Photo credit: Bong Go

Looks like PhilHealth has a new boss. Dr. Edwin Mercado is stepping in as the President and CEO of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Senator Bong Go has made it clear—he’s expecting big things.

As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go wasted no time in laying out his expectations. For him, leadership changes don’t matter as much as actual results. What’s important? That PhilHealth delivers on its promises and makes sure Filipinos get the healthcare they deserve.

"Regardless kung sino ang namumuno ng PhilHealth, what matters most is their service and the benefits they provide to Filipinos," Go stressed.

Big Challenges Ahead for the New PhilHealth Chief

Senator Go isn’t sugarcoating things—he knows Mercado has a tough job ahead. One major challenge? The agency has zero budget subsidy this year, meaning it needs to manage its massive reserve funds wisely.

"PhilHealth is not a business that should be hoarding money—it’s meant to help people when they get sick! That’s why their funds should be used properly to benefit the public," he emphasized.

He also called out the agency for its history of piling up contributions instead of using them for actual healthcare services. Go made it clear: Filipinos work hard for the money that gets deducted for PhilHealth, so they deserve quality healthcare in return.

"Galit ang mga Pilipino dahil kaltas sa sahod natin ang kontribusyon sa PhilHealth—dapat suklian ito ng maayos na serbisyo at sapat na benepisyo!" he added.

Keeping the Pressure On

Bong Go isn’t letting PhilHealth off the hook. He promised to keep a close eye on the agency to make sure it follows through on its commitments.

"Kahit sino pa ang namumuno, we will continue to monitor them until all their promises to the people are fulfilled," he said.

Go also took a moment to acknowledge outgoing PhilHealth chief Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. for some reforms under his leadership—like scrapping anti-poor policies such as the 24-hour Confinement Rule and the Single Period of Confinement Policy.

Still, there’s a long way to go. Go reminded PhilHealth of their commitments in Senate hearings—like improving benefit packages for serious illnesses, reconsidering contribution hikes, and expanding coverage for essential treatments.

A Hopeful Outlook

With Mercado taking charge, Go remains hopeful that PhilHealth will finally step up and fully implement the Universal Healthcare Law. He urged the government to always put the needs of Filipinos first, especially those who have no one else to rely on but the public healthcare system.

"Let’s bring healthcare services closer to those who need them most. Let’s show compassion to the sick. Above all, let’s prioritize the welfare of every Filipino, especially the poor and those without access to private healthcare," he concluded.

Now, all eyes are on PhilHealth. Will it rise to the challenge and finally deliver on its promises? Filipinos are waiting.