Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, widely recognized as a health reforms crusader, emphasized the importance of ensuring the sustainability and accessibility of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) services despite the absence of a government subsidy in this year’s budget.
During a hearing on Thursday, January 16, conducted by the Senate Committee on Health which he presided on as Chairperson, Senator Go reiterated his objection to the lack of subsidy and called on PhilHealth to utilize its reserve and excess funds effectively to maintain its commitments to Filipino members.
“Despite the non-provision of budget subsidy to PhilHealth this year which we objected on. Ayaw ko talaga na ma-zero kayo. Nag-oppose talaga ako rito. Hindi nga po ako pumirma sa bicam report,” he explained.
“We call on PhilHealth to maximize their available unutilized excess funds. Kahit zero kayo sa subsidy mula sa gobyerno, gamitin n’yo po ‘yung tinatawag ninyong reserve funds or excess funds n’yo to deliver on these commitments to benefit every Filipino who is a member of PhilHealth,” Senator Go stated.
The senator expressed concern over the anxiety of Filipinos, particularly retirees and those who depend on PhilHealth for medical assistance. He emphasized that PhilHealth’s resources should be fully dedicated to serving the health needs of its members.
“Kaya nga po PhilHealth,” he pointedly remarked. “Marami akong kakilala at kausap, nangangamba… May aasahan ba kami sa PhilHealth?’, ‘Pag nagkasakit kami, matutulungan ba kami ng PhilHealth?’ Sabi ko sa kanila, babantayan po natin itong PhilHealth sa inyong mga pinangako.”
Senator Go also directly addressed PhilHealth President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., asking for reassurances that members would not suffer from reduced services despite the financial challenges.
“Salamat po. Can you just assure the public, Sir Ledesma, that despite the zero subsidy from the national government, wala ba silang dapat ipangamba sa serbisyo na ibibigay n’yo ngayong taong ito? At hindi ba sila dapat matakot magpa-hospital? Mas papalawakin n’yo pa ang inyong serbisyo ngayon?” Senator Go inquired.
In response, Ledesma provided reassurance, stating, “Yes, Mr. Chair. We can assure each and every member of PhilHealth that ‘wag po kayong mag-alala, ‘wag po kayong matakot pumunta sa hospital. As a doctor, sagot po kayo ng PhilHealth. Rest assured. Importante rito, meron silang masasandalan.”
The senator closed his remarks by urging PhilHealth to maintain transparency and proactively communicate with the public to ease their concerns. “Kindly explain po sa publiko. Babantayan po namin ang inyong mga pinangako. After all, PhilHealth funds must be used for health,” he concluded.
