Makati, Philippines — Senate filed on Monday Senate Bill No. 1966, the scheduled increase in the payment of premium contributions of 3.50 percent, as provided in Section 10 of Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, shall be suspended in the year 2021.

The bill states that the scheduled increase in premium contributions shall resume in 2022 with the supposed suspended 3.50 percent increase for 2021.

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer, Dante Gierran, said the state insurer stands by the President in his effort to ease the burden of Filipinos affected by the pandemic.
In December, PhilHealth explained the increase is meant to "ensure sufficient funding for the health care of its 110 million members as mandated by Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Law.

Edu Punay, Cecille Suerte Felipe