MANILA – The House of Representatives is considering a one-year suspension of PhilHealth members’ premium contribution, Speaker Martin Romualdez announced Wednesday night.
In his remarks before the Christmas congressional recess, Romualdez said the proposal depends on the outcome of the chamber’s investigation into PhilHealth’s financial stability.
Romualdez said if the inquiry reveals surplus funds or underutilized resources, the House will recommend a one-year moratorium on contributions for paying members as a relief measure for Filipinos grappling with inflation and rising prices.
“This investigation is not about blame; it is about finding solutions,” he said. “Our goal is clear: to ensure that every peso in PhilHealth’s coffers works for the benefit of its members — the hardworking Filipino people who contribute month after month.”
Other recommendations include reducing contributions while maintaining PhilHealth’s financial stability; broadening healthcare coverage to include more services and aiming for zero billing in hospitals; and enhancing medical and hospitalization benefits for members, particularly those in need.
“Why are we doing this? Because the people deserve no less. PhilHealth exists to provide security and comfort in times of medical emergencies. It should not hoard resources at the expense of its members,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez said the PhilHealth probe will be conducted as part of the House’s oversight functions to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.
“This year, we have exercised our oversight functions with diligence and integrity. Our investigations in aid of legislation have uncovered anomalies, held officials accountable, and pushed for reforms,” he said.
He commended the work of the Quad Committee and the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, which have exposed corruption, law enforcement gaps, and inefficiencies in government operations.
“Naka-abang ang milyong Pilipino sa bawat hearing ng ating Quad Committee at Good Government Committee (Millions of Filipinos are closely following each hearing of our Quad Committee and Good Government Committee),” he said.
Romualdez also cited the recent efforts of the Quinta Committee, which is investigating rice hoarding and price manipulation.
“Layon nito na maghanap ng solusyon kung paano pababain pa ang presyo ng bigas at iba pang bilihin (Its aim is to find solutions to further reduce the price of rice and other goods),” he said.
He urged the formation of a mega-task force to target rice cartels.
“Kaya naman hiniling natin sa executive department na magbuo ng mega-task force laban sa mga kartel (That’s why we requested the executive department to form a mega-task force against cartels),” he said. (PNA)