Escudero to new PhilHealth chief: Take different approach

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero welcomed the leadership change at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) but advised newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Edwin Mercado to take a different approach from his predecessor.

"'Wag niyang gawin ang ginawa ng kanyang predecessor. Tutukan ang benepisyo na dapat binibigay sa ating mga kababayan at tiyakin na matched ito sa pangangailangan talaga ng ating mga kababayan at hindi kung ano lang ang gusto nilang ibigay base sa sarili nilang convenience," Escudero told reporters.

(He should not repeat his predecessor's actions. PhilHealth must focus on providing the benefits our citizens deserve, ensuring these align with their actual healthcare needs—not just what is convenient for PhilHealth to offer.)

Escudero emphasized the long-standing inefficiencies in PhilHealth, stating that a leadership change was overdue.

"Dapat lamang naman talagang palitan na ang PhilHealth dahil sa mahabang panahon hindi nito ginawa at tinugunan ang pangunahing pangangailangan sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan," he said.

(It was about time for a change in PhilHealth's leadership. For years, it has failed to adequately address the healthcare needs of our people.)

This inefficiency, he noted, was a key reason why Congress opted to deny PhilHealth a subsidy in 2025.

"'Yan ang pangunahing rason kung bakit ginawa ng Kongreso ang ginawa nya nung nagdaang budget. Sana maisaayos na ang Philhealth lalo na pagdating sa benepisyo ng ating mga kababayan," he said.

(Hopefully, this leadership shift will lead to improvements, especially in the benefits provided to our people.)

Despite the delay, he expressed acceptance of President Marcos' choice.

"Dapat sana noon pa pero huli man daw at magaling, magaling pa rin at huli pa rin. Okay lang. Tinatanggap namin ang bagong halal at piniling nominado ni Pangulong Marcos sa Philhealth," he said.

(This should have happened sooner, but as they say, better late than never. We accept the newly appointed PhilHealth chief and trust the President’s decision.)

Escudero also revealed that several senators had previously pushed for a leadership change due to PhilHealth’s failure to address pressing issues.

"Noong una pa lamang naming pagdinig hindi na niya natutugunan ang mga pangunahing isyu na ni-raise sa mga pagdinig ng Senado sa pangunguna ng ilang senador," he said.

(From the first hearings we held, it was clear that PhilHealth’s leadership could not adequately respond to the concerns raised by the Senate.)

Lawmakers weigh in

In a separate interview, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada expressed optimism about Mercado’s leadership, highlighting his qualifications for the role.

"One good thing is he is not a politician. Mahirap kasi kapag pulitiko ang hahawak ng Philhealth maraming pwedeng pagbigyan," Estrada remarked.

(It’s difficult when a politician runs PhilHealth because they may have too many favors to grant.) 

Senator Grace Poe also welcomed Mercado’s appointment, hoping he could revitalize PhilHealth, which she said, "needs healing itself."

"The new chief faces a daunting task in ensuring PhilHealth delivers efficient, reliable, and accessible universal healthcare to all Filipinos," Poe stated.

She also stressed the importance of members feeling the impact of their contributions.

"PhilHealth members, who are now paying higher premiums, must see tangible benefits or at least have peace of mind knowing they can rely on the system when needed," she added.

Additionally, Poe urged the new leadership to address outstanding financial obligations to healthcare workers, hospitals, and other institutions.

"We look forward to a more responsive, efficient, and just healthcare management under the new PhilHealth leadership," she concluded.

PhilHealth, under former chief Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., faced criticisms for transferring P60 billion in reserve funds to the national treasury.

In October 2024, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order to halt further transfers of PhilHealth funds to the national treasury.

So far, PhilHealth has confirmed that P60 billion has been transferred, leaving only P29.9 billion with the agency. 

A total of P89.9 billion in excess funds was scheduled for staggered transfer to state coffers. — DVM, GMA Integrated News