Pondong ‘di nagamit ng GOCC, itulong sa PhilHealth

MANILA, Philippines — Inindorso ni House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Zaldy Co ng Ako Bicol Party-list sa Kamara ang panukala ng Department of Finance (DOF) na gamitin ang hindi nagagamit na bilyong pondo ng government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) na tulungan ang ibang tanggapan ng pamahalaan gaya ng Philhealth.

Ayon kay Go, ito ay para maibigay ng PhilHealth ang kinakailangan na health at social services.

“This initiative will re-channel billions of dormant funds to help millions of Filipinos enjoy better healthcare and social services, and bolster economic activity by investing more in social services and infrastructure projects at no extra cost to government,” pahayag ni Co.

Una nang tinukoy ng DOF ang P500 bilyong pondo ng PhilHealth.

“These are not derived from member contributions but are, in fact, unutilized funds provided by the national government. It is essential to understand that these funds are distinct and separate from any contributions made by Philhealth members and are meant to be used for the country’s development” pahayag ni Co.

“Congress has done its part in its exercise of oversight functions on the national budget, with respect to PhilHealth subsidies,” said Co. “Notwithstanding actions by Congress, huge amounts of stranded funds in PhilHealth exist and it would be a great injustice to Filipinos if these funds remain unused,” dagdag ng mambabatas.

Paliwanag pa ni Co kapag galing sa gobyerno ang reserve fund ng PhilHealth, marapat lamang na i-reinvest ito para mapakinabangan ng mas nakararami.