Labor groups got mixed reactions on increase

Various labor groups have varied reactions on the plan of PhilHealth to ask for P75 a month in addition to the existing P100 a month contribution of each member.

"Kung ang panukalang dagdag na Philhealth contribution ay para sa ikakabuti ng programa at serbisyo, access sa mga kalidad na gamot, mas maganda na facility, at mas malawak na coverage para sa mga miyembrong manggagawa at pamilya nito, susuportahan namin sa Associated Labor UnionsTUCP ang resonableng dagdag na kontribusyon," said Alan Tanjusay, spokesperson of Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

He, however, said that they are afraid that the additional premium on members' contribution would just serve as additional bonuses of corrupt officials.

"Kaya dapat may mga garantiya at polisiya ang panukalang dagdag contribution sa PhilHealth para masiguro na ang makikinabang lalo dito ay ang mga miyembro at kanilang pamilya," he said.

Joshua Mata, secretarygeneral of labor organization Sentro, said PhilHealth has to explain the basis for such a proposal and how it intends to use the additional contribution.

"At a time when government is planning to squeeze the workers with more taxes, PhilHealth's proposal is ill-timed," he said.

Jose Tomongha, chairman of the Alliance of Progressive Labor-Central Visayas, said he is for the increase of the monthly contribution provided it will really benefit members.