MANILA -- The Supreme Court has allowed labor leaders under the Federation of Free Workers and the NAGKAISA Labor Coalition to participate in the petition filed against the transfer of ₱89.9 billion funds of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to the National Treasury, according to a statement issued by the groups.

The labor groups said the Supreme Court granted the motion for intervention of the labor sector in the PhilHealth case in a decision promulgated on October 8, 2024.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the intervention marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to protect public healthcare funds and ensure accountability and transparency in their management,” the groups said in the statement.

Groups turn to SC to block diversion of P89.9B PhilHealth funds

Last August, various groups and organizations, including Senator Koko Pimentel, filed a petition before the Supreme Court to block the diversion of P89.9 billion funds of the PhilHealth to the national budget.

The FFW and NAGKAISA labor coalition leaders, through FFW President Atty. Sonny Matula, sought to intervene in the case to ensure that workers’ concerns are adequately represented in the legal proceedings.

“They believe that the transfer jeopardizes the sustainability of the PhilHealth system, which is a vital lifeline for many laborers across the country,” the labor organizations said.

Asked if the corresponding petition for a Temporary Restraining Order filed by the petitioners against the PhilHealth transfers will be acted upon by the court before the scheduled oral arguments next year, SC Spokesperson Atty Camille Ting said it remains a possibility. 

“There is always the possibility that the court will act on the motion for TRO,” Ting said.