The Philhealth Board of Directors, led by Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, immediately raised concerns about the proposed procurement of collateral worth P37.5 million which is included in the marketing and promotional expenses for the Philhealth anniversary. 

The official proposal for the marketing and promotional expenses only reached the Board on 16 December and was immediately vetoed. 

Urging for financial responsibility, the Board of Directors decided to cancel the proposed procurement to save government funds and ensure its proper allocation for the benefits of PhilHealth members.

The PhilHealth Board of Directors chaired by Herbosa (who cannot vote) has four other ex-officio members that include the Secretaries of Finance, Budget and Management, Social Welfare and Development, and Labor. 

Another seat for a representative of local chief executives remains vacant. The Board is separate and distinct from PhilHealth’s executive officers, led by its president and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., and executive vice president and COO Eli Diño Santos. 

The P37.5 million worth of collaterals proposed for the 30th anniversary of Philhealth includes umbrellas worth 7,910,550; perforated mesh stickers worth P7,300,000; tote bags worth P1,820,000; anniversary shirts worth P3,640,000; marketing shirts worth P1,940,000; jackets worth P13,650,000; katsa bags worth P750,000, and button pins worth P545,000.

“The Philhealth board of directors reviews and decides on proposals coming from the Philhealth Management, such as the Marketing and Promotional Expenses for the official events of the corporation,” Herbosa said.

“The Board will always prioritize the benefits of PhilHealth member.”