PhilHealth processes members’ transactions in Quezon City. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) en banc has scheduled on January 14, 2025 the oral arguments on the transfer of P89.9 billion funds of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to the National Treasury.

• Groups turn to SC to block diversion of P89.9B PhilHealth funds

The court noted that the preliminary issue of whether a temporary restraining order or a status quo ante order against the respondents should be issued. 

Substantive issues meantime include whether the 2024 General Appropriations Act which authorizes the use of fund balance of Government Owned or Controlled Corporations to fund identified purposes in the unprogrammed appropriations was validly enacted, among others. 

• PhilHealth says fund transfer excluded contributions of paying members

Before the oral arguments, the Supreme Court will hold a preliminary conference to be attended by counsels of the petitioners and respondents on October 9.

There are two petitions filed against PhilHealth, one led by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and another by the group of Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares.

• Signature drive launched vs PhilHealth fund transfer

Acting as respondents in the petitions are the House of Representatives, Senate, Department of Finance, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and PhilHealth.

The DOF earlier justified the fund transfer, saying "billions in unused and idle funds of government corporations are being marshalled for projects in health, social services, and infrastructure that serve the public, finance growth, and cut poverty." 

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