MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros cast a decisive “No” vote against the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on December 16, citing severe cuts to critical sectors such as health, education, and social protection.

In her explanation, Hontiveros expressed disappointment over the drastic changes made to the Senate-approved version of the budget, particularly the “zero state subsidy” allocated to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

“I understand that PhilHealth has been mismanaged, but eliminating the state subsidy entirely is not the solution,” she argued, emphasizing that the move disregards the government’s responsibility to vulnerable groups such as poor families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

The senator stressed that current laws, including the Universal Health Care Act and the Sin Tax Reform Act, mandate an annual premium subsidy for indirect contributors and funding allocations to the National Health Insurance Program.

“These legal obligations cannot be disregarded simply because PhilHealth has excess or reserve funds,” she said, underscoring that the reserves are legally required and unavailable for direct use.

Hontiveros warned that removing the subsidy would push PhilHealth into operating at a net loss, jeopardizing benefit payments for millions of Filipinos. “Who will bear the cost of indirect contributors’ premiums? Will it fall on ordinary workers who already have their salaries deducted for PhilHealth each month?” she questioned.

Beyond PhilHealth, Hontiveros also pointed to significant reductions in the Department of Health’s budget, which was cut by Php37.59 billion. “Why are we defunding programs that directly save lives and improve the health of our citizens?” she asked.

The senator also criticized the Php50 billion reduction to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which supports the poorest families in the country, and lamented the lack of transparency regarding such major budget cuts.

“This decision leaves us in the dark about who is responsible for these significant budget changes,” she added, noting that 41 foreign-assisted projects were inexplicably removed or defunded.

Education was another casualty in the bicam-approved version, according to Hontiveros. The Department of Education suffered a Php15.17 billion reduction, while the Commission on Higher Education lost Php11.77 billion.

“These cuts are particularly concerning in the midst of a learning crisis,” she said, questioning the country’s commitment to its students and their future.

Hontiveros further criticized the rejection of funds for good governance measures, such as the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s regional offices, which the Senate had earlier approved.

Adding to her concerns, Hontiveros flagged the expansion of unprogrammed funds to Php531.6 billion—an increase of Php373 billion compared to the National Expenditure Program (NEP).

“This raises serious questions about the purpose of these unprogrammed funds and their potential for misuse,” she said.

The senator concluded that the bicam version of the 2025 budget reflects “misplaced priorities at the expense of our people’s health and our children’s education.”

“For these reasons, I cannot, in good conscience, vote to ratify this version of our national budget,” Hontiveros declared.

Her strong stance underscores growing concerns among some lawmakers and advocates about budget transparency and the allocation of funds for critical social services amid mounting economic and public health challenges.

📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB