The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Wednesday, Dec. 18, that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Board has decided to cancel nearly P38 million worth of collaterals for the celebration of its 30th anniversary.
“The PhilHealth Board of Directors reviews and decides on proposals from PhilHealth Management, such as the Marketing and Promotional Expenses for the corporation's official events,” DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said in a statement.
“The Board will always prioritize the benefits of PhilHealth members,” added Herbosa, who chairs the PhilHealth Board of Directors.
Herbosa promptly raised concerns about the proposed procurement of collaterals worth P37.5 million, which was included in the Marketing and Promotional Expenses for PhilHealth's anniversary.
The DOH noted that the P37.5 million worth of proposed collaterals for PhilHealth’s 30th anniversary included: P7,910,550 for umbrellas; P7,300,000 for perforated mesh stickers; P1,820,000 for tote bags; P3,640,000 for anniversary shirts; P1,940,000 for marketing shirts; P13,650,000 for jackets; P750,000 for “katsa” bags; P545,000 for button pins.
DOH said that the official proposal for the Marketing and Promotional Expenses reached the Board only on Dec. 16 and was “immediately vetoed.”
Emphasizing fiscal responsibility, the DOH said the PhilHealth Board of Directors decided “to cancel the proposed procurement to save government funds and ensure their proper allocation for the benefit of PhilHealth members.”
The PhilHealth Board of Directors, chaired by the Secretary of Health (a non-voting member), includes four other ex-officio members: the Secretaries of Finance, Budget and Management, Social Welfare and Development, and Labor.
The Board 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 President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (EVP/COO) Eli Diño D. Santos.