BONG GO APPEALS TO GOVERNMENT TO WAIT FOR SUPREME COURT DECISION BEFORE TRANSFERRING PHILHEALTH EXCESS FUNDS TO NATIONAL TREASURY, CITING MORAL AND LEGAL CONCERNS

“Ang pera ng PhilHealth ay para sa Health! Dapat gamitin ito upang proteksyunan ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino!”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized this as he once again urged the government to stop the scheduled transfer of PhilHealth’s excess funds to the national treasury, calling it a move that is “immoral” and against the interests of the people especially for poor patients in dire need of assistance.

His renewed call comes as PhilHealth prepares to remit the remaining PHP 29.9 billion of its PHP 89.9 billion excess funds to the Bureau of the Treasury in November, following earlier tranches totaling PHP 60 billion this year.

Go, who has been vocal about safeguarding public health funds, reiterated that the funds allocated for healthcare must be utilized for their intended purpose, especially given the ongoing challenges in delivering essential services to Filipinos. He stressed that diverting these funds could further compromise the already strained healthcare system.

“Bukod sa legal question na nakabinbin pa sa Supreme Court, para sa akin may moral issue rin dito. Ang perang ito ay dapat gamitin para sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino, lalo na sa mga mahihirap at walang kakayahang magbayad ng kanilang mga ospital,” Go said, expressing deep concern over the potential misuse of public resources.

Go urged the government to await the high court’s decision, stating that moving ahead without clarity could jeopardize the welfare of Filipinos who depend on these funds for essential healthcare.

“Kapag nai-transfer na ang pondo at sabihin ng Korte Suprema na mali ito, maibabalik pa ba natin ang pera? Mababayaran pa ba ang mga Pilipinong umaasa sa pondong ito para sa kanilang kalusugan?” Go asked, stressing the potential consequences of pushing through with the transfer without finality on the legal dispute.

Go also pointed out that the ongoing legal proceedings must be respected. “Dapat hintayin ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema. Kapag sinabi nila na ito ay mali, maari bang mabawi pa ang pondong inilaan para sa ibang programa? Mas mabuting mag-ingat kaysa magkamali,” he added.

He stressed that the Supreme Court’s decision would serve as the final word on the matter and should guide all actions related to PhilHealth’s fund transfers moving forward.

The scheduled transfer is part of a broader plan under the Department of Finance (DOF) to use excess funds from PhilHealth to support unprogrammed appropriations for government projects. According to the DOF, these funds are intended to boost infrastructure, health, and social services programs, with the transfer authorized by provisions in the 2024 General Appropriations Act.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed that PhilHealth had already remitted P30 billion on October 16 and will complete the transfer in November, despite mounting legal challenges. Among the groups opposing the move is 1SAMBAYAN Coalition, which has filed petitions at the Supreme Court questioning the constitutionality of the transfer, citing a violation of Article VI, Section 25 (5) of the Constitution.

Go has been particularly outspoken on the issue, questioning the necessity of transferring funds meant for healthcare at a time when many Filipinos are still struggling to access basic medical services. He pointed out that the current situation demands that PhilHealth focus on expanding its services and benefits to alleviate the burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses.

“Habang may mga kababayan tayo na hindi makabayad sa ospital at nangangailangan ng tulong, ang PhilHealth ay may sobra-sobrang pondo na tila hindi nila ginagamit,” Go stated. He lamented the fact that despite holding a P500 billion reserve, PhilHealth has failed to maximize its resources for public benefit as mandated.

The senator reiterated his stance that PhilHealth’s excess funds should be used to enhance healthcare packages, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and introduce new benefit programs aimed at addressing the most pressing medical needs of the population.

“Ang pondo ng PhilHealth ay para sa kalusugan, hindi para gamitin sa ibang bagay. Hindi puwedeng isakripisyo ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino,” he emphasized, urging the government to reconsider its decision.

Go has also advocated for the introduction of new PhilHealth benefit packages for diseases with high mortality rates such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. Additionally, he called for the inclusion of outpatient services, mental health coverage, and dental care in PhilHealth’s coverage, as well as the provision of assistive devices and emergency medical treatments.

“Malinaw sa akin na ang pondong ito ay para sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino at gagawin ko ang lahat ng aking makakaya para hindi ito maagaw para sa ibang bagay,” he declared, promising to raise the issue once again in the upcoming Senate hearings in November.

Go’s persistence has already led to the removal of restrictive policies within PhilHealth, such as the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) rule and the 24-hour confinement policy, and he has pushed for further reforms aimed at increasing access to affordable healthcare services. With his ongoing efforts, Go hopes to ensure that public health funds are used to directly benefit the people, particularly the poor, who are most in need of government support.