Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito said the return of P60 billion to PhilHealth should not only be viewed as a welcome development but also as a wake-up call for the public and government agencies to remain vigilant.
Ejercito said the returned funds should also serve as a reminder for PhilHealth to become more proactive by using the money to improve its healthcare packages and services.
According to the senator, the agency now has an opportunity to expand healthcare coverage, reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients, increase PhilHealth participation in hospital bills and allow Filipinos to feel government assistance whenever they are hospitalized.
He added that the returned funds should not remain as excess “reserve funds.”
Ejercito, principal author and sponsor of the Universal Health Care Act, said PhilHealth funds must directly benefit members through zero balance billing and wider access to quality healthcare services.
The senator emphasized that the agency should maximize the use of the returned funds to improve healthcare access for Filipinos nationwide.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that public funds are utilized properly and directly address the healthcare needs of PhilHealth members.
The statement came following the return of P60 billion to PhilHealth, which Ejercito said should lead to concrete improvements in healthcare services rather than remaining unused reserves within the agency.
