Senator Bong Go reiterated his call for stronger efforts from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to ensure that every Filipino is fully aware of their membership status and benefits due to them under the Universal Health Care (UHC) law.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go emphasized the need for a tangible proof of identification that would help boost public awareness in accessing free health services.
“Kapag sigurado sila sa benepisyo nila, hindi sila matatakot na magpa-check up o magpa-ospital.”
“Napakahalaga na alam ng bawat Pilipino na miyembro sila ng PhilHealth. Kapag sigurado sila sa benepisyo nila, hindi sila matatakot na magpa-check up o magpa-ospital,” the legislator stressed.
The lawmaker pointed out that despite the automatic coverage of all Filipinos under the UHC law, many are still unaware of their membership.
The senator cited recent figures from PhilHealth indicating that only around 27.8 million Filipinos are currently enrolled in its Konsulta (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama) program.
“Marami pa rin ang hindi alam na automatic na silang miyembro. Dapat may malinaw na pruweba na nagpapatunay na bahagi sila ng PhilHealth,” he added.
To address this, Go is pushing for the passage of his filed Senate Bill No. 2983, or the proposed Philippine Health Card Act of 2025, which he authored. The measure seeks to establish a simple, affordable, and durable identification card–either digital or physical–for all PhilHealth members.
If enacted, this ID system will operate under the National Health Insurance Program and will be distributed in coordination with local government units (LGUs).
“Para sa ordinaryong kababayan, malaking tulong kung may hawak kang proof na miyembro ka. Kahit lumang ID, digital man o integrated sa national ID–ang mahalaga, may pinanghahawakan ang Pilipino na may masadandalan sila kapag nagkasakit,” Go clarified.
He also emphasized that with or without the bill’s passage, PhilHealth must strengthen its outreach and ensure that members are properly informed about their rights and coverage.
“Ang importante rito, hindi lang may ID ang tao. Dapat alam nila kung anong benepisyo ang meron sila.”
“Ang importante rito, hindi lang may ID ang tao. Dapat alam nila kung anong benepisyo ang meron sila. Kaya panawagan ko sa PhilHealth–mas paigtingin pa ang information campaign,” Go urged.
A staunch critic of outdated PhilHealth policies, he reiterated his oversight function and longstanding demand for sweeping reforms within the state insurance corporation, which he emphasized should serve the public rather than function like a profit-driven business.
“Sa PhilHealth hindi ko po kayo titigilan. Sabi ko noon sa inyo, pina-commit ko po kayo, ayusin n’yo, magreporma kayo. Ang PhilHealth po para sa health ‘yan, hindi naman po negosyo ‘yan. Insurance ‘yan para may masasandalan po ang ating mga kababayan kapag nagkasakit,” Go said.
As part of his continuing health reforms crusade, Go reiterated the need for government agencies like PhilHealth to adopt systems that are people-centered and responsive, especially for the poor and vulnerable sectors.
“Ang kalusugan ay karapatan ng bawat Pilipino. Hindi ito dapat pinoproblema. Dapat ito ay inaasikaso ng gobyerno, at responsibilidad nating siguraduhing ramdam ng tao ang serbisyong pangkalusugan,” he explained.
Go concluded by reaffirming his commitment to advancing accessible and inclusive healthcare policies in the Senate, adding that he will continue exercise his oversight functions as a legislator to improve the implementation of the UHC law.
