MANILA, Philippines — Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and other concerned groups have filed a petition before the Supreme Court of the Philippines to declare the transfer of PhilHealth funds to the national government unconstitutional.
This legal move follows the reported transfer of PHP 9 billion from PhilHealth to the national treasury.
The petitioners argue this violates the mandate to protect and promote the health rights of Filipinos.
The Supreme Court has decided to conduct oral arguments on this issue in January 2025.
The court previously blocked the fund transfer, responding to concerns over the legality of reallocating PhilHealth’s funds.
Labor leaders from the Federation of Free Workers and the NAGKAISA Labor Coalition have also been allowed to intervene in the case, showing widespread concern over the handling of the funds.
The petitioners emphasize the necessity of keeping funds within PhilHealth to ensure the availability of resources for public health, especially during a pandemic.
Meanwhile, the bicameral conference committee is busy with the General Appropriations Bill for 2025.
The committee’s focus is on reconciling the conflicting provisions of the proposed PHP 6.352-trillion national budget.
