DBM vows transparent release of Philhealth funds
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has committed to the timely and transparent release of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) funds to support the immediate expansion of its benefits and the improvement of services.
This comes as PhilHealth is set to receive P113 billion in 2026, following the restoration of P60 billion in previously withheld funds, in addition to the P53.13 billion originally proposed for next year.
In a statement, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto described the allocation of a record-breaking P113-billion subsidy as “the boldest and most decisive investment in universal healthcare for vulnerable and underprivileged Filipinos in the country’s history.”
“A significant portion of the subsidy will be sourced from sin tax revenues—funds collected from alcohol and tobacco products that are channeled back into healthcare,” Recto said.
He added that the unprecedented P113-billion subsidy would directly support the health-care needs of indigent families, senior citizens, people with disabilities and other vulnerable sectors, ensuring that millions receive expanded PhilHealth coverage without additional burden.
Earlier decision
In a decision dated Dec. 3, the Supreme Court unanimously ordered the return of P60 billion previously transferred to the National Treasury and permanently prohibited the transfer of the remaining P29.9-billion fund balance.
As early as September, though President Marcos had already ordered the return of the withheld funding to PhilHealth.
Recto noted that the 2026 budget reflects that this promise has been delivered in full.
“This administration promised to protect underprivileged Filipinos through better healthcare. With the P113-billion allocation, we are not just keeping that promise—we are exceeding it,” he said.
“This is the largest single-year investment for the poor under universal healthcare.”
