Senators urge new PhilHealth chief to reform agency

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero advised newly appointed Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado to avoid the missteps of his predecessor.

Welcoming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s decision to appoint Mercado, Escudero stressed the need for leadership that prioritizes the public’s healthcare needs.

“It’s right to replace the PhilHealth [chief] because for the longest time, he did not do what he needed to do nor address the needs of the people, which is the main reason why Congress did what it did in their budget,” he said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that Mercado would resolve PhilHealth’s long-standing issues.

“One good thing is he is not a politician, mahirap kasi kapag pulitiko ang hahawak ng PhilHealth maraming puwedeng pagbigyan. Ako, I just wish him good luck. I just read his credentials and he is very highly qualified to be the chief of PhilHealth,” Estrada noted.

Senator Grace Poe also voiced her support, emphasizing the challenges ahead for the new PhilHealth leadership.

“The official faces a gargantuan task in making PhilHealth shape up to live up to its mandate of providing efficient, reliable, and accessible universal healthcare to all Filipinos,” Poe said.

She further urged the agency to settle outstanding obligations to healthcare workers, hospitals, and other institutions, hoping for a more responsive and effective PhilHealth under Mercado’s leadership. TRACY CABRERA