The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) refuted claims circulating on social media that it allocated nearly P138 million for a Christmas party, clarifying that the budget is intended for its 30th anniversary celebration in 2025.
“This is to clarify Dr. Tony Leachon’s post on his social media account maliciously accusing PhilHealth of excessive budget for its Christmas party. It is unfortunate that he is misinformed,” PhilHealth said in a statement on Friday night, December 13.
Dr. Tony Leachon, a health advocate, had shared a screenshot earlier that day of a supposed PhilHealth document listing a P137,766,032 budget for items such as coffee table books, tokens, giveaways, and commemorative medals. Leachon initially alleged that the document outlined expenses for a Christmas party, describing the allocation as “abusive.”
“Zero budget para sa PhilHealth. Abusado [ang PhilHealth] leadership team for not using funds wisely!” Leachon captioned his original post, which garnered over 18,000 shares on Facebook.
However, by late afternoon, Leachon edited his post to state that the budget was for PhilHealth’s anniversary celebration.
PhilHealth explained that the proposed expenses are part of the preparations for the agency’s milestone year and coincide with the National Health Insurance Month in February 2025. “The approved activities are reasonable, budgeted following existing limits set by the Government, and will be procured under RA 9184 [or the Government Procurement Reform Act],” PhilHealth said.
The health insurer also emphasized that it is adhering to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to scale down Christmas celebrations in light of recent typhoon victims.
PhilHealth defended its planned activities, saying the anniversary celebration aims to promote healthcare reforms and create a meaningful observance of its milestone year.
This is not the first time Leachon has courted controversy. In May, he faced a cyberlibel complaint for accusing Bell-Kenz Pharma Incorporated of employing a multi-level marketing scheme in a social media post.
