The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) assured Filipinos that they would not lose their Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) membership after the spread of misinformation by a Philippine medical organization.
Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman made the statement after the Medical Action Group falsely claimed the DBM “unilaterally removed” the PhilHealth coverage of 30 million individuals, such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and their dependents.
“Under the Universal Health Care Act, all Filipinos are entitled to health insurance, whether as direct or indirect contributors to PhilHealth. The government subsidizes premiums for those who can’t afford them, ensuring even the most vulnerable are covered,” Pangandaman stated in a Facebook post.
Pangandaman said the department’s role is to “faithfully [implement] the national budget.” The department is committed to being transparent and keeping everyone informed and supported through open communication. She advised the medical organization to be careful and accountable in what it posts on social media.
With this incident, the DBM plans to file legal actions against the group for purveying malicious and misleading information to the public.
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