Workers seek resignation of PhilHealth board members

After Congress allocated zero subsidy for 2025 to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. ostensibly for inefficiency in fund utilization, organized labor pushed yesterday for the immediate removal of PhilHealth board members for compromising public health.

- By MAYEN JAYMALIN

Labor coalition NAGKAISA called on Congress to protect Filipino workers by prodding President Marcos to fire the current leadership of PhilHealth and its board.

"Instead of punishing workers who are already burdened by systemic inefficiencies, Congress must push for accountability from PhilHealth's leadership. We cannot allow the people's health to be compromised further," the coalition emphasized.

"The Marcos administration must act and act now before it's too late. Fire the leadership of PhilHealth. The health and lives of Filipinos cannot wait," the group urged the President.

The coalition demanded real reforms in PhilHealth to ensure that all Filipinos have access to quality and affordable health care without fear of debt or hospital detention.

According to NAGKAISA, the zero government subsidy for PhilHealth could severely impact workers, most of whom are struggling to afford health care, as coalition chair Sonny Matula said PhilHealth's benefits are already insufficient despite receiving subsidies.

"Once the subsidy is removed in 2025, our health situation will further deteriorate. Many Filipinos, especially workers who are already struggling to afford health care, will find themselves practically in hospital detention due to their inability to pay hospital bills," Matula said.

He also criticized the legislators as they failed to prioritize basic human rights in their decision to remove government subsidy from PhilHealth.

"There is clearly something wrong with the priorities of our legislators.