MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to implement a general amnesty covering years of unpaid member contributions, including a one-time waiver of interest and penalties set for 2026, in a move aimed at easing the financial burden on employers and self-employed Filipinos.
In a video message posted on social media on Thursday, Marcos said the directive is designed to help members settle long-overdue PhilHealth obligations without added charges, while encouraging wider compliance and coverage.
“Inutusan ko po ang PhilHealth na magpatupad ng general amnesty para sa mga negosyante, private employer, mga self-employed na ating mga kababayan na may hindi nabayarang kontribusyon sa PhilHealth,” the President said.
Marcos acknowledged that mandatory PhilHealth payments have weighed heavily on households, especially those remitting contributions monthly.
“Alam naman namin na yung 3% na binabayad para sa PhilHealth ay medyo, na buwan-buwan, ay ramdam na ramdam ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
Under the order, PhilHealth will grant a one-time waiver of interest on unpaid contributions in 2026, allowing members to pay their arrears without penalties.
“Kaya gagawa po tayo ngayong taon na ito ng 2026 ang tinatawag nating one-time waiver para sa interes,” Marcos said.
The amnesty will cover missed contributions incurred from July 2013 to December 2024. Employers will be given up to one year to fully settle their outstanding balances. An estimated 300,000 PhilHealth members are expected to benefit from the program.
Marcos also urged employers to update their records and ensure that workers are properly enrolled under PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan or Yakap Program, which aims to expand health coverage and improve access to medical services.
The President said the amnesty forms part of the administration’s broader effort to rein in healthcare costs and cushion Filipinos from rising economic pressures.
“Ito pong lahat ay ating ginagawa para pagaanin ang dalahin ng ating mga kababayan pagdating sa healthcare cost at sa iba’t ibang hamon na kanilang hinaharap,” he said./PN
