides zero subsidies? This is a direct blow to the poor who rely on these benefits to reduce their out-of-pocket medical expenses.”

The senator also emphasized that lawmakers must ensure health funds are used appropriately for their intended purpose. “While we are advocating for PhilHealth to properly utilize its existing funds, as legislators, we must support this goal by guaranteeing that health budgets remain dedicated to health services as mandated by law.”

Citing the Universal Health Care Law, he reminded his colleagues of the government’s commitment to reducing Filipinos' medical expenses in the coming years. “We are far from achieving this goal, and the zero budget for PhilHealth pushes us further back.”

The senator concluded with a passionate appeal for the welfare of the poor. “Indigent patients stand to lose the most from this decision. Improving PhilHealth benefits could significantly ease their financial burden, allowing them to spend on medicines, food, and other necessities instead of hospital bills. Let’s not let them suffer further.”

The senator's remarks underscore the urgent need for a reconsideration of the PhilHealth budget to prioritize the health and welfare of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.