By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In a commitment made to the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Tuesday (Dec. 17), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. vowed to reduce members’ premium contribution rates, while simultaneously expanding hospitalization coverage by 50 percent.
The national health insurer’s top brass made the statement following PhilHealth’s subsidy cut from the 2025 national budget that drew flak from the masses.
In response, Ledesma confirmed PhilHealth’s intention to recommend a decrease in contributions, aligning with a pending Senate measure to reduce the rate from 5% to 3.25%.
“I actually made a commitment to sit down with my team in PhilHealth to recommend a decrease in the premium contributions… We are fully supporting that reduction. And that is a very huge reduction po,” Ledesma said, assuring lawmakers of their full backing for reforms that benefit members.
“Lahat yan naka-set po. And then just for the information of this honorable body, it’s currently at 5 percent this year. ’Yan po yung huling increase,” the PhilHealth chief added, explaining that premium rates are set by law and that PhilHealth does not unilaterally decide increases.
House panel approves Ledesma’s pledge to PhilHealth members
The national health insurer’s commitment to reducing rates was complemented by its pledge to increase healthcare benefits, addressing concerns raised by Manila Rep. Joel Chua, panel chair.
“With this PhilHealth, lalong dadagdag po sana ’yong tulong,” Chua said, emphasizing the struggles of indigent constituents burdened with high hospital bills.
“Kaya sana, ito pong PhilHealth, mag-focus tayo sa…healthcare benefits instead [of] sa investments… kasi dito, ang investment natin dito ay buhay ng tao,” the Manila lawmaker added.
Chua also emphasized that healthcare remains the number one concern for lawmakers’ constituents, urging the national health insurer to focus on its core mandate of expanding benefits rather than prioritizing investments.
“Ang commitment namin is to increase the program benefits, which hopefully [ay] mag-take effect by next month,” the PhilHealth chief replied, assuring lawmakers of its commitment to balancing financial sustainability with tangible benefits for members.
Ledesma’s commitment to both reducing contribution rates and expanding healthcare benefits was welcomed by lawmakers, who told the official they would monitor PhilHealth’s progress. (with report from Mela Lesmoras/PTV News)
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