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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider De Lima says Marcos' SONA remarks on PhilHealth 'doubtful,' untrue

De Lima says Marcos' SONA remarks on PhilHealth 'doubtful,' untrue

Published Jul 28, 2025 08:48 pm
Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Monday, July 28, flagged alleged "inaccuracies" in President Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), particularly when he boasted of more medical benefits for Filipinos through the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
De Lima said there were some "doubtful" things about what the President said regarding the state health insurer.
These include his pronouncement that PhilHealth is now offering lots of benefits, but De Lima says many people cannot feel them.
"Merong mga sinabi na nakakaduda na mga statistics... Hindi pa naman talaga yan naiimplement sa pagkalahatan kasi marami pa naman tayong naririnig na mga reklamo tungkol sa di sila nakakakolekta (Some doubtful statistics were said...It's not really generally implemented because we are still hearing complaints that they're not able to collect reimbursement from the government)," she said.
De Lima said many hospitals have complained about being unable to get reimbursement from the government for patients who gave guarantee letters (GLs.) These patients, who don't have much money, end up getting turned away.
In early July, De Lima filed House Resolution (HR) No. 46 after receiving reports that at least 43 hospitals in Batangas suspended accepting guarantee letters (GLs) pending the unpaid claims from the government amounting to P530 million.
The resolution's aim is to hold an investigation on the existing government policies regarding payment of unsettled hospital bills and identify any gaps that cause delay in payment to expeditiously address them.
It also seeks to determine existing government programs and funds in providing assistance to indigent patients and their families on hospital expenses, as well as the rights of hospitals and clinics over unsettled bills.
"May mga reklamo yung ibang mga hospitals na hindi sila nababayaran kaya di na sila tumatanggap na [GLs] (Some hospitals complained about not being able to get paid that's why they're no longer accepting GLs)," she said.
"Pero noong narinig natin yung pangulo para bang ang ganda ganda na ng kalagayan natin sa health sector. I do not think sasang-ayon yung karamihan ng taumbayan (But when we heard the President talk about the health sector, it seems like the situation is really good. I do not think many people will agree)," she added.
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