PETITION TO CANCEL INCREASE IN MANDATORY PHILHEALTH CONTRIBUTION 

We, the undersigned, expresses our concern on the impending mandatory increase in the mandatory Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) contribution for the year 2021.

Whereas, members of the PhilHealth expect to pay higher contributions for the year 2021 in line with the proposed scheduled rate adjustment - from 3.00% to 3.50%;

Whereas, the said adjustment in mandatory contribution is provided for Section 10 in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law and as stated in the Memorandum Circular 2020-005 as published by the PhilHealth on March 5, 2020;

Whereas, PhilHealth members’ contributions shall ensure sufficient funding for the reforms under the UHC Law availed by the public which includes automatic membership to the National Health Insurance Program, eligibility to benefits and lifetime coverage, among others;

Whereas, there are other means of providing for the needed funds for the above-mentioned premises for increase such as national budget realignment for the year 2021, prioritizing the needs of the Department of Health;

Whereas, the said increase in contributions are unjustified given the recent scandal involving PhilHealth executives stealing PHP 15 billion worth of funds;

Therefore, we, the undersigned, are against the increase in PhilHealth contributions for the year 2021 and demand due legislation process to take place in line with the said mandatory increase considering the current situation in the economy caused by the pandemic as it imposes additional burden to PhilHealth members.

Signed,

Partido Kalikasan Migrant Workers Network