The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said it is targeting up to ₱400 billion in health benefit coverage in 2026 as it expands services nationwide, following the return of ₱60 billion in government funds.

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado said the amount forms part of the agency’s annual corporate operating budget, with most of it allocated for healthcare benefits.

“Taunan tayong gumagawa ng ating corporate operating budget. Ang pinakamalaking component nitong ating budget ay yung tinatawag nating benefit expense (We prepare our corporate operating budget every year. The largest component of this budget is what we call benefit expense),” Mercado said in the televised “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” briefing on May 12.

He said the allocation covers both existing and newly introduced benefit packages, including the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), the Guaranteed Access for Outpatient Medicine (GAMOT) program, and other planned benefits.

“Kasama diyan yung mga datihan na nating serbisyo, kasama rin yung mga nakaraang dalawang taon pa lang inumpisahan. Kasama rin yung mga bagong serbisyong inilalatag natin o pinaplano this year (This includes our existing services, those introduced in the past two years, and new services being rolled out or planned this year),” he said.

Mercado said benefit spending is projected to reach about ₱378 billion to ₱400 billion this year, up from ₱119 billion in 2023.

“So in a span of three years ay almost nag-triple iyong amount ng ating benepisyong inilalaan para sa ating mga miyembro (So in a span of three years, the amount allocated for our members’ benefits has almost tripled),” he said.

PhilHealth is also preparing additional benefit packages for leptospirosis, animal bites, HIV treatment, and other conditions ahead of the rainy season.

Mercado said proposed expansions include wider coverage for severe leptospirosis cases, including dialysis and respiratory support when needed, while animal bite coverage is also being reviewed for possible expansion.

The ₱60 billion formed part of PhilHealth’s excess funds that were earlier transferred to the National Treasury under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, which allowed idle or excess funds of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to be used for government programs.

The transfer drew criticism from health groups, which argued the funds should be used for health benefits.

Several petitions were also filed before the Supreme Court.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. later announced the return of the ₱60 billion to PhilHealth.

In December 2025, the Supreme Court voided provisions allowing the transfer of excess GOCC funds to the National Treasury and ordered the return of the amount.

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