MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is considering a one-year suspension of monthly premium contributions for state insurer PhilHealth members, pending an inquiry into whether the agency’s financial stability can support the measure.

This announcement came on the final day of the congressional session before the Christmas break, as Speaker Martin Romuladez outlined the House’s priorities for the upcoming year.

He told his colleagues and the public that the House would conduct a comprehensive investigation into PhilHealth’s fund management next year. 

The goal, he said, is not to assign blame but to find solutions that ensure PhilHealth resources benefit its members, the Filipino people who contribute monthly.

If the inquiry reveals surplus or underutilized funds, Romualdez outlined several possible measures:

1. A one-year suspension of premium payments for paying members to provide relief to Filipinos facing inflation and rising prices.
2. Further reductions in premium contributions.
3. Expanding benefits to members, with the ultimate aim of achieving zero billing in hospitals.
4. Ensuring PhilHealth delivers enhanced healthcare coverage, including additional medical services, hospitalization support, and better benefits for those in need.
5. Exploring ways to reduce premiums for workers and employers while maintaining PhilHealth’s service capacity.

“PhilHealth should not hoard resources at the expense of its members… if we can alleviate the burden of contributions without compromising its sustainability, we will do so,” he said in a statement late Wednesday night.

The inquiry will be part of the House’s oversight function, he said. 

He noted the House’s recent investigations into public funds, reforms, and the holding of officials accountable.

The Speaker also commended the Quad Committee and the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability for their diligence in uncovering anomalies and addressing public grievances. He noted that these committees have filed bills aimed at improving accountability and addressing law enforcement gaps.

The country’s lawmakers are currently in split following the decision to slash the subsidy of PhiHealth for the 2025 national budget. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the decision to cut the budget, saying the state insurer has enough reserves to survive the year even without a budget.

PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma revealed that as of October 2024, the agency has a P150 billion surplus, a total reserve of P281 billion, and an investment fund approaching P489 billion as of November 2024.