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JV Ejercito calls for replacement of PhilHealth chief over poor UHC law implementation

October 09, 2024

Senate Senior Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito has called for the immediate replacement of PhilHealth's leadership for its failure to live up to the purpose of the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Law. 

Ejercito, principal sponsor of the UHC law, emphasized that PhilHealth, as the primary agency responsible for the implementation of the UHC Law, has not delivered on its mandate, leaving many Filipinos struggling with healthcare costs.

"This issue is very close to my heart. The budget for the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth is crucial, especially since we are now entering the fifth year of the UHC Law’s implementation. It’s a 10-year program, and by now, the benefits should be felt by most Filipinos,” Ejercito said in a press conference on Monday, Oct. 9.

“Although we’ve seen some improvements—such as reducing out-of-pocket expenses from 70% to 42-45%—there is still a long way to go. We should be targeting zero-balance billing for indigents, senior citizens, PWDs, and other vulnerable groups.”

He expressed frustration over PhilHealth's limited coverage in hospital billing, citing instances where bills reach hundreds of thousands of pesos, yet PhilHealth only covers a fraction. 

"Why is it that when a hospital bill reaches P500,000, PhilHealth only covers P12,000? What are they—a private corporation?” Ejercito said.

“The law already mandates an upgrade in benefit packages. PhilHealth should be there to serve the people, not to hoard funds.”

The lawmaker from San Juan believes that the success of the UHC Law depends on PhilHealth’s proper implementation.

He also criticized the agency for declaring a P90 billion excess in funds while many hospitals remain unpaid, and patients continue to face financial hardship. 

He urged that DOH and PhilHealth's budgets be scrutinized, and held accountable, until significant improvements are made.

"The funds should be used to serve the people, not sit in excess. We are a government, not a corporation. PhilHealth has a responsibility to ensure that Filipinos receive the healthcare they deserve,” Ejercito said.

“We will not approve the budget until we are satisfied," he stressed.

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