Health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon called for the full restoration of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) during the first day of the bicameral conference committee on 13 December, supporting earlier calls to address funding gaps.

Leachon said the issue is not just a budget matter but a constitutional, legal, and moral imperative. He highlighted that the Sin Tax Reform Act was intended to strengthen the health system and ensure PhilHealth coverage for the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.

He noted that earmarked funds for PhilHealth have often been withheld, reduced, or omitted in the General Appropriations Act (GAA), resulting in a cumulative shortfall of over P236.91 billion. These funds, he said, are intended for life-saving programs, primary care benefits, and the full implementation of Universal Health Care.

Leachon emphasized that Congress must uphold its legal obligations, pointing to the missing sin tax allocation in the 2025 GAA and the incomplete 2026 National Expenditure Program. He said full funding of PhilHealth is essential for protecting Filipino families from catastrophic health expenses and ensuring the most vulnerable are not left behind.

He urged lawmakers to restore all mandated allocations and fulfill the promise of Universal Health Care, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in public health financing.