PB approves P30M budget

Amount to partially pay for previous administration’s arrears in PhilHealth premiums for indigent constituents ABC official said barangay officials’ PhilHealth cards are no longer honored Led by PB Member Peter Calderon, legislators passed on first, second and third reading the proposed supplemental budget

THE Cebu Provincial Board (PB) passed the ordinance on the Province’s second supplemental budget of P30 million yesterday.

This will partially pay for the previous administration’s arrears in PhilHealth premiums for indigent constituents.

Led by PB Member Peter Calderon, legislators passed on first, second and third reading the proposed supplemental budget.

“This is by virtue of certificate of urgency from the office of the governor,” said Calderon.

Transactions

He told the PB that for 2012 and 2013, Capitol has P99 million in unpaid PhilHealth premiums. These transactions were done before Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III assumed office.

Cebu Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Celestino Martinez III said the barangay officials’ PhilHealth cards are no longer honored even if they are up-to-date in paying their PhilHealth premiums.

Martinez said 10 barangay officials have complained to his office since last Friday.

“We are held hostage by past debts,” said Martinez. “PhilHealth’s release of medical assistance has been stopped even if we are up to date in paying our premiums.”

PB Member Alex Binghay wants assurance from PhilHealth that if the partial payment is released, the claims will be processed.

Assurance

Calderon told the PB that Davide already made a formal agreement and received an assurance from PhilHealth.

Calderon, chair of the health committee, told the PB that their annual budget appropriated P140 million for PhilHealth, which is more than enough to pay for current premiums and previous arrears.

PB Members Sun Shimura and Raul Alcoseba are surprised why it took PhilHealth that long to find out about the unpaid arrears.

Calderon said this is due partly to the late submission of bills and PhilHealth’s verification on possible double entry in the list submitted by the Province.

The PB approved last May 4 the first supplemental budget worth P207.867 million, intended for the creation of new positions in the governor’s and vice governor’s offices, and for the feasibility study and architectural design of the new Baex building across the Capitol building.