Senators are set to scrutinize the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) request for additional funds in the 2025 budget despite its current surplus, including P89.9 billion previously returned to the national treasury.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian questioned the need for further funding if previous allocations were unspent, while Senator Grace Poe criticized the past administration for borrowing money despite having surplus funds.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto revealed that PhilHealth’s net income is expected to reach P61 billion by year-end.
Its funds are sufficient to cover new benefits without impacting current services. The funds will enhance benefit packages and cover overdue claims, with additional money transferred to health and education projects.
A Supreme Court petition challenges the legality of diverting excess funds from government-owned corporations like PhilHealth.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 19, 2024
