We, the citizens of the Philippines, are asking the government to use the extra funds sitting unused in PhilHealth to give Filipinos better access to healthcare. The Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, also known as Republic Act No. 11223, was made to ensure that every Filipino can receive healthcare when needed. But many people are still not getting these benefits because a lot of the money that should be used to help is not being spent. For example, it was reported that PhilHealth has around P90 billion that hasn't been used, even though many people are struggling to get healthcare services (ABS-CBN News, 2024). This money needs to be used quickly to help the people who need it most, as the UHC Law intended.

 

One of the reasons this is happening is because the government has a habit of leaving a portion of the budget unspent, as explained in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (2023). This means that funds meant for important services like healthcare are left unused instead of being distributed to those who need them. This goes against the purpose of the UHC Law, which was created to make sure that everyone, especially the poor, has access to healthcare.

 

Another problem is that outdated labor laws are keeping workers from getting their full benefits. Many companies still use the "Endo" system (contractual employment) that prevents workers from becoming regular employees and, as a result, they don’t receive the benefits that regular employees should get. A specific law, Presidential Decree No. 1412, even allows companies to avoid giving full benefits to regular workers (LawPhil, 1978). This unfair practice stops workers from receiving the healthcare benefits they deserve, which makes it even harder for people to get proper health coverage.

 

There have also been talks of reducing the number of holidays in the Philippines to increase productivity and make workers more competitive, but the reality is that the Philippines already has one of the worst work-life balances in the world. In fact, a global study showed that the Philippines is ranked second to last in terms of work-life balance (GMA News, 2023). Filipino workers are already overworked, and nearly 70% of Filipinos say that looking for a job is extremely difficult and stressful (Inquirer.net, 2023). Instead of reducing holidays, the government should focus on improving the conditions for workers by increasing wages and providing better benefits, which will make them both healthier and more productive.

 

One of the biggest problems is that while the productivity of workers in the Philippines has increased over the years, their wages have not. From 2001 to 2016, the productivity of workers improved significantly, but their wages stayed the same (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2023). This is one of the reasons why more people move to cities in search of better-paying jobs, which causes overcrowding and increases traffic. This migration leads to more private vehicles on the roads and puts a strain on public transportation, making it harder for people to commute (Official Gazette, 1989).

 

In conclusion, we are asking the government to do the following:

1. Use the Extra Funds:PhilHealth and other government agencies need to immediately use the excess money they have to provide healthcare benefits as required by the UHC Law. These funds should be released to help those who are currently not receiving proper healthcare.
2. Improve Worker Rights:The government should get rid of the "Endo" practice and make sure all workers, especially regular employees, receive their full benefits, including healthcare. Labor laws need to be updated to protect workers' rights.
3. Focus on Fair Working Conditions: Instead of reducing holidays, the government should focus on improving wages and work-life balance for Filipino workers. A healthy and fairly compensated workforce is more productive and contributes more to the country's progress.

 

We believe that by addressing these issues, the government can improve the quality of life for all Filipinos, ensuring better access to healthcare and fair benefits for workers. We hope for swift action on these matters to fulfill the promises of the UHC Law and improve the welfare of our citizens.

 

 

 

References:

- ABS-CBN News. (2024). Recto defends transfer of nearly P90 billion in idle PhilHealth funds. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com

- Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2023). Managing unprogrammed appropriations. Retrieved from https://opinion.inquirer.net

- LawPhil. (1978). Presidential Decree No. 1412. Retrieved from https://lawphil.net

- GMA News. (2023). Philippines ranks second-to-last in work-life balance globally. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com

- Inquirer.net. (2023). Almost 70% of Filipinos find job hunt tough — SWS. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net

- Philippine Statistics Authority. (2023). Real labor productivity and wages data.

- Official Gazette. (1989). Republic Act No. 6727. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph