House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook)

Speaker Martin Romualdez announced on Wednesday night, Dec. 18, that the House of Representatives will be pushing for a one-year suspension of the monthly premium contributions among members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

In a speech on the final session day of Congress this year, Romualdez says this is pending an inquiry to determine if the agency’s financial stability can support such a move.

The lower chamber is expected to conduct a “thorough and impartial” investigation into how PhilHealth’s funds are being managed at the start of 2025, he said.

“This investigation is not about blame, it is about finding solutions,” said Romualdez.

“Our goal is clear: to ensure that every peso in PhilHealth’s coffers works for the benefit of its members - the hardworking Filipino people who contribute month after month,” the House chief added.

If this congressional inquiry finds that existing funds are underutilized or are in excess of what is needed for current operations, he says the House would pursue several recommendations.

Romualdez noted that this would include the aforementioned one-year suspension for all paying members, which he says will be a form of relief to Filipinos already grappling with inflation and rising prices.

Based on the findings of this inquiry, he said the House is expected to instruct PhilHealth to provide its members with expanded healthcare coverage, including additional medical services, hospitalization support, and better benefits for those in need.

For workers and employers burdened by rising costs, the lower chamber will explore reducing premiums while maintaining the agency’s capacity to deliver its services.

Additionally, he said this would include further reduction of premium contributions, as well as expansion of benefits for members until zero billing in hospitals is reached.

“Why are we doing this? Because the people deserve no less,” said Romualdez. “PhilHealth exists to provide security and comfort in times of medical emergencies”.

“It should not hoard resources at the expense of its members. If we can alleviate the burden of contributions without compromising its sustainability, we will do so,” he explained.

Romualdez, representative of Leyte’s first district, said the PhilHealth probe would be conducted as part of the House’s oversight power.

“Our investigations in aid of legislation have uncovered anomalies, held officials accountable, and pushed for reforms to ensure public funds are spent wisely,” he recalled.