Bayan Muna welcomed the Supreme Court En Banc’s issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) on October 29, halting the transfer of PhilHealth’s “unspent” ₱89.9 billion funds back to the national treasury. Bayan Muna is a party to one of the three petitions filed in court to question the move and pushed for the suspension of the fund transfer.

The petitioners said it is wrong to return the excess funds of a government-owned and controlled corporation like PhilHealth to the national treasury to fund the Marcos regime’s “unprogrammed appropriations.” The “unspent” funds were divided into four tranches, and three of them have already been returned on May 10 (₱20 billion), August 21 (₱10 billion), and October 16 (₱30 billion). Only ₱29.9 billion remains to be transferred by PhilHealth, which was scheduled to be returned on November 11.

“This TRO is a significant victory for the Filipino people, especially for PhilHealth beneficiaries who rely on these funds for their healthcare needs,” Bayan Muna first nominee Atty. Neri Colmenares said. He added that the court’s decision prevented a great injustice, as the transfer of these funds would have jeopardized the benefits of countless Filipinos relying on PhilHealth for essential health services.

Healthcare workers also welcomed the court’s decision. Filipino Nurses United secretary general and Makabayan senatorial candidate Nars Alyn Andamo said it is a positive step for their nurses and healthcare workers.

She said, “The TRO is an opportunity to review PhilHealth’s accountability in managing the country’s health funds allocation.” Andamo also emphasized that PhilHealth’s funds should be directly allocated to public hospitals and facilities so that people can avail of free healthcare services.

Meanwhile, Bayan Muna called for the return of the unspent funds that have already been transferred to the national treasury. They vowed to remain vigilant and continue to defend the rights and welfare of the Filipino people.