FFW seeks amendments to PhilHealth law

MANILA, Philippines — Organized labor has joined the growing clamor for the immediate amendment of the Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Law.

Federation of Free Workers (FFW) president Sonny Matula said the incoming Congress should amend the PhilHealth Law and make membership of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) just voluntary.

According to FFW, migrant workers are categorized as direct contributors under the PhilHealth Law and required to pay based on a certain percentage of their income.

“Magbabayad ng mahal ang mga OFW, mabigat talaga sa bulsa, di naman nila maavail ang benepisyo at nasa abroad sila (OFWs pay much but can’t avail themselves of the benefits because they’re abroad),” FFW said in a statement over the weekend.

FFW expressed support for the proposed PhilHealth Reform Act exempting OFWs from contributions or making OFW contributions voluntary and for minimum wage earners to pay only P100 monthly premiums.

The labor group also asked Congress to insure workers’ representation in the PhilHealth Board of Trustees.

Rep. Joey Salceda previously called for the amendment to the PhilHealth Law. He criticized PhilHealth for increasing the mandatory premium contributions of OFWs to a high P38,400 per year.

Workers welcomed President Duterte’s previous directive that OFWs should pay on a voluntary basis – not compulsory unlike the present requirement of payment of premium before they can secure an overseas employment certificate.

The FFW said OFWs were not consulted before the PhilHealth law was drafted and approved.