President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Saturday that ₱60 billion previously taken from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and moved to the national treasury will now be restored to the state health insurer.
Speaking during his visit to Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila, Marcos said the funds were made available again due to savings, largely from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“So I’m happy to be able to announce… the ₱60 billion na ‘yan ibabalik na natin sa PhilHealth,” Marcos said, adding that the amount will strengthen healthcare programs after being redirected to other government projects.
According to a GMA News Online report, the Department of Finance ordered the transfer of ₱89.9 billion in PhilHealth’s excess subsidies to the Treasury last year. Of this, ₱60 billion was moved, while ₱29.9 billion stayed with PhilHealth until the Supreme Court halted the full transfer following a petition by Senator Koko Pimentel and the Philippine Medical Association.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto earlier told the High Court that the reallocated funds supported COVID-19 frontliners’ allowances, medical aid for the poor, new and improved health facilities, and other social health programs.
The announcement comes as the DPWH recently revised its 2026 budget proposal, slashing ₱255 billion from flood control projects after corruption allegations. Marcos stressed there will be no allocation for flood control in next year’s budget, with funds instead being redirected to sectors such as health, education, and agriculture.
The President said the return of PhilHealth’s funds is part of the government’s broader effort to prioritize essential services and ensure savings are channeled back to programs that directly benefit Filipinos.
