Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to implement a general amnesty on interest and penalties for unpaid contributions by employers, business owners, and self-employed members. This includes a one-time waiver of interest and penalties for 2026. The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on Filipinos, allowing them to clear outstanding contribution backlogs without incurring additional charges.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a video message released on social media, President Marcos stated that regular PhilHealth payments have become a significant burden for many Filipinos, particularly those required to pay monthly. He emphasized that the 3% contribution to PhilHealth is acutely felt by citizens and acknowledged the need for relief measures.
The President's directive includes a one-time waiver of interest on unpaid contributions for 2026, giving members an opportunity to settle their arrears without facing penalties. Employers are given a one-year period to clear all missed contributions from July 2013 to December 2024. This amnesty is anticipated to benefit approximately 300,000 PhilHealth members.
Marcos encouraged employers to update their records and ensure all workers are registered under PhilHealth's Yaman ng Kalusugan or Yakap Program, which aims to expand coverage and improve access to healthcare services. He stressed that this initiative is part of the administration's broader efforts to reduce healthcare costs amid rising economic pressures.
In a statement, PhilHealth clarified that the waiver only covers interest charges and not unpaid premium contributions. Employers who settle their dues earlier within the designated period may qualify for larger interest reductions, including partial or full waivers, subject to approved payment terms.
PhilHealth announced that guidelines for the employed sector will be released soon, while detailed implementing rules for the self-employed sector are being finalized. The organization advised the public to wait for official announcements regarding implementation timelines and payment arrangements, especially for the self-employed.
As a safeguard, employers availing of the one-time waiver must register their employees under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program and ensure the completion of the first patient encounter, in line with PhilHealth policies. This requirement is designed to enhance access to primary care services for workers and their families.
PhilHealth reiterated the administration's commitment to fairness, economic recovery, and sustained healthcare access, while ensuring the continued delivery of benefits to members and their dependents. For accurate information and updates, the public is encouraged to rely solely on PhilHealth's verified communication channels.
