Senator Bong Go urged the swift approval of Senate Bill 2620 to amend the Universal Health Care Act. The bill includes provisions that reduce premium contributions for PhilHealth members, notably benefiting Filipino migrant workers by having the government cover half of their contributions and ensuring unpaid dues won’t hinder their return to the Philippines.
Senator Bong Go urged fellow lawmakers to promptly approve Senate Bill (SB) 2620, which aims to amend the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. This call was made during the 3rd National Convention of the National Department of Health Employees’ Association held on May 28 at Manila Hotel.
The bill, co-authored and sponsored by Go, has successfully passed its third reading in the Senate. The amendment to the UHC Act is among the legislative priorities identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Council, with a push to finish before the adjournment of the 19th Congress. The legislative calendar indicates that the House will resume sessions from June 2 to June 13.
A key aspect of SB 2620 is the reduction of premium contributions for PhilHealth members. Significantly, it includes provisions for Filipino migrant workers, where 50 percent of their contributions will be funded by the government. Additionally, unpaid contributions will not be demanded upon their return to the Philippines, and non-payment will not disqualify them from obtaining overseas employment certificates. Go emphasized that “PhilHealth is for health — PhilHealth is not a business,” stressing the importance of having support during health crises.
