Before elections, it's Philhealth card distribution
Posted on August 23, 2009, 8:19 PM under Government
Months before the 2004 elections, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo distributed Philhealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) cards to poor families, in an apparent bid to woo voters. Now, the municipal government wants to subsidize the contributions of indigent families in Baras.
The Sangguniang Bayan last Monday approved Resolution Number 113 which authorizes Mayor Wilfredo Robles to enter into an agreement with Philhealth. The resolution stated that in accordance with Republic Act 7875 which established Philhealth, “premium contribution for indigent members under the Sponsored Program shall be subsidized partially by the City, where the member resides, and Philhealth.”
SB also said that the local government is “committed and agreed to shoulder the amount needed to cover indigent families” of the town. It will likewise approve an ordinance to allocate funds for the health insurance subsidy.
It can be remembered that in 2003, funds from the medicare program of Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration were diverted to Philhealth. More recently, the Department of Interior and Local Government forged an agreement with Philhealth to insure barangay officials (via Philstar). There were also reports that the state supported health insurance company will go bankrupt in seven years (via Inquirer).
An official of Philhealth likewise said that some membership cards are good only for one year.
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