PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. has expressed uncertainty about whether the PhilHealth Board of Directors will approve the reduction of the mandatory premium contributions of its members.
Ledesma made this statement during a hearing of the Committees on Health and Demography and Finance.
While Ledesma has shown support for the Senate’s proposal to lower member contributions, he emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the Board.
Currently, the PhilHealth Board is chaired by Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, with Ledesma serving as vice chairman.
Herbosa has previously opposed the reduction of the mandatory premium contribution from 5% to 3.25%, casting doubt on whether this change will be implemented by the agency.
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go pointed out that Ledesma, as the president and face of PhilHealth, holds significant influence, and his recommendation will carry weight with the Board.
Go also questioned if the recommendation to lower contributions to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would remain merely a promise.
Ledesma defended that he would recommend the reduction to the president once he receives clearance from the Board of Directors. However, if the Board does not agree, he said he would be unable to directly advise the president.
Nevertheless, Ledesma assured that the proposal to reduce the mandatory premium contribution of PhilHealth members will continue to be studied and presented to the entire Board.