Photo credit: Bong Go

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go isn’t holding back when it comes to the government’s decision to give zero subsidy to PhilHealth for 2025. As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go is sounding the alarm: without proper funding, how can PhilHealth deliver its promise of better healthcare under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law?

At the heart of Go’s concern is the future of the Filipino people, particularly the poor and marginalized who depend on PhilHealth to cover their hospital bills. "Our people deserve answers. How can PhilHealth fulfill its commitments if there's no budget? It’s the poor and hopeless who will suffer,” he said.

While acknowledging lapses in how PhilHealth has managed its funds—including its massive PHP 500-billion reserve—Go emphasized that withdrawing the subsidy altogether isn’t the solution. He believes the move could derail progress under the UHC Law, which was designed to provide affordable and accessible healthcare for all Filipinos.

So, Where Did the Budget Go?

Go didn’t mince words about his frustration. He questioned the reallocation of the PHP 74 billion originally intended for PhilHealth. “If you’re going to cut funds because of lapses, then at least ensure it still goes to health programs, not elsewhere,” he stressed.

Go also pointed to the Sin Tax Laws and the UHC Act, which clearly mandate that revenues collected from taxes should fund healthcare programs. "These funds are earmarked for health. It’s in the law,” he added.

What About PhilHealth’s Reserves?

Despite the zero-budget allocation, Go believes PhilHealth still has a responsibility to deliver on its commitments. The Supreme Court’s recent TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) stopped the transfer of PHP 89.9 billion in excess PhilHealth funds to the treasury—something Go supported. But he challenged the agency to do better with what it already has.

“Maraming pondo ang natutulog sa PhilHealth habang maraming Pilipino ang naghihingalo dahil sa hospital bills. Gamitin ang pera para sa taumbayan,” Go urged.

Pushing for Expanded Benefits

For months, Go has been urging PhilHealth to expand its services, especially for critical health concerns like the top 10 mortality diseases. He’s also called for removing outdated policies, such as the controversial "24-hour confinement rule," which forces patients to stay hospitalized for a full day to qualify for coverage.

PhilHealth has shown progress, scrapping its “single period of confinement” rule last October and committing to revisit the 24-hour policy. Still, Go says more must be done.

“Naiintindihan ko ang galit at dismaya ng tao,” Go said. “Pero hindi ito dapat maging hadlang para hindi magawa ng PhilHealth ang trabaho nila. Dapat siguraduhin na napapakinabangan ang pondo ng mga Pilipino.”

What’s Next?

Go announced that the Senate Health Committee will hold monthly hearings to tackle PhilHealth’s plans and progress, starting with a meeting on December 18. He remains committed to holding the agency accountable while ensuring healthcare remains a top priority.

“Health funding is for health, period,” Go stressed. “We can’t let healthcare suffer because of this decision. Let’s fix the lapses, use the resources wisely, and ensure that no Filipino is left behind when it comes to access to quality healthcare.”

For now, all eyes are on PhilHealth. Will it rise to the challenge? Go’s message is clear: deliver what the people deserve.