PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., said that his special team is “still studying” the hike in PhilHealth contributions which took effect this year.

Malacañang made the statement after PhilHealth made the increase which had the President’s blessing. 

According to PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma, they are looking to sustain the increase in premium contributions to 5 percent from 4 percent of a worker's monthly salary.

Ledesma explained that the Office of the President expressed through a letter that "they pose no objection" with regards to the increase that was imposed in January this year.

However, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Atty Cheloy Garafil now said that the president was still reviewing the increase.

“The review is still ongoing. The President wants to ensure that any increase in premium will substantially be much more in value in terms of benefits and coverage to Philhealth members,” Garafil said in a text message. 

The Palace said that the President ordered a study on calls to suspend the implementation of the hike on contributions. 

No less than Health Secretary Ted Herbosa called for the suspension saying Philhealth “has enough money to continue giving benefits.”

"I want to assure all of you, yes maraming pera ang PhilHealth. But you can be assured, 100 percent that money will be used wisely and reported in detail, regularly with President [Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.]," Ledesma said.