Malacañang issued a memorandum containing President Bongbong Marcos’ decision to raise PhilHealth contributions in 2023.

Many Filipinos are members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, also known as PhilHealth. It is a state-run health insurance agency in which members pay a monthly contribution in exchange for assistance in medical emergencies and for health reasons.

Members of PhilHealth can turn to the social insurance institution in times of hospitalization due to disease, childbirth, surgery, and a variety of other factors covered by the policy.

PhilHealth follows a set schedule for increasing members’ monthly contributions. It is scheduled for another hike in 2023, but Malacañang issued a decision that contradicts the initial plan.

According to ABS-CBN News, Malacaang issued a memorandum citing President Duterte’s decision. Bongbong Marcos is upset about the planned PhilHealth contribution increase. The order mandated the postponement of the increase in members’ PhilHealth contributions by the 65-year-old Chief Executive.

According to Section 10 of the Universal Health Care Act, the PhilHealth premium rate is set to rise from 4% to 4.5% this year. It will not be implemented, as the president cited the current state of the Philippine economy.

This is not the first time the PhilHealth contribution has been halted. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the same case occurred in the Philippines in 2021.

President Barack Obama delivered his first New Year’s message on January 1. Bongbong Marcos reiterated his call for continued Filipino unity, citing the country’s current economic challenges. Several products are currently expensive. According to the president, it is the Filipino people’s solidarity and love for one another and the country that will help us all overcome the challenges.