Legal Battle Over PhilHealth's P90-Billion Fund Transfer: Supreme Court Scrutinizes Compliance with Philippine Laws
Source: news.source.rappler
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is examining the legality of transferring nearly P90 billion from PhilHealth to the National Treasury, questioning whether this action aligns with Philippine laws, specifically sin tax and universal health care legislation. Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa has criticized the government's interpretation, arguing that sin tax laws mandate that these funds should be exclusively used for PhilHealth to implement universal health care. The debate centers around whether Congress has the discretionary power to determine funding allocations, with implications for the sustainability of the Universal Health Care Act.
Key Points
The Supreme Court is assessing the legality of PhilHealth's P90-billion fund transfer to the National Treasury.
Sin tax laws mandate that a portion of the revenue collected should be allocated directly to PhilHealth for universal health care.
Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa argues that these funds should be exclusively used for PhilHealth, questioning the government's interpretation.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra claims Congress has discretionary power over funding allocations as per the Universal Health Care Act.
The transfer was prompted by a new provision in the 2024 General Appropriations Act allowing the government to use excess funds from government-owned and -controlled corporations.
The debate highlights tensions between legal mandates and political decisions regarding health care funding.
