“Hindi ko kayang pabayaan ang mga kababayan natin. Lalo na ngayong hirap na hirap na sila sa araw-araw na gastusin,” declared Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who recently reminded PhilHealth to honor its commitment to affordable healthcare for all Filipinos, including its specific pledge to recommend for the suspension of the 2024 premium contribution increase.
In a commitment letter received by Go’s office on October 14, PhilHealth affirmed it would adhere to this suspension as part of its compliance with the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act under Republic Act No. 11223.
PhilHealth’s letter outlines its commitment to supporting proposals championed by Go, particularly the effort to keep healthcare costs manageable for Filipinos. Go urged PhilHealth to uphold this promise, underscoring the importance of reducing financial burdens on Filipino families.
This commitment aligns with Senate Bill No. 2620, a measure co-authored and co-sponsored by Go, which recently passed on its third reading in the Senate. The bill aims to amend the UHC law to lower premium contributions for direct PhilHealth members, further advancing the goal of affordable healthcare.
“Sa panahon ngayon, hindi dapat maging pabigat sa bulsa ng bawat Pilipino ang pagpapagamot o pagpunta sa ospital,” Go asserted. “Isa lang ang hiling ko sa PhilHealth: gawing mas abot-kaya ang healthcare para sa lahat.”
With many Filipinos struggling under the weight of rising costs, Go’s emphasis on halting the premium hike reflects his deep-rooted commitment to easing the financial strain on low- and middle-income households. SBN 2620 addresses this concern, seeking to make PhilHealth contributions more affordable, especially for direct contributors who bear the brunt of monthly deductions.
PhilHealth’s commitment letter highlights its alignment with Go’s advocacy, assuring full implementation of the UHC Act’s provisions for equitable and accessible healthcare. This letter reflects a concrete step toward translating legislative initiatives into real, tangible benefits for everyday Filipinos.
While the suspension of premium hikes would provide immediate relief, Go believes that further reform is essential to achieving a long-term healthcare solution in the Philippines. He maintains that the core principle of the UHC Act is to uphold the health rights of all Filipinos.
“Hindi natin hahayaang magkulang ang ating healthcare system. Patuloy tayong magbabantay, magre-remind, at magbibigay ng boses sa mga kababayan nating walang ibang inaasahan kundi ang pamahalaan sa kanilang kalusugan,” Go remarked.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth has also officially committed to assure implementation of their other promises such as increasing case rates; expansion of benefit packages especially for the top 10 mortality diseases; provision of free medicines and assistive devices, such as eyeglasses and wheelchairs; inclusion of dental, visual, emergency and preventive care; as well as updating policies to meet the needs of Filipinos.
Go has pressed PhilHealth to accelerate its other reforms following the long-overdue scrapping of the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) policy last month. While its removal was a significant step triggered by Go’s consistent appeals for reform, he has also brought to light the 24-hour confinement rule, which required patients to be hospitalized for at least a day to qualify for insurance coverage. PhilHealth officials have also committed to revisit and remove this rule.
Although most of these commitments are still in progress, Go said that the Senate Health committee will sustain its oversight of PhilHealth’s performance, especially with the looming December deadline for the promised benefit package expansions, among others.
“Pera po ito ng taumbayan, bawat piso ay pinagpaguran. Dapat po itong gamitin sa paraan na talagang makikinabang ang mga mamamayan,” Go said, reaffirming his commitment to policies that lessen the financial burden on ordinary citizens.
Earlier, Go expressed strong commendation for the Supreme Court’s issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking the transfer of PhilHealth’s excess funds to the National Treasury.
“Ang pondo ng PhilHealth ay para sa Health!” Go reiterated. While appreciative of the TRO, Go stressed that this is merely a step in his ongoing efforts to ensure that PhilHealth fully delivers on its commitments to Filipinos.
“Pero hindi dito nagtatapos ang ating krusada para sa kalusugan at kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan. Hindi ko titigilan ang PhilHealth hanggang tuparin nila ang lahat ng kanilang pangako,” he said.
