Bong Go: PhilHealth must do more to inform members of their rights

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed a bill seeking to provide every Filipino with a simple and cost-efficient PhilHealth identification card to promote greater awareness of their benefits under the Universal Health Care (UHC) law.

Speaking as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go stressed the importance of ensuring that all Filipinos know they are PhilHealth members and are fully informed of the health services they are entitled to.

“It’s very important that every Filipino knows they are a member of PhilHealth. When they are confident about their benefits, they won’t be afraid to get a check-up or go to the hospital," Go stressed in Filipino.

Despite the automatic membership provision under the UHC law, Go cited that many Filipinos remain unaware of their coverage. He pointed to recent data showing only around 27.8 million individuals are enrolled in PhilHealth’s Konsulta (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama) program.

“Many still don’t know that they are automatically members. There should be clear proof that confirms they are part of PhilHealth,” he added.

Go is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2983, or the proposed Philippine Health Card Act of 2025. The bill proposes the issuance of either a digital or physical ID to all PhilHealth members to serve as proof of coverage. These cards would be developed under the National Health Insurance Program and distributed in partnership with local government units (LGUs).

“For ordinary Filipinos, it’s a big help to have proof that you’re a member. Whether it’s an old ID, a digital one, or integrated into the national ID — what matters is that Filipinos have something to hold on to, something they can rely on when they get sick," Go said.

The senator also emphasized that the issuance of IDs should be accompanied by a wider information campaign to ensure Filipinos are aware of the specific benefits and services available to them.

“What’s important here is not just that people have an ID. They must also know what benefits they’re entitled to. That’s why I’m calling on PhilHealth to further strengthen its information campaign," he added.

Go reiterated his previous criticisms of outdated systems and policies within PhilHealth, stressing the need for reform and transparency. He called on the agency to prioritize public service over bureaucracy and inefficiency.

“I will not stop holding PhilHealth accountable. As I told you before, I made you commit to fixing and reforming the system. PhilHealth is meant for health, not for business. It’s an insurance service so that our fellow Filipinos have something to rely on when they get sick,” he said.

He also called for more people-centered systems that prioritize the poor and vulnerable sectors, adding that access to healthcare should not be a burden.