Manila, Jan. 22 -- Senator Loren Legarda said stable and automatic financing for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is essential to sustain universal healthcare and ensure the timely delivery of benefits to Filipinos.

Legarda recently filed Senate Bill No. 1662, or the proposed PhilHealth Automatic Funding Act, which seeks to mandate the automatic appropriation and release of all funds lawfully due to PhilHealth, removing discretionary delays and preventing diversion of resources intended for health services.

"Universal Health Care is a commitment we must honor with clarity and sincerity. PhilHealth must never be left vulnerable to delays or diversions. Every peso earmarked for the health of our people must reach its rig...