By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(July 19, 2024) – Sen. Bong Go on Friday expressed his concerns over the reported transfer of nearly P90 billion worth of excess funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to the Department of Finance (DOF).
Go said he will seek answers from PhilHealth, the DOF, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Health regarding the legality and propriety of the alleged move.
“Tama at legal ba ang ginawa ng DOF at PhilHealth?” said Go in a statement. “Kung oo, saan naman ito gagamitin?”
Last April, the DOF directed PhilHealth to remit P89.9 billion in excess funds in unprogrammed appropriations of Republic Act No. 11975 or the 2024 General Appropriations Act.
This allows excess funds of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) to be returned to national coffers.
Go demanded an explanation for Philhealth’s excess funds, noting the struggles of members of the state health insurer to pay for their hospital and medical expenses.
“Bakit may P90 billion na excess funds ang PhilHealth na hindi nagamit para mas palawakin at palakasin pa ang benefit packages na makakatulong sa ating mga kababayan?” added Go, who chairs the committee on health and demography.
Last Monday, former DOF undersecretary Cielo Magno, health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon, and economist Filomeno Sta. Ana III scrutinized the alleged transfer of funds, warning this could be a new way for the government to misappropriate funds.
They argued that it violates Section 11 of the Universal Health Care Act, which provides that excess funds can only be used to increase PhilHealth’s benefits and decrease the members’ contribution amounts.
It added that no portion can go to the general budget of the government and its agencies or GOCCs.
On Tuesday, DOF secretary Ralph Recto explained that the return of excess funds from GOCCs could be used for public investment, adding it will not affect the services of PhilHealth.
Go stressed that excess funds should still benefit the public by using them to improve the healthcare system, recalling how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed its weaknesses.
“Pera naman ng taumbayan ‘yan na originally intended for healthcare. Kaya siguraduhin nating bawat piso riyan ay makasalba man lang ng buhay,” said Go.
Go was linked to the scandal involving Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., the government’s provider of COVID-19 supplies.
(With reports from Meanne Los Baños, News5)
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