Metro Manila, Philippines – Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said it will not suspend premium contributions despite calls for temporary relief as fuel prices continue to rise.
In a statement dated March 31, PhilHealth said maintaining regular collections is necessary to ensure uninterrupted health services and benefits for members.
“Kinikilala ng PhilHealth ang idineklarang State of National Energy Emergency… at ang mabigat na epekto nito sa kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan,” the agency said.
[Translation: PhilHealth recognizes the declared State of National Energy Emergency and its heavy impact on the livelihood of our countrymen.]
While acknowledging calls for a temporary halt in contributions, the agency stressed that sustained payments are essential under Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Law.
“Nauunawaan ng ahensya ang panawagan para sa pansamantalang tigil-singil bilang relief sa publiko,” PhilHealth added.
[Translation: The agency understands the call for a temporary halt in collections as a form of public relief.]
As an alternative relief measure, PhilHealth said it has implemented a one-time waiver of penalties for past-due premiums of employers and self-paying members.
“Hinihikayat namin ang mga direct contributors na samantalahin ang penalty condonation scheme na ito upang mapagaan ang kanilang mga gastusin,” it said.
[Translation: We encourage direct contributors to take advantage of this penalty condonation scheme to ease their expenses.]
The agency added it is coordinating with economic managers and awaiting guidance from Malacañang on possible additional interventions.
Calls for suspension
The issue gained traction after Senator Imee Marcos urged the government to temporarily suspend mandatory contributions to agencies such as the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth.
“Ang krisis sa gasolina at krudo ay pabigat lalo sa pang-araw-araw na buhay ng bawat Pilipino… Kaya’t marapat lamang na bigyan natin sila ng kahit isang buwan o higit pang palugit,” Marcos said.
[Translation: The fuel crisis is an added burden to the daily lives of Filipinos… It is only right to give them at least a month or more of relief.]
“‘Wag muna nating kaltasan ang kanilang sahod… upang kahit paano ay makasabay sila sa walang tigil na pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin,” she added.
[Translation: Let us suspend salary deductions for now so they can keep up with rising prices.]
When asked about the proposal, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the public should wait for further announcements from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
