While we have yet to receive a copy of the petition and read its contents, we respect the right of the petitioners to seek clarification from the Supreme Court regarding the legality of the PhilHealth unused subsidy (fund balance).

The Department of Finance (DOF) is ready to answer any question on the legality of DOF Department Circular 003-2024 which is an implementation of a direct mandatory Congressional order under Section XLIII (1)(d) Republic Act No. 11975, or the General Appropriations Act 2024. Further, legal due diligence was exercised through coordination with the Governance Commission of GOCCs (GCG), the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), and the Commission on Audit (COA) all of whom have issued a favorable opinion on its legality.

As I stated before the Senate, I believe that public health deserves the full support of the government—a position which I have maintained in my three decades in Congress. I want to make it clear that I never opposed any recommendations to reduce PhilHealth member contributions.

I reiterate that whatever measures by the government to source financing for its programs and projects are undertaken consistent with the belief that its capacity to address the primary needs of our people—including health—is not compromised. This is borne out by the fact that the President has already announced that the PhilHealth will enhance its benefits, with improved medical aid packages for a broad range of illnesses, such as pneumonia, hypertension, and cancer.