As the 2025 campaign period kicks into full gear, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, is setting aside election-related activities today, February 12, to preside over a critical Senate hearing on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)’s long-overdue commitments. With healthcare reforms remaining a top national concern, the hearing aims to ensure that promised benefits are being delivered to Filipinos who need them most.
“Huwag nating hayaang matabunan ng kampanya ang mas mahahalagang isyu. Marami pa pong tanong na kailangang sagutin—nasaan ang ipinangakong mas mataas na benepisyo para sa mga pasyente? Nagagamit ba nang maayos ang pondo para sa kalusugan? Dapat klaro sa publiko kung paano sila matutulungan ng PhilHealth,” Senator Go emphasized.
The Senate inquiry will scrutinize PhilHealth’s progress in expanding benefit packages, particularly the implementation of case rate adjustments for common and chronic illnesses. Despite previous commitments to enhance coverage for outpatient services, catastrophic diseases, and primary healthcare, lingering concerns remain about whether these initiatives have been fully rolled out and are actually reaching intended beneficiaries.
“Maraming nangangailangan ng tulong sa pagpapagamot, huwag natin sila pabayaan. Hindi pwedeng may pondo pero hindi naman ramdam ng tao ang serbisyo at benepisyo,” Senator Go pointed out, stressing the urgency of a more effective public information drive on PhilHealth programs.
Beyond PhilHealth, today’s hearing will also evaluate the Department of Health (DOH)’s performance in implementing its programs. Senator Go has consistently pushed for stronger vaccination campaigns, alongside the continued construction of Super Health Centers to provide communities with better access to essential healthcare services.
“Kung gusto nating iwasan ang pagkalat ng mga sakit, kailangang tiyakin na may sapat na bakuna, may tamang impormasyon, at may maayos na pasilidad kung saan puwedeng magpabakuna ang mga kababayan natin,” he stressed.
The hearing will also tackle the long-standing issue of delayed Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) payments for qualified healthcare workers. With many frontliners still waiting for their rightful compensation, Senator Go is expected to press concerned agencies for immediate action.
Another key topic in today’s proceedings is the streamlining of medical assistance programs to ensure that indigent patients can easily access government support. Several bills seeking to establish new public hospitals will also be discussed, reflecting the Senate’s broader efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
“Trabaho pa rin tayo. Ang kalusugan ng tao, hindi pwedeng ipagpaliban. Ang importante, siguruhing may sapat at maayos na serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa lahat dahil ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he concluded.
