30M FILIPINOS LOSING PHILHEALTH MEMBERSHIP NOT TRUE – DBM

BUDGET and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Saturday denied rumors  that some 30 million Filipinos will be losing their Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) membership.

Pangandaman assured that there will be no reduction in the number of PhilHealth members.

She issued the statement following the claim of the Medical Action Group (MAG) that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) “unilaterally removed” the PhilHealth coverage of 30 million individuals, including Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and their dependents.

“Under the Universal Health Care Act, all Filipinos are entitled to health insurance, whether as direct or indirect contributors to PhilHealth. The government subsidizes premiums for those who can’t afford them, ensuring even the most vulnerable are covered,” Pangandaman said in a Facebook post.

“Claims that millions will lose their coverage are simply false, as PhilHealth is committed to fulfilling its obligations, backed by substantial funds,” she added.

According to her, the DBM’s role is to “faithfully implement the national budget,” adding that it is committed to upholding transparency and open communication to keep everyone informed and supported.

She reminded the medical group to be “thoughtful and responsible” in what it shares on social media.

“Every post has the power to shape public opinion, impact lives, and influence the future of our nation. Hence, I urge every Filipino to use that power wisely — to lift each other up, not to spread fear or falsehoods,” Pangandaman said.

The Medical Action Group, in a post, said that during the 2025 Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) budget deliberations in Congress last September 4, the DBM presented a slide showing its recommendation to reduce indirect contributors from 25,229,037 to 14,157,910.

The group said that with an average of two dependents per indirect members, that will mean over 30 million Filipinos without health insurance coverage next year.

The MAG said the DBM has no power to remove membership in PhilHealth.

The DBM the following day responded to the group, saying the law mandates the health insurance coverage of all Filipinos.

It added that the national government not only provides premium subsidies for indirect contributors but also grants subsidies to those who are financially incapable of paying for health insurance premiums through the provision of subsidies for Point-of-Service patients.

“Remember that what the government provides is the subsidy for the insurance premiums of indirect contributors and since they are already covered by this health insurance, it is now incumbent upon the PhilHealth as the insurer to pay the valid claims of its members,” the DBM said.

The Budget Department said it is consulting with its legal team for possible filing of legal actions against the medical group over misleading information.