Go raises concerns over PhilHealth fund transfers despite legal defense

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has again raised concerns over the transfer of billions of pesos from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to the National Treasury, despite the Solicitor General’s recent defense of the action.

While the Office of the Solicitor General (SolGen) has insisted that the P16 billion transfer was lawful, Go emphasized that legality doesn’t always equate to fairness.

“Hindi ko kinukwestyon kung legal o hindi, pero ang tanong ko: makatarungan ba ito para sa mga Pilipino? Para saan ba talaga ang pondong ito? Hindi ba’t para sa serbisyong pangkalusugan?” Go said.

The concerns grew after Supreme Court Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier cited a Commission on Audit (COA) report indicating that PhilHealth’s reserves have been far below its actuarial requirements for the past three years, raising alarms about the agency's financial stability.

Since mid-2024, Go has voiced opposition to the redirection of PhilHealth funds, which he argues should have been used within the agency to enhance healthcare services. He pointed out that over P60 billion has already been transferred and expressed ongoing concerns over its current use.

"Matagal na nating tinatanong: maibabalik pa ba ito? Saan na napunta ang na-transfer na P60 billion? Kung ginamit man, siguruhing napunta sa kapakinabangan ng mamamayan pagdating sa kalusugan dahil ang pondo ng PhilHealth ay dapat para sa health!," he stressed.

The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized that PhilHealth was created to provide accessible healthcare, and diverting its funds could undermine this mission. "It’s alarming to think that PhilHealth’s funds can be easily lost like this," he added.

Go has also urged the new leadership of PhilHealth to safeguard its resources and ensure that every peso is used to improve healthcare services, hospital infrastructure, and the expansion of benefits.

“Bumisita sa aking opisina si Dr. Edwin Mercado nitong Miyerkules at aking ipinaalala sa kanya ang ating iisang hangarin na makapagbigay ng maayos at maaasahang serbisyo at benepisyong pangkalusugan sa mga Pilipino. Ang pakiusap ko sa kanya, unahin ang kapakanan ng mahihirap na mga pasyente at dapat mabawasan ang pasanin nila kapag nagkakasakit,” Go shared.

“Kahit sino pa ang italagang lider sa PhilHealth, mas mahalaga para sa atin na magagampanan ng ahensya ang mandato nito at maipatutupad ang mga repormang ipinangako ng nakaraang pamunuan nito,” he added.

The senator has been vocal about the decision by the Department of Finance in 2024 to transfer "excess" PhilHealth funds into government coffers, arguing that the money was not surplus but essential reserves meant for future claims, the expansion of case rates, and the implementation of long-overdue reforms.

In addition to pushing for greater financial transparency, Go has advocated for policy reforms within PhilHealth. He successfully pushed for the removal of the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) policy and questioned the 24-hour confinement rule, which he argued was inhumane and unnecessarily burdensome for patients.

Despite government assurances that the funds were being used for critical health and social projects, Go remains unconvinced and has called for clear documentation and evidence of their proper utilization. His concerns about the transfer of funds have prompted multiple Supreme Court petitions, leading to a temporary restraining order in October 2024 blocking the transfer of an additional P29.9 billion.

As the debate continues into 2025, Go remains committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in PhilHealth’s operations. He stressed that funds allocated for health must be used for the benefit of the Filipino people, particularly those who need it most.

The ongoing scrutiny of PhilHealth’s financial management underscores the growing concerns among lawmakers about the future of the country’s healthcare system and the proper allocation of resources to meet the needs of Filipino patients.