Former Eastern Samar governor Ben Evardone has backed Executive Secretary Ralph Recto’s proposal to expand PhilHealth benefits for paying members, saying the move is supported by the Universal Health Care Act, which allows additional benefits for direct contributors.
Evardone urged PhilHealth to implement the provision, arguing that millions of members who regularly pay premiums deserve improved healthcare services and benefits.
Recto earlier proposed benefit packages that correspond to members’ contributions following the reported denial of benefits to a longtime PhilHealth contributor and said he would discuss the plan with PhilHealth officials.
The proposal, however, drew opposition from health groups and former COVID-19 adviser Dr. Tony Leachon, who warned it could create unequal benefits between direct and indirect contributors and undermine the law’s goal of universal health coverage.
Evardone maintained that the solution is to increase government subsidies for indirect contributors while also supporting Recto’s call for higher PhilHealth reimbursements to local government-run hospitals.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 11, 2026
SUPPORT GROWS FOR RECTO’S PHILHEALTH BENEFIT EXPANSION PUSH
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