OFWs holding global protest vs. planned hike in PhilHealth premiums

Some overseas Filipino workers (OFW) are holding from July 20 to 25 a global "web protest" against the planned increase in PhilHealth premiums. Dubbed “Global Webwide Protest to Stop PhilHealth Increase,” the move aims to stop the proposed 150 percent increase in health premiums for OFWs — from P900 to P2400 per person. According to a news release on the OFW site Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA), Philhealth premiums for all members, including OFWs, increased from P900 to P1,200 in January this year. PhilHealth this month postponed to January 2013 plans for another increase for OFWs — from P1,200 to P2,400. PEBA said OFWs want the planned hike stopped until further discussion. “OFWs globally plead to stop and immediately implement a moratorium on imposing the increase until a comprehensive and genuine consultation with most OFWs and other stakeholders have been conducted,” PEBA said. A direct violation PEBA is a non-profit organization of international Filipino Bloggers founded by Jebee Kenji Solis, based in Jeddah. Originally, PEBA was an awarding body recognizing outstanding OFWs. However, it has now expanded its services to provide assistance to distressed OFWs. The group is staging the protesting via its Facebook and Twitter accounts, along with OFWs who are against Circular 22 which approves the increase recently issued by the Philhealth Board. PEBA also cited a law to point out that the increase is a violation. “The said increase is a direct violation of RA 10022, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995 that “prohibits increase in government fees for services rendered to OFWs and their dependents,” said PEBA. On the other hand, the Twitter community has shared its insights on the matter: arnel abad: “@teamphilhealth OFW SAY NO TO Philhealth PREMIUM INCREASE MAKE IT OPTIONAL” ROLS: “STOP THE PHILHEALTH PREMIUM INCREASE, YE SFOR OPTIONAL for OFWS!” Mr. Apol E. Apuntar: “Stop the Philhealth Premium Increase!” A fairly small investment Meanwhile, in an interview with GMA News Online, Greg Rulloda, Vice President for the Philhealth Corporate Affairs Group said they are studying the best plan of action about the planned increase. “Hindi na matutuloy yung Circular 22 this July kasi pinag-aaralan namin mapaganda lalo ang programa,” Rulloda said. “Wag dapat mag-alala ang mga OFW sa Php 2,400 na isinusulong ng Philhealth dahil gagawan namin ng paraan yan para hindi isang bagsakan upang hindi mabigat sa bulsa,” he added. Rulloda cited some of the benefits that will be improved: Free consultation In patient benefits Diagnostic services Laboratory services Animal bite package Primary health care benefits Z benefits (cancers) – leukemia, breast, prostate He also stated that the Php 1,200 a year or even the Php 2,400 a year is a fair amount in exchange of the benefits the Philhealth extends not only to OFWs but their families. “We are building up our capacity to provide greater value for your money. We are also enriching benefits and enhancing our services,” he said. “Whether it’s Php 3.50 or Php 7.00 a day is a fairly small investment that can guarantee OFWs ample relief on any event of ailment,” he added. - VVP, GMA News

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