President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has moved to clear the financial hurdles facing hundreds of thousands of Filipinos by ordering a general amnesty on interest and penalties for unpaid PhilHealth contributions.
The executive directive, announced Thursday, authorizes a one-time waiver of interest for the year 2026. This reprieve specifically targets backlogs accumulated over an 11-year period, spanning from July 2013 to December 2024.
In a public address, the President explained that the monthly interest on these contributions has become a heavy weight for workers and small business owners.
He noted that by removing these penalties, the government is providing the breathing room necessary for citizens to settle their accounts and maintain their health coverage.
The amnesty program covers small business owners, private employers, and self-employed individuals.
Under the new rules, the monthly interest and penalties accrued on missed payments are waived, provided that eligible members pay the principal amount of their unpaid premiums within a one-year grace period.
This relief measure is expected to impact an estimated 300,000 employers across the country.
PhilHealth is currently tasked with fast-tracking the implementing rules to ensure the amnesty program begins immediately.
While the interest is cancelled, the President reminded the public that the principal premium payments must still be settled to ensure the long-term sustainability of the national health fund.
Alongside the financial relief, the President pushed for wider enrollment in the Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program.
This initiative provides members with access to free primary care services, including diagnostic tests and essential medicines.
The administration views the amnesty as a critical step in strengthening the Universal Health Care system by encouraging delinquent members to return to good standing without the threat of mounting debt.