Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed calls for the full implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, condemning the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for returning billions in unused funds to the National Treasury despite ongoing healthcare shortfalls.
“That’s my concern. Why return the funds when we are still far from fully implementing Universal Health Care?” Go said in a May 19 interview.
Since July 2024, Go has criticized PhilHealth’s return of what it called “excess” funds, calling the move legally questionable and morally wrong.
“Those billions could’ve helped many in need of medical aid. Some Filipinos, like a mother and child who died on a sidewalk in Cebu, are afraid to go to hospitals because of the costs,” Go said.
He warned against fiscal restraint at the expense of public health. “We shouldn’t scrimp when lives and health are at stake. PhilHealth funds belong to the people, and I will closely monitor this as your senator.”
Go credited sustained legislative oversight for prompting PhilHealth reforms, including the repeal of the Single Period of Confinement policy and the removal of the 24-hour confinement requirement that excluded emergency outpatient cases.
PhilHealth also scrapped the 45-day annual limit on hospital stays and raised case rates for illnesses such as UTI, influenza, and acute gastroenteritis—measures long pushed by Go to ease out-of-pocket expenses.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go said the chamber had held 13 hearings on health concerns, including emergency allowances for medical frontliners.
The issue of the returned funds is pending before the Supreme Court. “Let’s wait for their decision. We still lack funding for full UHC,” he added.
While not commenting on Senate political alignments, Go reaffirmed his commitment to service. “When it comes to laws that help the people, that’s where my vote will go—based on the nation’s interest.”
In the next Congress, Go plans to push for the Philippine Health Card, amendments to the UHC Act to lower premiums, and institutionalization of the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) program. He also advocates for Mental Health Offices in state universities and colleges.