Balitanghali is the daily noontime newscast of GTV anchored by Raffy Tima and Connie Sison. It airs Mondays to Fridays at 11:00 AM (PHL Time). For more videos from Balitanghali, visit http://www.gmanews.tv/balitanghali.
#GMAIntegratedNews #GMANetwork #KapusoStream
Breaking news and stories from the Philippines and abroad:
GMA Integrated News Portal: http://www.gmanews.tv
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gmanews
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gmanews
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gmanews
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/gmanews
GMA Network Kapuso programs on GMA Pinoy TV: https://gmapinoytv.com/subscribe
#GMAIntegratedNews #GMANetwork #KapusoStream
Breaking news and stories from the Philippines and abroad:
GMA Integrated News Portal: http://www.gmanews.tv
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gmanews
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gmanews
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gmanews
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/gmanews
GMA Network Kapuso programs on GMA Pinoy TV: https://gmapinoytv.com/subscribe
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00The Supreme Court has already discussed the controversial transfer of PhilHealth's funds to the National Treasury.
00:07The government denied that this is an illegal law and the police agreed to regulate the economy.
00:14Salima Refran reported.
00:21Before the oral arguments, various groups made a ruckus in the Supreme Court.
00:27All of them shouted out in unison.
00:30They declared that the transfer of PhilHealth's almost P10 billion, unused funds, to the National Treasury is illegal.
00:38This is to be used for other government projects.
00:41Many of the PhilHealth funds benefit the officials.
00:48Our call is to give direct funding to the public health facilities such as the public health centers, the public hospitals.
01:01In the oral arguments, the petitioners laid the arguments as to why for them, the transfer of funds is unconstitutional.
01:10In particular, the Department of Finance Circular 003-2024 and a provision in the General Appropriations Act that was passed here.
01:20PhilHealth's money is not too much and the assistance received by the citizens is not enough.
01:39Any item in the General Appropriations must be given by law.
01:43PhilHealth's financial statement reveals that it does not have excess funds.
01:49PhilHealth's 2024 first quarter financial statements show the member's equity as being negative P600 billion plus.
01:57This is signed by the highest officials of PhilHealth and expressed admission by PhilHealth that its equity is negative by over P600 billion.
02:07Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Health Secretary Tedoro Herbosa, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and PhilHealth President Emanuele Desma Jr. joined the hearing.
02:19The Office of the Solicitor General and the Office of the Government Corporate Council
02:25and other respondents of the Office of the President, Senate, and Camera,
02:30the government's gate that, according to the law, there is no violation in the transfer of unused funds.
02:37It was the Executive and Legislative Department's way of creating and implementing a fiscal policy to boost economic growth
02:49without bloating the government's indebtedness or burdening the people.
02:55It is a common-sense approach that does not violate any law, much less the Constitution.
03:03I assure the Honorable Court and the people that, contrary to what has been portrayed by some critics,
03:11there was no dark or sinister plan behind the transfer of the P16 billion fund balance from PhilHealth to the Treasury.
03:22Three petitions against the transfer of PhilHealth funds were heard here in the Supreme Court.
03:28It has been consolidated, meaning that the hearings will be held simultaneously.
03:31Here in the oral arguments, the magistrates may ask questions.
03:36Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier accused PhilHealth of having an excessive amount of funds.
04:07But Your Honor, I would like to highlight that every year PhilHealth actually generates more revenues than expenditures.
04:18I will show you the report of COA, which shows that PhilHealth is bankrupt, actually.
04:25I don't know if you're aware of that. You ought to be aware.
04:30And COA has repeatedly highlighted that in its letters to PhilHealth.
04:38And then COA said that for many years, at least three years, 21, 22, 23,
04:45the reserve fund of PhilHealth is much, much less than its actuarial fund, actuarial estimate.
04:57In October, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on the transfer of PhilHealth funds.
05:04But back then, the P60 billion fund was returned to the National Treasury.
05:09The Department of Finance said that it has already used 78% of this amount for critical health projects,
05:17such as public health emergency benefits and allowance to healthcare and non-healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
05:25Medical assistance for patients in need.
05:28Medical equipment purchased.
05:31Construction of three DOH Health Facilities and Health Facilities Enhancement Program.
05:37The magistrates will continue to ask questions in the following oral arguments on February 25.
05:44Sani Manifra reporting for GMA Integrated News.
05:55.