Manila: Finance Secretary Ralph Recto announced that the state insurer, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), will receive over PHP50 billion in subsidies next year. The national government's allocation is aimed at enhancing benefit packages without requiring an increase in members' premium contributions.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Finance (DOF) data indicates that PhilHealth is projected to end 2025 with a PHP348 billion fund balance, even with the planned expansion of member benefits. Recto highlighted that this expansion will include a 30 to 50 percent increase in benefit packages, which is expected to significantly improve PhilHealth services.

Recto pointed out that while there is a shortage of hospitals in the provinces, there are plans to improve services in all Department of Health (DOH)-run hospitals within the current year and the next. Additionally, Recto emphasized that education and health remain priorities for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.