After controversy sparked among Overseas Filipino Workers regarding the mandatory 3% premium contribution, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered PhilHealth to suspend the collection, as relayed by Spokesperson Harry Roque.
“Habang meron tayong krisis, ang naging desisyon ng Presidente (ay) huwag na muna tayong magpataw ng karagdagang pahirap sa ating mga OFWs, lalong lalo na sa panahon na napakarami sa kanilang nare-repatriate at nawalan ng trabaho,” states President Spokesman Harry Roque in a regular press briefing, as published in an article by CNN Philippines.
“Iyan naman ay nagkaroon ng mabilisang aksyon ang ating Kalihim ng Kalusugan at sinuspinde nga ang increased collection para sa PhilHealth,” Roque adds. He also added that the president has suspended the premium rates levied on the salaries of OFWs.
It can be recalled that OFWs are required to remit 3% of their annual salaries to PhilHealth as computed from a monthly pay range of Php 10,000 to Php 60,000 up from last year’s 2.75% rate. Moreover, by 2021, contribution will be increased to 3.5%.
PhilHealth has also responded to the President’s call through an official statement.
“Batid po namin ang naging pahayag ng Pangulong Rodrigo R. Duterte sa pamamagitan ni Sec. Harry Roque ngayong araw. Kami ay nakikipag ugnayan na sa Malacanan para sa buong detalye ng direktiba ng ating Pangulo para lubos namin itong maisakatuparan para sa inyong kapakanan. Salamat po sa inyong pang unawa,” published by PhilHealth in their social media.
