Risa Hontiveros Reacts to PhilHealth’s Zero State Subsidy
RISA HONTIVEROS – The senator explained why she voted “No” to the final version of the 2025 national budget, expressing deep concern over significant budget cuts to critical sectors like healthcare and education. While she supported the Senate’s original proposal, she couldn’t endorse the revised version due to these alarming reductions.
One of her biggest concerns was the complete removal of the government subsidy for PhilHealth in 2025. She acknowledged the agency’s management issues but argued that cutting its funding wasn’t the right solution. Millions of Filipinos—especially low-income families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities—depend on this support for their healthcare. Hontiveros urged the government to reform PhilHealth’s leadership rather than punish ordinary citizens who rely on its services.
She emphasized that the law requires the government to fund PhilHealth, regardless of its reserve funds. Without this subsidy, the agency could face financial struggles, making it harder for people to access healthcare benefits. She also questioned whether regular workers, who already have monthly contributions deducted from their salaries, would end up paying more to cover the shortfall.
Healthcare wasn’t the only sector affected. The Department of Health’s budget was slashed by Php37.59 billion, putting essential health programs at risk. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which supports the country’s poorest families, also faced a Php50 billion reduction. In addition, 41 foreign-assisted projects were suddenly dropped without explanation.
Education wasn’t spared either. The Department of Education lost Php15.17 billion, while the Commission on Higher Education’s budget was reduced by Php11.77 billion—despite the country’s ongoing learning crisis.
Even efforts to improve government efficiency were affected. The Anti-Red Tape Authority’s funding request for regional offices was denied, despite being approved by the Senate earlier.
What troubled Hontiveros even more was that while essential programs were cut, unprogrammed funds ballooned to Php531.6 billion. This raised concerns about transparency and the potential misuse of funds. Given these serious issues, she said she couldn’t, in good conscience, support a national budget that puts people’s health, education, and basic services at risk.
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