Marcos: PhilHealth to Grant General Amnesty for Non-Paying Employers
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that PhilHealth has been directed to implement a general amnesty for companies and individuals with unpaid contributions, allowing them one year to settle their arrears without penalties.
In a video statement released on Thursday, January 8, Marcos said he recognizes the burden that the 3 percent PhilHealth contribution places on workers and employers alike.
“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,” Marcos said.
Under the directive, the amnesty will be a one time waiver of interest and penalties for 2026. Employers and members will be given up to one year to pay missed contributions covering the period from 2013 to 2024.
The President said the measure is expected to benefit around 300,000 members who currently have unsettled contributions.
“Hinihikayat din natin ang ating mga employer na i-update na ang lahat ng information ninyo at magrehistro – irehistro ang mga empleyado ninyo sa Yaman ng Kalusugan o ‘yung ating tinatawag na YAKAP program,” Marcos added.
The YAKAP program offers PhilHealth members access to basic laboratory services and selected medicines, covering up to 75 essential drugs with a maximum benefit of P20,000 per year.
PhilHealth earlier reported a significant increase in collections in 2025 compared to the previous year, with benefit payments reaching P289.26 billion, a 76 percent rise. Despite this, PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado said the agency still needs to expand coverage and improve access to ensure more Filipinos benefit from the national health insurance system.
