President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to grant a general amnesty, giving business owners, employers, and self-employed members a one-time opportunity to settle their unpaid contributions without incurring interest and penalty charges for late payments.

“Sa aming patuloy na pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na sa tinatawag nating healthcare, inutusan ko po ang PhilHealth na magpatupad ng general amnesty para sa mga negosyante, private employer, mga self-employed na ating mga kababayan na hindi nabayarang kontribusyon sa PhilHealth,” President Marcos said in a message aired on his official social media account on Thursday.

The President ordered a one-time waiver of the three percent compounded or accumulated monthly interest charged on unpaid premium contributions, citing the financial burden the penalty places on members who are struggling to settle their dues.

The President added that the general amnesty is expected to benefit around 300,000 PhilHealth members.

“Alam naman namin na ‘yung three percent na binabayad para sa PhilHealth eh medyo – na buwan-buwan ay ramdam na ramdam ng ating mga kababayan,” the Chief Executive said.

“Kaya’t inutusan ko po ang PhilHealth, gagawa tayo nitong taon na ito, 2026, ang tinatawag naming one-time waiver para sa interest ngayong taon,” the President noted.

President Marcos said the government will give those concerned one year to pay all their missed contributions from 2013 up to 2024.

President Marcos also urged employers to update their employees’ records and ensure their enrollment in the PhilHealth YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program).

PhilHealth YAKAP is an enhanced primary care program that provides free consultations, essential medicines, lab tests, and cancer screenings to promote early detection and reduce health-related expenses for Filipinos.

President Marcos reiterated the government’s commitment to easing the burden of Filipinos on healthcare costs.

“Kaya po ito po ay patuloy naming ginagawa upang pagaanin ang dala ng ating mga kababayan tungkol nga sa mga healthcare costs at sa lahat ng iba’t ibang hamon na hinaharap ng ating mga kababayan araw-araw,” the President said. | PND