Philippines
National
PhilHealth commits to pay Red Cross 50 per cent ASAP, balance within reasonable period --- Roque
PhilHealth commits to pay Red Cross 50 per cent ASAP, balance within reasonable period --- Roque
The government is committed to pay at least half of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) debt to the Philippine Red Cross as soon as possible and pay the remaining balance within a reasonable time, Malacañang said Tuesday.
(OPS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
With the payment forthcoming, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said President Duterte is hopeful the humanitarian group will resume the conduct of the coronavirus testing chargeable to the state health insurer.
The President earlier vowed to find funds to settle PhilHealth’s P930-million obligation to Red Cross.
"I wish I could say within the day pero siyempre may mga papeles na ginagawa (but there are of course paperwork being made) but I can assure you that at least half of that will be paid at the soonest time possible," Roque said during a Palace press briefing when asked how soon the government will settle the PhilHealth debt.
"We hope to settle at least 50 percent of that amount as soon as possible and the rest also within a reasonable time. Ang pakiusap ni Presidente tuloy-tuloy muna sana ang serbisyo ng Philippine National Red Cross (The President's appeal is for the Philippine National Red Cross to continue its service),” he added.
Roque also made clear that PhilHealth would not run out of funds since under the universal health care law, the government is mandated to ensure the viability of the health firm. “It’s a matter really of accounting and payment," he said about settling PhilHealth's debt to Red Cross.
Red Cross recently announced it would stop conducting government-funded testing effect October 14 due to PhilHealth’s failure to settle its multimillion peso debt. The group explained that it does not have unlimited resources to replenish the testing kits for its laboratories unless PhilHealth pays its obligation.
PhilHealth has reportedly offered an apology for the delay in payment and promised to resolve the matter.
The President, in his public address Monday night, said there was no need to worry since the government would pay PhilHealth's debt to Red Cross. "It will take time but we will pay. We’ll look for the money," he said.