The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it is working with Congress and the Executive branch to channel PHP60 billion back to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) through the 2026 national budget, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive.

The DBM, in a statement shared by Malacañang on Tuesday, said the move is “the clearest and most transparent way to strengthen the National Health Insurance Program and directly benefit Filipinos.”

It added a special provision may be included in the 2026 General Appropriations Act to specify the source and intended use of the funds.

Marcos earlier said the PHP60 billion in PhilHealth’s excess funds — returned to the national treasury — will be restored to the agency, due to government savings mostly from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In 2024, the Department of Finance ordered the transfer of PHP89.9 billion in unused PhilHealth subsidies to the Treasury.

Of the total, PHP60 billion has already been remitted, while around PHP29 billion remains with PhilHealth after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on the transfer.

The President’s announcement came as the administration doubles down on the implementation of its zero balance billing policy in state-run hospitals. (PNA)