The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for January 14, 2025, to address consolidated petitions challenging the transfer of excess funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and other government corporations to the national treasury.
Despite this, the fund transfers could proceed this year as there is no court restraining order in place.
The transfers include a first tranche of P20 billion, a second tranche of P10 billion, and upcoming tranches of P30 billion and P29.9 billion.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III and the Philippine Medical Association argue that the P89.9 billion transfer is unconstitutional and threatens health programs, while Bayan Muna contends that the President’s urgent certification of the 2024 budget lacks legitimate basis and violates constitutional requirements.
The petitioners seek to have the transfer declared void and challenge the expedited approval of the budget.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 11, 2024
