Former Bayan Muna Congressman Neri Colmenares today welcomedl the Supreme Court’s decision to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the transfer of PhilHealth’s excess funds to the National Treasury. The TRO halts the transfer of P89.9 billion in unused PhilHealth funds, effective immediately.
“This TRO is a significant victory for the Filipino people, especially for PhilHealth beneficiaries who rely on these funds for their healthcare needs,” said Neri Colmenares. “The transfer of these funds would have jeopardized the benefits of countless Filipinos relying on PhilHealth for essential health services. This decision prevents a grave injustice from occurring.”
Colmenares emphasized the importance of protecting public funds meant for healthcare from being reallocated to other uses. “The attempt to siphon off funds from PhilHealth, and potentially from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), would not only violate constitutional principles but also put at risk the financial security of depositors and the health of our nation,” he stated.
“Those funds transferred to the national treasury but not yet spent in unprogrammed funds projects must be returned to Philhealth,”he said
Colmenares also highlighted the broader implications of such fund transfers on government employees and the integrity of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs). “We must safeguard these funds from being diverted to unprogrammed appropriations filled with pork barrel projects, which threaten job security and employee benefits,” he added.
Bayan Muna, along with other concerned groups, remains committed to seeing this issue through to its resolution. “We will continue to advocate for transparency and the equitable distribution of public funds.” Colmenares concluded.
Bayan Muna urges all stakeholders to remain vigilant and stevadfast in defending the welfare of the Filipino people and the integrity of our national institutions.
