SC concludes oral arguments on PhilHealth funds

After five days of interpellation, the Supreme Court (SC) concluded Thursday the oral arguments on the consolidated petitions seeking to block the transfer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) excess funds back to the national treasury.

The oral arguments were conducted on February 4 and 25, March 4 and April 2 and April 3.

“Considering that the oral argument has been concluded, we will require the parties to submit their respective memoranda, including the amicus curiae please, within 30 days from today,” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said.

Gesmundo said this is non-extendible.

The oral arguments were held at the SC compound in Baguio City.

It tackled the petitions filed by Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III,  the Philippine Medical Association, the 1SAMBAYAN Coalition, and Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares and others.

The petitioners asked the SC to block the transfer of PhilHealth's excess funds amounting to P89.9 billion back to the national treasury.

Last year, PhilHealth was able to remit P60 billion before the High Court issued a temporary restraining order to halt the transfer of the remaining P29.9 billion.

On Wednesday, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the government would comply should the SC order the return of the excess funds, but warned of possible repercussions.

He also defended the transfer, saying the P60 billion was reallocated to health-related projects.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth Senior Vice President Renato Limsiaco Jr. said that the corporation plans to increase its coverage of hospital bills to 18% this year. — RSJ/VBL, GMA Integrated News