The challenge faced by Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) regarding their PhilHealth premium contribution has yet to reach its conclusion.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said during the continuation of the House inquiry that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Universal Healthcare Law which covers the said issue remains unamended.
“Ngayon after the pandemic, dahil ang batas ay hindi pa na-amyendahan at yung PhilHealth circular na aming nailabas ay hindi pa na-amend, after the pandemic, magte-take effect pa rin ang PhilHealth circular (The PhilHealth circular will still take effect after the pandemic because the law has not yet been amended, together with the PhilHealth circular that we released),” PhilHealth Social Health Insurance Officer Antonio Danao clarified.
President Rodrigo Duterte ordered last May that payment of PhilHealth premiums will be “voluntary” as the country experiences a health crisis. The Department of Health (DOH) also suspended the imposition of high contributions for OFWs.
Some lawmakers are now seeking the amendment to the IRR of the law. They added that Congress was not informed regarding the implementation of the policy.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and Committee on Public Accounts have agreed to seek assistance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) on how to impose a hold departure order against erring PhilHealth officials.
DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra said they will “provide guidance in accordance with existing rules on the matter.”
The committees will summon in the next hearing representatives of around 50 hospitals allegedly involved in corruption within PhilHealth. – Report from Daniel Manalastas
