Senator Bong Go Supports Restoration of P60 Billion to PhilHealth for Universal Health Care

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has affirmed his support for the Executive branch's move to restore P60 billion in excess funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go described the transfer of the funds from the National Treasury to PhilHealth as "long overdue."

"That money, by law and by principle, rightfully belongs to PhilHealth," he stressed. "It should have not been taken from PhilHealth to begin with."

Go revealed that he had already voiced concerns regarding the fund transfer as early as July 2024, prior to the Supreme Court's issuance of a temporary restraining order on the move. He emphasized the importance of utilizing these funds to ensure the full implementation of the Universal Health Care law.

Expressing urgency, Go questioned, "Why does PhilHealth have 'excess funds' while many patients are dying and cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization or medical treatment?" He called on PhilHealth to deploy the funds in expanding health coverage and to uphold "zero balance billing" policies in public hospitals.

Highlighting his commitment, Go recalled his involvement in 14 Senate hearings focused on reforming and enhancing PhilHealth’s benefit packages. These efforts have resulted in expanded support for kidney-related treatments and comprehensive care for ischemic heart disease.

Under his guidance, PhilHealth has also committed to broadening its service offerings to include dental and mental health care, outpatient drug benefits, diagnostic tests, medical transportation, and assistive devices such as wheelchairs and crutches.

Looking ahead, Senator Go reaffirmed his dedication to ongoing oversight of PhilHealth, aiming to guarantee that the Universal Health Care law benefits all Filipinos.

"I will focus on PhilHealth for the Filipinos," he stated. "PhilHealth is for health. It is not a business; its funds should not be hoarded; they should be used for the people. Give it back because that is our money."