Finance Secretary Ralph Recto clarified on Thursday that the P60 billion returned by PhilHealth to the national treasury was fully utilized for health-related programs and services.
PhilHealth had been ordered to remit P89.9 billion in excess government subsidies, but only P60 billion was returned before the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order to halt the transfer of the remaining P29.9 billion.
During Supreme Court oral arguments, Recto detailed how the P60 billion was allocated:
- ₱27.45 billion for COVID-19 frontliner allowances
- ₱10 billion for medical aid under the Social Programs for Health
- ₱3.37 billion for building three new DOH facilities
- ₱4.1 billion to upgrade current DOH hospitals
- ₱1.6 billion to the Health Facilities Enhancement Program
- ₱13 billion for the government’s share in foreign-assisted health projects
Recto emphasized that the funds came from unused government subsidies, not member contributions. “Not a single centavo meant for member benefits was used. PhilHealth operations and coverage remain fully funded and will continue to improve,” he assured.
“These funds paid our frontliners, built hospitals, and provided medicine to the poor—every peso translated into public service. That’s what fiscal justice looks like,” Recto added.
The Supreme Court proceedings follow petitions to block the full fund transfer through a TRO or a preliminary injunction.