SCIENCE AND MEDICINE
PhilHealth not spending P37.5M for 30th anniversary marketing materials
12/19/24, 2:24 PM
The PhilHealth Board of Directors has vetoed the proposal to spend P37.5 million on marketing and promotional materials for the agency's 30th anniversary in February 2025.
In a statement sent to reporters, the board of directors chaired by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa rejected the proposal and emphasized the need for financial responsibility within the agency.
"The official proposal for the Marketing and Promotional Expenses only reached the Board on December 16, 2024 and was immediately vetoed," the statement read.
"Urging for financial responsibility, the Board of Directors decided to cancel the proposed procurement to save government funds and ensure its proper allocation for the benefits of PhilHealth members," it added.
The said proposal included umbrellas worth P7.9 million, perforated mesh stickers worth P7.3 million, tote bags worth P1.8 million, anniversary shirts worth P3.6 million, marketing shirts worth P1.9 million, jackets worth P13.65 million, katsa bags worth P750,000, and button pins worth P545,000.
"The PhilHealth Board of Directors reviews and decides on proposals coming from the Philhealth Management, such as the Marketing and Promotional Expenses for the official events of the corporation. The Board will always prioritize the benefits of PhilHealth members," Herbosa said.
The PhilHealth Board of Directors includes four ex-officio members: the Secretaries of Finance, Budget and Management, Social Welfare and Development, and Labor.
It also comprises three expert panel members and four sectoral members. One seat for a representative of local chief executives remains vacant.
The Board is separate and distinct from PhilHealth's Executive Officers led by President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. and Executive Vice President and COO Eli Diño D. Santos.