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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider JV Ejercito proposes P74 billion supplemental budget for PhilHealth

JV Ejercito proposes P74 billion supplemental budget for PhilHealth

Published Jul 3, 2025 10:21 am

At A Glance

  • The principal sponsor of the Universal Health Care Act emphasized the need to approve a supplemental appropriation for PhilHealth in the face of rising medical costs.
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito has filed a bill proposing a ₱74.4-billion additional budget for Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to strengthen its programs and uphold its mandate of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.
Ejercito, principal sponsor of the UHC law, emphasized the need to approve a supplemental appropriation for PhilHealth in the face of rising medical costs.
“We cannot allow PhilHealth to fall short at a time when Filipinos need it most. This supplemental budget is urgent and necessary,” Ejercito said.
The bill is one of the first 10 priority measures that the senator filed before the formal opening of the 20th Congress in July 28.
Under the proposed bill, the supplemenetal budget will fund PhilHealth premiums for indigent families, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and financially incapable patients (₱53.1B).
The fund will also be used to enhance benefit packages including expanded dialysis, mental health care, nutrition support, and outpatient services (₱21.2B); and provide coverage for PAMANA beneficiaries in conflict-affected areas (₱127.6M).
Aside from the supplemental budget for PhilHealth, Ejercito is also re-filing the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and the amendments to the UHC Act— two measures that had gained significant momentum in the 19th Congress.
The Senate successfully passed both measures, with the Magna Carta of BHWs initially adopted by the House of the Representatives.
However, the House later withdrew its acceptance of the Senate version, stalling the measure in its final stages.
“It’s disappointing that the House has withdrawn from the Magna Carta of BHWs even though the deliberations are over and the Senate has already passed it. Our barangay health workers are on the frontline of our health especially during the pandemic, they are the true heroes in every community,” Ejercito said.
“The Senate has done its part. I remain hopeful that in the 20th Congress, we can finally pass a unified version that will give our BHWs the recognition and support they truly deserve,” the lawmaker said.
On the other hand, the bill on UHC amendments, were deferred due to a request from the medical community for further review.
Ejercito’s top 10 priority bills for the 20th Congress are the following:
1. Supplemental Appropriations for PHILHEALTH (FY 2025)
2. Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Act
3. Lowering of PhilHealth Premium Contribution amending UHC Act
4. Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers
5. Suspension of Excise taxes on Regular Gasoline, Unleaded Premium Gasoline and Diesel
6. P250 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act
7. Security of Tenure Act (Anti-ENDO)
8. Agri-Food Terminal and Trading Centers Act
9. Commuters’ Rights and Welfare Act

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