The Department of Justice (DOJ) has determined that there are no legal obstacles to transferring the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to the Office of the President (OP).
This means that the President has the authority to control and oversee PhilHealth as part of the Executive department.
The DOJ’s decision came in response to a request from the Department of Health-Governance and Organization Development Team (GODT).
The GODT asked for clarification on the legal basis and implications of transferring PhilHealth to the OP.
They also sought guidance on the effect of the transfer on certain laws related to healthcare.
According to the DOJ, the President can transfer PhilHealth to the OP through the issuance of an executive order.
This means that the President has the power to make organizational changes and alter the composition of the board of directors in PhilHealth as deemed necessary to carry out their policies and directives.
The DOJ has determined that it is legally permissible for PhilHealth to be placed under the control of the President.
The President has the authority to make changes to PhilHealth’s organization and board of directors to align with their goals and policies.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 17, 2023
