The Supreme Court (SC) issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the transfer of nearly PhP90 billion of PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury, a move welcomed by co-petitioner Bayan Muna.
Former Bayan Muna Congressman Neri Colmenares said they welcome the SC decision as a “significant victory” for the Filipino people, especially for beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Corporation.
“The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order to enjoin the further transfer of PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury,” SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said in a press conference Tuesday.
Ting said the the TRO is effective immediately.
“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,” former Bayan Muna congressman Neri Colmenares said.
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,” Colmenares said.
The renowned human rights lawyer said funds transferred to the national treasury but not yet spent in unprogrammed funds projects must be returned to Philhealth.
Colmenares said unspent funds in government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) must be protected.
Transfer of such funds to pork barrel-filled unprogrammed funds threaten job security and employee benefits of GOCCs,” he added.
Bayan Muna, along with 1Sambayan and Sen. Aquilino Pimintel are co-petitioners for the TRO.
Colmenares said Bayan Muna, along with other concerned groups, remains committed to seeing the issue through to its resolution.
“We will continue to advocate for transparency and the equitable distribution of public funds.” Colmenares said. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
