PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Saturday that P60 billion in excess funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), previously reverted to the national treasury, will be returned to the state health insurer.
The funds, primarily sourced from savings generated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), will be reinvested into PhilHealth to bolster its services and programs. Marcos made the announcement during a visit to Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
The President highlighted the significance of these savings, stating that the P60 billion, which had been temporarily utilized for other government projects, is now available for PhilHealth due to the efficient management and cost-cutting measures implemented across various departments, particularly the DPWH.
The return of these funds is expected to significantly enhance PhilHealth’s capacity to provide affordable and accessible healthcare services to Filipinos, particularly in light of ongoing challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises.
The move underscores the Marcos administration’s focus on prioritizing healthcare and ensuring the financial stability of the national health insurance program.
