MANILA: Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto has proposed a substantial increase in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) benefit packages for the country's 10 most prevalent illnesses. Recto made the announcement during a press conference at Malaca±an Palace following the signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

According to Philippines News Agency, Recto emphasized the need to enhance PhilHealth's benefit offerings, suggesting an increase of 100 to 200 percent for the top 10 diseases. He argued that such measures would ensure the effective utilization of the state health insurer's funds and provide significant advantages to the public. "Maybe we should focus on the top 10 illnesses. I think that's it. Let's increase the benefit package for the top 10 illnesses by 100 percent, even 200 percent. This would greatly benefit the public," Recto stated.

The 2025 GAA, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., did not allocate any subsidy for PhilHealth, a point clarified by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. She noted that while the President can remove line items in the enrolled bill, adding allocations is beyond his authority. Recto explained that PhilHealth possesses PHP280 billion in reserve funds, highlighting Congress's understanding that PhilHealth's operating budget is sufficient. "They have a surplus of roughly PHP150 billion the last time I looked at it. They have investments of more than PHP400 billion. They will probably earn PHP200 billion in 2025. They will spend the 150 billion," Recto added.

The DOF plans to keep a close watch on PhilHealth's expenditures to ensure that their funds are used effectively in the upcoming year.