SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his call for the proper and full implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, condemning what he described as a morally questionable move by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to return billions in unused funds to the National Treasury despite the program’s glaring underfunding.
“‘Yun ang concern ko rito. Bakit mo ibabalik ‘yung pondo e ang layu-layo pa nga ng full implementation ng Universal Health Care, ‘di ba? Ang layo pa,” Senator Go emphasized during an interview on May 19.
The senator has been consistent in raising this issue. As early as July 19, 2024, Senator Go began publicly criticizing the management of PhilHealth funds, warning of the detrimental effects of the existence and return of “excess” funds to the National Treasury to healthcare services. He labeled the fund transfers as legally questionable and morally wrong.
“So ang laking bagay po nung bilyon na ibinalik po sa National Treasury kasi according to PhilHealth ay excess funds nila. Kalokohan ‘yon. Legally, maybe lusot na ‘yon. But morally… dahil ang dami pong mga kababayan natin ang kailangan ng tulong pampagamot, mayroon nga riyan sa Cavite tapos mayroon nga riyan sa Cebu ang buntis ayaw nang magpa-ospital, namatay ‘yung mag-ina sa sidewalk dahil takot sa babayaran sa ospital,” he recalled.
Senator Go warned that fiscal restraint should not come at the cost of public health and welfare. “‘Yun ang importante rito. ‘Wag tayong magtitipid kung buhay at kalusugan ang pinaguusapan. Sa PhilHealth, ‘wag tayong magtitipid kasi pera ng taumbayan ‘yan. At tututukan ko po ‘yan bilang inyong senador.”
His advocacy also bore fruit in PhilHealth’s policy reforms. After numerous appeals from Senator Go, PhilHealth officially committed to implementing a range of reforms designed to expand coverage and reduce financial barriers for the poor and marginalized. One of the most significant developments was the repeal of the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) policy.
Senator Go also flagged the inequitable 24-hour confinement rule, which had excluded emergency outpatient cases from benefits–another barrier now removed.
In a major step forward, PhilHealth lifted the 45-day annual limit on hospitalizations for members and their dependents. This change ensures continued coverage for those suffering from prolonged or life-threatening illnesses, a move long pushed by Senator Go and other advocates for inclusive healthcare.
Additionally, PhilHealth has begun increasing case rates across various conditions to ease the burden of out-of-pocket expenses. Specific benefit packages for common illnesses such as urinary tract infection, influenza, and acute gastroenteritis have been adjusted accordingly.
A known health reforms crusader and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Go underscored his role in pushing these changes forward through sustained legislative and oversight work. “Nagkaroon na tayo ng 13 hearings sa Senado kasama na ‘yung health emergency allowances ng mga health workers,” he noted.
The issue over the returned funds is also pending before the Supreme Court. “Actually, ‘yung sa case sa Supreme Court antayin na lang po natin kung ano ‘yung desisyon nila roon sa excess funds na ibinalik. Hoping na pagdating ng panahon madesisyunan kaagad ‘yon… dahil kulang pa naman talaga ang pondo pa sa UHC natin,” Senator Go said.
With regard to the new dynamics and composition of the Senate, Go reiterated that his focus would remain on his advocacies and in bringing services closer to the people.
“Hindi ko pa po masasabi sa ngayon dahil mayroon naman pong kanya-kanyang pag-iisip o desisyon ang mga senador kung nasa majority ka o nasa minority ka,” he explained.
“Pero pagdating sa dulo n’yan ang boto po ay… we vote according to our conscience naman po kung saka-sakaling may batas na isusulong. Ako noong mga nakaraang taon hindi n’yo naman po ako naging problema. Basta makakatulong na mga batas, interes ng karamihan po. Interes ng bayan, interes ng Pilipino. ‘Yan po ang guiding principles ko parati sa aking pagdedesisyon.”
Senator Go intends to push for a new wave of health-related bills in the upcoming Congress, reaffirming his commitment to accessible and compassionate public service. Among the measures he plans to prioritize are the proposed Philippine Health Card and amendments to the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act aimed at lowering premium contributions and expanding coverage for more Filipinos.
He also seeks to institutionalize the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) program to ensure its continuity and efficiency, especially for the poor. Recognizing the urgent need for mental health support among the youth, he continues to propose the establishment of Mental Health Offices in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) nationwide.
