House deputy majority leader and former Health Secretary Janette Garin delivered a scathing critique of detractors opposing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among Tingog Party-list, PhilHealth, and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). The agreement aims to build hospitals and medical facilities nationwide, addressing critical healthcare gaps.
In her privileged speech, Garin slammed critics like Dr. Tony Leachon, whom she described as a “fake expert” politicizing public health issues. “We should stop politicizing public health,” Garin emphasized. She noted that while medical professionals focus on their respective fields, “some love chaos and pretend to be experts, creating unnecessary distractions.”
Garin defended the MOA’s legality and purpose, supporting local government units (LGUs) by leveraging DBP’s fiscal mechanisms. “Funds will not be transferred to Tingog,” she clarified. She also challenged critics to offer solutions instead of merely airing grievances. “Walk your talk,” she urged, highlighting the importance of collaboration over criticism in addressing health sector challenges.
The MOA comes when gaps in hospital infrastructure persist, particularly in underserved regions. Lawmakers like Garin assert that the initiative reflects Congress’ broader commitment to public health, combining legislative oversight with actionable support for LGUs.
Investments vs. healthcare priorities
On another front, PhilHealth faced harsh scrutiny during a House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability hearing. Lawmakers criticized the agency for prioritizing investments over directly improving healthcare services despite its reported financial stability.
PhilHealth president Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. disclosed that the agency holds a P150 billion surplus, P281 billion in reserves, and nearly P489 billion in investments as of October 2024. While Ledesma announced plans to increase coverage for case rate packages, legislators argued that PhilHealth’s financial strength should translate into more immediate benefits for members, including premium reductions and expanded services.
Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua questioned the misalignment of priorities, citing unused government subsidies funneled into investments. “Healthcare benefits, not investments, should be the focus. The real investment here is in people’s lives,” Chua said.
Lawmakers pushed PhilHealth to adhere to the National Health Insurance Act (RA 10606), which mandates using excess reserves to expand benefits and lower premiums. Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon challenged the agency to commit to both goals. “Can you commit to expanding benefits and reducing premium contributions?” he asked.
Ledesma acknowledged this demand, citing ongoing discussions about a Senate bill that proposes lowering premium contributions from 5% to 3.25%. However, Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo criticized PhilHealth’s slow response, noting repeated calls to ease the financial burden on members, mainly minimum wage earners. “Despite surplus funds, PhilHealth has ignored our calls to reduce premiums,” Quimbo said.
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel warned that PhilHealth’s investment-centric approach leaves members underserved. “Filipinos are dying because assets that could have been converted into benefits were locked away in misprioritized investments,” Manuel lamented.
Financial stability vs. public health impact
While legislators acknowledged PhilHealth’s financial competence, they called for a more compassionate approach to service delivery. Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Arnan Panaligan emphasized balancing fiscal management with empathy for low-income people. “Healthcare is about lives, not just numbers. PhilHealth must demonstrate compassion alongside financial expertise,” Panaligan said.
Ledesma, for his part, admitted the need for policy adjustments. “We may have to change our policy,” he conceded, signaling openness to reform in response to Congressional feedback.
The week’s debates highlight the complex interplay between financial prudence and public health imperatives. While initiatives like the Tingog-PhilHealth-DBP MOA aim to address infrastructure gaps, PhilHealth’s investment-heavy strategy reveals a disconnect between resources and results.
Lawmakers like Garin and Quimbo stress that healthcare reforms require collaboration, transparency, and an unwavering focus on public welfare. The challenge lies in ensuring that financial stability translates into tangible improvements for Filipino families, fostering trust in the country’s healthcare system.
