DOH: Proposed P37.5-M collaterals for PhilHealth 30th anniv rejected

The Board of Directors of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has turned down a proposed P37.5-million allotment for collaterals marking the state insurer's 30th anniversary next year, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

The Department of Health confirms that the PhilHealth Board of Directors turned down a P37.5 million worth of collaterals proposed for the 30th anniversary of the state health insurer next year. @gmanews

— Giselle Ombay (@giselleombay_) December 18, 2024

The DOH, which is PhilHealth's supervising agency, said the decision was made in order to "save government funds and ensure its proper allocation for the benefits of PhilHealth members."

The P37.5 million worth of collaterals under the proposed "marketing and promotional expenses" for the celebration of PhilHealth's 30th anniversary included the following:

• Jackets — P13,650,000
• Umbrellas — P7,910,550
• Perforated mesh stickers — P7,300,000
• Anniversary shirts — P3,640,000
• Marketing shirts — P1,940,000
• Tote bags — P1,820,000
• Katsa bags — P750,000
• Button pins — P545,000

The DOH said the official proposal reached the PhilHealth Board of Directors on December 16, and was "immediately vetoed."

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the Board aims to prioritize giving benefits to members of PhilHealth. Herbosa sits as board chairman but cannot participate in the voting.

"The Philhealth Board of Directors reviews and decides on proposals coming from the Philhealth Management, such as the Marketing and Promotional Expenses for the official events of the corporation. The Board will always prioritize the benefits of PhilHealth members," he said in a statement.

Aside from Herbosa, the Board has four other ex-officio members including the Secretaries of Finance, Budget and Management, Social Welfare and Development, and Labor.

It also has three expert panel members and four sectoral members. Another seat for a representative of local chief executives remains vacant.

The Board is separate and distinct from PhilHealth's Executive Officers, led by its President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Eli Diño Santos.

PhilHealth earlier denied that it allotted nearly P138 million for its Christmas party, saying that the budget was for its whole year, nationwide commemoration of its 30th anniversary in 2025.

The health insurer had said that health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon was "misinformed" about his claim that PhilHealth had an excessive Christmas party budget. In a social media post criticizing PhilHealth officials, Leachon's stated: "138 Million for Christmas party."

PhilHealth reiterated Tuesday that it conformed to the call of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to scale down holiday celebrations, noting that it allocated about P2 million for its year-end activities. — VDV, GMA Integrated News