No suspension of 5% hike in PhilHealth contribution

'Palace did not oppose increase'

- RHODINA VILLANUEVA

There will be no suspension in the five percent increase in premium contribution to the Philippine Health and Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) after Malacañang gave its approval to continue with its implementation.

At a press briefing yesterday, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma said a letter sent to PhilHealth by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin days ago noted that Malacañang did not oppose the five percent increase in premium rate that was implemented starting Jan. 1.

"We wrote Malacañang. We were seeking clarification and direction as to the implementation of the increase in contribution. Their reply was, 'After a very thorough study on the premium contribution increase, we pose no objection on the scheduled increase, which was implemented on Jan. 1, " Ledesma said.

"After a thorough discussion among all parties involved, I think it was agreed upon, and I think this one percent (from four to five percent) increase in premium is not that much compared to the increase in benefits," he added.

Ledesma stressed: "We are just implementing what is stated in the law. It was suspended last year and this year, d members can really feel the n benefits, given the increase."