MANILA – Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta likened the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) P1,700 capitation rate for its Konsulta program to spending less than what it costs for a routine dog checkup, calling the amount “unrealistic” for covering outpatient healthcare needs.

During the Senate session, Marcoleta, interpellating Senator JV Ejercito’s privilege speech on universal healthcare, questioned how PhilHealth arrived at the figure, saying it could not sufficiently cover basic laboratory tests, doctor’s fees, medicines, and other related expenses.

“Yung P1,700 po para sa aso ay hindi pa po sapat, eh. Itong pinag-uusapan po natin, tao po, mga tao po ito,” Marcoleta said, noting that his youngest child spends more for a pet dog’s checkup and grooming.

Ejercito agreed, pointing out that the rate was only recently increased from P1,200. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada added that a complete blood count test alone typically costs P1,000.

Marcoleta also cited PhilHealth data showing that only 27.8 million of 102 million registered Filipinos are enrolled in Konsulta, with health advocates estimating that just one percent of the population has availed of its services.

He urged PhilHealth to make its programs more realistic and responsive to public needs, expressing hope that under new president Dr. Edwin Mercado, the agency would expand both case rates and Konsulta’s package.

“Kung kinakailangan lang po na lahat ng kayamanan ng Pilipinas ilagay po natin sa PhilHealth,” Marcoleta said. “Pero ito po ay kailangan talagang ayusin, para nang sa ganun, ang perang ipinagkatiwala sa kanila ay mapakinabangan po ng nangangailangan.”