4 prexy aspirants propose solutions to the PhilHealth problem

Four presidential aspirants on Saturday proposed solutions to the problem of PhilHealth's unpaid claims to private hospitals.

At least two of them -- Senator Panfilo Lacson and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno -- agree that PhilHealth should be led by a finance expert, while Senator Manny Pacquiao wants the state-run health insurer to address "corruption" within its ranks.

As for Vice President Leni Robredo, she said PhilHealth should immediately pay its debt to hospitals to ensure the continuous operations of these facilities.

During the Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews, Lacson questioned the appointment of a lawyer and former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Atty. Dante Gierran as chairman of PhilHealth.

“Dapat isang maalam sa finance ang nagha-handle diyan [PhilHealth should be led by a finance expert],” he said.

Lacson, who sought a Senate investigation into the alleged corruption in PhilHealth, expressed disappointment over the slow processing of cases against involved officials.

Moreno, for his part, said he would appoint people who understand finances and not health experts in PhilHealth if ever he becomes president.

“Ang Philhealth is a financial institution, I will put financial person. Hindi 'yan para sa mga doktor o kung sino sino lang na ina-appoint (It is not for doctors or those in the medical field). We will appoint right person in that particular agency,” he said.

For Moreno, the skills of officials should match what is needed for the job.

“We have to put a financial guy or group of people who understand finances and how to grow the money of Philhealth,” he added.

(For Philhealth's money to grow again, which is the money of the people. We have to put a group of people who understand finances and how to grow the money of Philhealth.)

Robredo on Saturday, for her part, immediate payment of debts is paramount especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Para sa akin dapat bayaran na lahat, kung merong pagkukulang o merong hindi tamang record ay  singilin nila later on. Pero ngayon bayaran na lahat kasi ang daming ospital nagsasara, kasi hindi sila nababayaran,” she said.

(PhilHealth should pay all its dues. If there are questions on hospital records, then they can charge hospitals later on. But for the moment, they should settle their dues because a lot of hospitals are closing because PhilHealth is not paying their dues.)

Robredo then said the PhilHealth’s failure to promptly pay their dues to hospitals results in lack of confidence in the agency and consequently lower number of collected contributions among its members.

“Kaya nagkaganito 'yong Philhealth dahil sa leadership na hindi na-manage ng maayos 'yong opisina. Para sa akin, kailangan 'yong mamuno ng Philhealth ay isang health economist na naiintindihan kung papaano papagulungin 'yong pondo ng Philhealth,” Robredo said.

(PhilHealth ended up like this because of failed leadership. It should be led by someone who understands and knows how to manage its resources.)

To ensure the continuation of PhilHealth benefits despite its corruption issues Pacquiao said the Philippines should focus on "revenue income."

"Unang-una po, sugpuin natin 'yang korapsyon. 'Yang korapsyon ay talagang kanser ng ating bansa. Pangalawa, mag-focus po tayo doon sa revenue income ng ating gobyerno," the boxer-turned-politician said.

"First, let us address the corruption, because it is the cancer in our country. Second, let's focus on revenue income of the government.)

It was projected that the estimated actuarial life of PhilHealth is only until 2027.

PhilHealth is currently implementing Debit Credit Payment Method (DCPM) in settling dues. Under this scheme, PhilHealth will pay 80% of the COVID-19 claims of hospitals while the rest will be paid upon completion of processing requirements. —Hana Bordey, Richa Noriega, Anna Felicia Bajo and Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA News