MANILA — Philippine Health Insurance Corp. president Edwin Mercado admitted during oral arguments at the Supreme Court that the agency lost the trust of some of its members following the controversial P89.9-billion fund transfer to the National Treasury.

During the last day of oral arguments on the issue of fund transfers at the Supreme Court compound in Baguio City, Mercado said they are taking extra effort such as reviewing members' denied claims.

“Naglatag na po kami ng bagong agenda na magtitimon dito sa buong organisasyon, ang una po ay iyong pagbawi ulit nung tiwala ng mga myembro at saka ng ating mga partners na doktor at ospital,” Mercado said.

Justices raise personal concerns in oral arguments on P89.9-B PhilHealth fund transfers

Two more members of the court went personal during their turn to ask questions to the petitioners and respondents.

“Bakit kinuha nila ang kontribusyon ko, bakit nila kinukuha, ang liit na nga ng sweldo, iyong binibigay ko ay kinukuha pa ng gobyerno,” Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan asked for his household help.

Even at the Supreme Court, some employees are no longer relying on PhilHealth for their health care needs. 

"Kaya ang empleyado namin hindi nila pinapakialaman ang Philhealth kasi to them Philhealth is nothing,” said Associate Justice Mario Lopez.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto also assured the court that PhilHealth is not bankrupt, with P498 billion in cash as of last year.

SC issues TRO vs PhilHealth fund transfer to treasury

He also assured them that the Philhealth funds were transferred to health-related expenses such as allowances for COVID-19 frontliners.

“Kaya inuulit ko, hindi maapektuhan ang pang-araw-araw na operasyon ng PhilHealth dahil dito. Nadagdagan pa nga ang mga benepisyo at lalong madadagdagan pa,” Recto said.