More opposition to diversion of P89.9 billion to PhilHealth

PHILIPPINES - In Brief 30 Sep 2024 by Diwa Guinigundo

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A couple of days ago, former high-ranking officials including former cabinet secretaries joined the broadening section of Philippine society by issuing a statement opposing the diversion of P89.9 billion of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funds to the National Treasury to fund Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA). Among the signatories are Cielito Habito, former Secretary of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA); Ernesto Pernia, former NEDA Secretary; Florencio Abad, former Secretary of Budget and Management; Enrique Ona, former Secretary of Health; Alberto Aldaba Lim, former Secretary of Tourism; Edilberto de Jesus, former Secretary of Education; Diwa Guinigundo, former Deputy Governor, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; Joel M. Rocamora, former Secretary of the National Anti-Poverty Commission; Patricia Licuanan, former Chairperson oof the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); Teresita Quintos Deles, former Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; Alexander Padilla, former PhilHealth President and CEO; Nepomuceno Malaluan, former Undersecretary of Education; Cielo Magno, former Undersecretary of Finance; Madeleine de Rosas-Valera, former Undersecretary of Health; Juan Antonio Perez III, former Executive Director, Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM); and Oscar P. Lagman Jr., COO, Blue Cross Insurance and former Director and Head of Healthcare Consulting, SGV Consulting. The former officials clarified that PhilHealth is a social health insurance program that is distinct from other government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs). Its funds are earmarked for a strictly specific purpose. “PhilHealth’s funds are ring-fenced ...