PBBM restores P60-B surplus funds to PhilHealth

The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for ordering the return of ₱60 billion surplus funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), a move seen as a major boost to Universal Health Care (UHC).

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who also chairs the PhilHealth Board, said the reinstated funds will expand health benefits, reduce patients’ financial burdens, and help ensure that all Filipinos can access quality medical care.

Originally remitted to the national treasury under the 2024 budget, the funds will now be used for key health initiatives, including health emergency allowances (₱27.45B), medical aid for indigent and financially challenged patients (₱10B), procurement of medical equipment (₱4.1B), hospital upgrades (₱5.06B), and counterpart financing for foreign-assisted health projects (₱13B).

The DOH noted that the return of the funds will raise the government’s share in health spending from about 40% to 70%, significantly cutting out-of-pocket expenses. Herbosa also emphasized that while Zero Balance Billing is already applied in DOH hospitals, the ultimate goal is for PhilHealth to cover most, if not all, hospital costs.

“We thank President Marcos Jr. for recognizing the tireless work of our healthcare workers, who are committed to making essential health services accessible to every Filipino family,” Herbosa said.