SC: Oral Arguments on P89.9-Billion PhilHealth Funds Set for January

The Supreme Court (SC) has scheduled oral arguments for January 14, 2025, on the petitions seeking to block the transfer of P89.9 billion in excess funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to the national treasury. SC spokesperson Camille Ting announced that a preliminary conference will also be held before the proceedings.

The case stems from a petition filed in August by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, the Philippine Medical Association, and former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno, asking the SC to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent the transfer of PhilHealth’s excess funds. The petition challenges provisions in the 2024 General Appropriations Act and Department of Finance Circular 003-2023, which authorize government-owned corporation funds to be redirected to fund unprogrammed appropriations.

Of the P89.9 billion, P20 billion has already been transferred to the treasury, with the rest to be released in phases. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto argued that utilizing these idle funds would boost economic growth and create jobs, while Health Secretary Ted Herbosa assured that the funds would still support health programs.