Malacañang ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to suspend the implementation of 4.5 percent increase in the premium contribution and income ceiling for the calendar year (CY) 2023.
A copy of the memorandum addressed to Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosaria Vergeire and PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. was released to the media on Monday, January 2.
"In light of the prevailing socieconomic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide financial relief to our countrymen amidst these difficult times, please be informed that the President has directed the PhilHealth to suspend the abovementioned increase in premium rate and income ceiling for CY 2023, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations," the order reads.
Earlier, PhilHealth announced that the contribution rate would increase from 4.0 percent to 4.5 percent.
They also set their income ceiling from Php 80,000 to Php 90,000 for 2023 as mandated by the Universal Health Care program or Republic Act No. 11223.
PhilHealth Senior Manager Rey Balena earlier defended the contributions hike, saying this would benefit Filipinos in times of sickness and hospitalization.
The memorandum halting the PhilHealth contribution was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the order of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.
