The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the recent decision of the Supreme Court, ordering the return of PHP60 billion in excess funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), while permanently prohibiting further transfers of the PHP 29.9 billion reserve balance. This ruling, as detailed in G.R. Nos. 274778, 275405, and 276233, reinforces the core principle of a social health insurance: that it must remain fully dedicated to upholding every Filipino’s right to health, and to ensuring an affordable, sustainable, and accessible public health coverage.[1]
PhilHealth’s funds, derived from contributions that are often a significant burden for common Filipino households, are intended to ensure access to health coverage for all Filipinos, particularly the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable sectors. The Supreme Court ruling underscores that the initial diversion of the said funds undermined the overall vision of the Universal Health Care Act, or Republic Act No. 11223, thereby hindering the State’s ability to fulfill its duty to guarantee accessible health services for its citizens.
Upholding the right to health is not fulfilled by promises alone; it requires transparent and reliable systems to ensure that quality healthcare remains available and accessible across all socioeconomic levels. The Commission emphasizes that the highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental right of every citizen, and it is the duty of the State to ensure that it remains to be a guaranteed right for all, rather than a privilege enjoyed only by those who can afford its rising costs.
Furthermore, the Commission underscores the need for accountability in handling public funds, derived from the taxes paid by the Filipino people. Notably, the PHP60 billion had already been allocated under the 2024 national budget, with a significant portion already utilized. While the directive to return the funds is a necessary step, it cannot fully reverse the negative impacts already felt by the public, particularly the disruption to the delivery of health services that these funds were originally intended to support.
Given this situation, it is vital that the officials who authorized and approved the transfer must be held fully accountable. The restoration of funds, in compliance with the Supreme Court decision, must be carried out without imposing any further burden to the public.
The CHR reaffirms that a human rights-based approach must remain central to meeting the needs of Filipinos and building a healthcare system for all. We look forward to the prompt restoration of funds to PhilHealth and call upon all relevant government bodies to ensure full transparency and accountability in their use. Furthermore, we urge policymakers to uphold the intent of the Universal Health Care Act and other relevant laws and ensure that financial decisions do not compromise the State’s human rights obligations.
The Commission remains committed to monitoring the implementation of this ruling and to advocating for policies and practices that guarantee the right to health for all Filipinos. The protection of health as a human right is essential to the dignity and well-being of every person.###
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[1] Supreme Court, Press briefer on the consolidated petitions in the PhilHealth case, 05 December 2025 https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/press-briefer-december-05-2025/
Erratum: An earlier version of this press statement released to the media incorrectly stated “Philippine Insurance Health Corporation.” This has since been corrected to reflect PhilHealth’s official name, “Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.” We shall ensure accuracy in details for future statements. The Commission appreciates the feedback.