MANILA – The majority of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s (PhilHealth) PHP60 billion remittance of excess funds has been directed towards crucial health and social services, according to data released by the Department of Finance (DOF).

In a statement issued Wednesday, the DOF revealed that 78 percent, or PHP46.1 billion, of the total remittance was utilized to fund vital health and social programs. A significant portion, amounting to PHP27.45 billion, was allocated to settle public health emergency benefits and allowances for healthcare and non-healthcare workers who served during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, PHP10 billion was used to provide medical assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated patients, while PHP4.10 billion financed the procurement of medical equipment for Department of Health (DOH) hospitals, local government unit (LGU) hospitals, and primary care facilities. An additional PHP3.37 billion was invested in the construction of three DOH health facilities, and PHP1.69 billion was allocated to the health facilities enhancement program.

The remaining PHP13 billion was designated for government counterpart financing for foreign-assisted infrastructure and “social determinants for health” projects. These initiatives aim to accelerate healthcare delivery to remote areas and enhance the overall health and well-being of Filipinos by ensuring food security. Notable projects include the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges, the Metro Manila Subway Project, and the Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project, among others.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra emphasized these allocations during the second round of oral arguments at the Supreme Court on February 25. He also highlighted that the transfer of PhilHealth’s excess funds has facilitated the recent expansion of health benefits.

“PhilHealth has been increasing its benefit packages even before Special Provision 1(d) came into effect, and more so after that special provision was enacted as part of the unprogrammed appropriations. We have seen [benefits] increase over the past several months,” Guevarra stated.

As of 2024, PhilHealth possesses a robust financial reserve of PHP498 billion, ensuring its capacity to continue expanding inpatient, outpatient, and special benefit packages. The oral arguments on the consolidated petitions are scheduled to resume on March 4.