The P60 billion PhilHealth funds may have been linked to questionable flood control projects, the report said. The transfer of a large amount to the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) paved the way for the release of funds from unprogrammed appropriations.
Based on Department of Finance Circular 003-2023, the BTr will provide certification to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). This becomes the basis for the release of funds for flood control projects.
In total, P141 billion was released for flood control projects in 2023 and 2024. This includes P34 billion in 2023 and P107 billion in 2024. The P107 billion for 2024 is based on the available special allotment release order (SARO).
President Marcos ordered the BTr to return P60 billion to PhilHealth. The DBM said the funds would be returned through the 2026 national budget. But some groups objected, because to them, this is like forcing taxpayers to pay back the money lost due to the scam.
Approximately 2,000 people also held a protest led by the Kilusan Kontra Kurakot Pampanga, calling for the payment to come from those indicted and proven involved in the flood control scam, and not from the public fund.
