The House of Representatives approved a ₱60-billion subsidy for PhilHealth in the 2026 Department of Health budget.
Rep. Brian Poe emphasized that the funds must be used directly for patients, not left unused in government accounts.
He warned against diverting the subsidy to operational costs, as PhilHealth already has over ₱464 billion in reserves.
Poe also urged PhilHealth to address delayed payments to private hospitals, which have caused frustration in the sector.
To ensure transparency, he backed a provision requiring PhilHealth to submit a utilization report by mid-2026, linking funding to actual patient benefits.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 12, 2025
