Kabataan Party-list Representative Raoul Manuel questioned PhilHealth’s proposed P74 billion budget for 2025 during a plenary debate on Wednesday, citing concerns about unused and idle funds. This comes after the state health insurer remitted P89.9 billion in excess funds to the Treasury earlier this year, raising questions about its financial management.
Manuel pointed out the inconsistency of PhilHealth requesting a higher budget while failing to fully utilize its previous allocations. He warned that these funds might be “monetized” again and eventually remitted back to the Treasury, diverting resources away from crucial health services. He urged that any excess or idle funds be directed towards improving public hospitals, many of which face budget shortages.
BHW Party-list Representative Angelica Co, who sponsored the Department of Health’s budget, agreed that all funds should be used for the benefit of the public and highlighted PhilHealth’s commitment to a 30% increase in benefit package coverage.
Manuel emphasized the need for more investment in public healthcare, especially in a time of widespread illness and financial hardship.