The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) on Friday said the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision directing the return of ₱60 billion to the agency comes with a challenge to ensure that the funds are used for healthcare services.
The high court voided Special Provision 1(d), Chapter XLIII of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and Department of Finance Circular 003-2024, which authorized the transfer of “fund balance” or excess reserve funds of government-owned and -controlled corporations to the National Treasury.
PhilHealth had remitted ₱60 billion under the provision and circular, which the SC found ambiguous because the GAA did not define the term “fund balance.”
“Alam natin na kaakibat nito ay ang hamon na siguruhing wastong ilalaan ang halagang ito sa pagpapatibay ng serbisyong pangkalusugan,” PhilHealth said.
The agency said it remains committed to reforms and improving service delivery.
The Department of Health (DOH) also welcomed the ruling and thanked the SCfor its “wisdom” in returning the funds to PhilHealth.