The government is considering the possibility of increasing PhilHealth premium contributions for individuals who violate public safety laws.
This initiative specifically targets parents of minors who have sustained injuries related to firecrackers, as well as drivers who demonstrate undisciplined behavior on the roads during the holiday season, Department of Health spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said in a dzBB radio interview.
He said the proposed new policy is designed to enhance public safety while promoting compliance among public safety law offenders.
“We will study it, particularly considering if the parent of the [firecracker or road accident] victim is an informal settler or unemployed and receiving government assistance,” Domingo said.
He cited the 1,113 road accidents documented from December 21, 2025, to January 2, 2026, which were frequently attributed to undisciplined riders who were either not wearing helmets or under the influence of alcohol.
This figure is 82 percent higher than what was recorded during the same timeframe in the previous year.
Domingo said PhilHealth will still cover the expenses of victims, particularly in DOH-operated hospitals where zero-balance billing is implemented, regardless of the nature or cause of injury.
He, however, said there ought to be a method to impose charges on public safety violators, such as raising insurance premiums that has been adopted in other countries.
