A leader of the House of Representatives on Thursday appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to give reprieve to members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), including doctors and other health professionals, given the economic hardships caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes said only President Duterte can order to suspend the implementation of the circular increasing the Philhealth contribution of members, including doctors and other health workers, in view of the economic challenges created by the public health emergency.
“(I’ll) appeal (to President Duterte) and Philhealth to suspend the implementation of Philhealth Circular No. 2019-0009 which took effect 7 December 2019 increasing the contribution of premium members, including doctors and health workers, in view of the economic challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Robes, chairman of the House committee on people’s participation, stated in her House Resolution 862.
In accordance with Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, Philhealth issued Circular No. 2019-0009 which increased the rate of Direct Contributors 3 percent of their monthly basic salary starting 2020 and every year thereafter, adjusted to increments of 0.5% every year until it reaches the 5% limit in 2025 as provided for by law. Income floor is fixed at P10,000 during the 5-year period, while salary ceiling will gradually increase by P10,000 each year until it reaches P100,000 in 2025.
