The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives on Tuesday demanded accountability from members of the bicameral conference committee who approved the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), after the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional the special provision that authorized the transfer of ₱60 billion in PhilHealth funds to the national treasury.
ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Louise Co said, “Sino ang dapat managot sa illegal transfer ng ₱60B PhilHealth funds? The answer is clear: All those who participated in inserting, approving and implementing the void special provision in the 2024 General Appropriations Act.”
The controversial provision, Special Provision 1-D, allowed the Department of Finance to redirect excess funds from government-owned or -controlled corporations, including PhilHealth, to the state coffer.
The Makabayan bloc emphasized the “chain of accountability is direct and undeniable,” adding, “Ang gagaling mag-galit-galitan noong iniimbestigahan ang paglipat ng pondo ng PhilHealth tapos sila pala ang pumirma at pumayag na gawin ito.”
The group had opposed the 2024 GAA bicam report, warning of the dangers of such provisions.
“We warned then about the dangers of such provisions, but our objections were ignored by the supermajority. The Supreme Court has now vindicated our position. But vindication is not enough- may dapat managot,” the bloc stressed.