MANILA (September 20) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Saturday the return of ₱60 billion in excess funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to support the state health insurer’s expanded services. The funds had previously been transferred to the national treasury.
The President made the pronouncement during his visit to Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Santa Cruz, Manila, where he assessed the government’s Zero Balance Billing policy.
“No matter what explanation we give, even if we show that PhilHealth is expanding its services, people still worry that benefits might be reduced. Actually, we are increasing them,” Marcos said. “That ₱60 billion will be returned to PhilHealth—not only to ease public concerns but to further broaden its services.”
The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order in October last year against further transfers of PhilHealth funds to the treasury, after petitions were filed questioning the move. At that time, ₱60 billion in unutilized funds had already been remitted, leaving ₱29.9 billion with PhilHealth.
Earlier this year, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto defended the remittance, calling it “legal, moral, and economically sound,” noting that no member contributions were touched and that about 78 percent of the ₱60 billion was used to finance critical health projects.
During his hospital visit, Marcos toured facilities, spoke with healthcare workers and patients, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making healthcare more accessible.
“You are continuing to save lives and give hope to families—that is the most important thing we can do,” Marcos told health workers. “We have to congratulate all of you for your dedication and hard work.”
