Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who protested against the mandatory contribution—which takes about 3 percent of their monthly salary—to Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said that they did not get the benefits of the corporation.
In GMA News’ online channel “Fact or Fake,” UNIFIL-MIGRANTE-HK—a group of OFWs in Hong Kong—were seen protesting against the said mandatory payment, noting that the huge amount makes it difficult for them to further provide for their families back home.
Some of them reiterated that many of them were not able to take advantage of the benefits offered by the insurance corporation.
However, PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales said that OFWs and their dependents were able to receive PHP1.7 billion in health care benefits in 2019—much higher than their contribution that year, which only amounted to PHP1.02 billion.
READ ALSO: PhilHealth responds: OFWs paid P1 billion, claimed P1.7 billion in 2019
PhilHealth also clarified that the funds of the corporation will not only be gathered from OFWs, but Filipinos in the country as well—such as those who are employed, self-employed, and lifetime members.
READ ALSO: “We cannot change the law”: PhilHealth open to explore means to alleviate rate increase; reveals OFWs claimed Php1.7 billion in benefits in 2019
READ ALSO: Duterte heeds OFWs’ call: PhilHealth payment now only voluntary, not a requirement for OEC
