“Based on computations of migrant groups the new PhilHealth increase would force OFWs to shell out up to P50,000 even before they leave the country,” claimed Congressman Carlos Zarate, a Senior Deputy Minority leader, in connection with the announced hike in PhilHealth dues.
Zarate said this effectively makes OFWs “hostages” of PhilHealth, since they would only be allowed to leave if they pay their “ransom” of up to P50,000. Zarate’s fellow Bayan Muna nominee, Rep. Ferdinand Gaite, echoed this. “Instead of picking on OFWs and hostaging them, PhilHealth should first address the many anomalies besieging the health fund starting with ghost patients and ghost dialysis as well as other issues that drain the fund.”
He said the bonuses were given despite issues raised by the Commission on Audit on the allegedly slow processing of claims.