Bong Go on PhilHealth’s controversial P137.7-M anniversary proposed budget: "Makonsensya naman kayo"

“Ilang pasyente po ang makikinabang dito? Ilang pasyente po ang naghihingalo ang matutulungan dito? Ilang buhay po ang masasalba rito,” Senator Go asked.

PhilHealth earlier confirmed the amount in its presentation during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography.

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. clarified, however, that it was just a proposal from the PhilHealth Anniversary Committee. He added that the PhilHealth Board has not approved the proposal.

“Kung hindi naging controversial ang PhilHealth, wala. Relax-relax lang kayo. Nagplano pa kayong mag-party. Gagastos ng mahigit isandaang milyon. Kawawa naman ‘yung Pilipino. Ma-konsensiya naman kayo,” Senator Go emphasized.

Known as “Mr. Malasakit” because of his genuine compassion for the poor and disadvantaged, Senator Go has consistently pointed out PhilHealth’s lapses in utilizing its funds more efficiently. He reiterated that it is the poor, the hopeless, and the oppressed Filipinos who will ultimately suffer.

Senator Go stressed that, as officials of the government, they remain servants of the Filipino people. As such, they must prioritize the health and struggles of Filipinos.

“Magmalasakit naman kayo. Ipakita at ipadama n’yo naman sa taumbayan na kayo ay para sa kanila, na kapakanan nila ang inyong inuuna at hindi ang pansariling interes,” Senator Go once admonished the officials of PhilHealth.

The 30th PhilHealth anniversary celebration proposal included umbrella special tokens and giveaways amounting to PHP 7.9 million, two gala nights costing PHP 18.3 million, and a sports fest costing PHP 32.7 million, among others.

The issue of PhilHealth’s anniversary budget surfaced amidst public uproar over the state health insurer’s lack of government subsidy, fueling uncertainties regarding its 2025 operations.