IN a move aimed at easing the financial burden on employers, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced Thursday a one-time waiver on the interest of unpaid premiums and contributions to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
The amnesty is expected to benefit approximately 300,000 employers across the country.
The waiver will cover employers and self-employed Filipinos who have missed paying their PhilHealth contributions at any point between 2013 and 2024, according to a video message uploaded by Marcos Jr. on his social media accounts. The President acknowledged the financial strain that the monthly 3 percent PhilHealth contribution places on many Filipinos.
“Alam naman namin na yung 3 percent na kontribusyon na hinabayad sa PhilHealth buwan-buwan ay ramdam na ramdam nga ating mga kababayan,” the President said.
“Ito po ay aking ginagawa upang pagaangin ang tala ng ating mga kababayan tungkol sa mga healthcare cost at iba-ibang hamon na hinaharap ng ating mga kababayan araw-araw,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to alleviating the healthcare costs and other challenges faced by Filipinos.
Marcos Jr. also urged employers to enroll their workers in the government’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), which provides qualified beneficiaries with free check-ups, essential lab tests, cancer screenings, and up to P20,000 worth of annual medicines.
metrosundaily
