Manila: The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Tuesday encouraged its direct contributors to take advantage of a one-time penalty waiver for overdue premiums, aiming to alleviate financial strain during the ongoing national energy emergency.

According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative follows the issuance of Executive Order 110, acknowledging the significant impact of the energy crisis on the livelihoods of Filipino citizens. PhilHealth has highlighted the penalty condonation scheme as an immediate relief measure for employers and self-paying members, while the agency reviews proposals for a temporary halt in premium collections.

PhilHealth emphasized the importance of this opportunity, stating, "We encourage our direct contributors to avail of this penalty condonation to lighten their expenses." The agency is actively collaborating with government economic managers and is awaiting directives from Malaca±ang to potentially implement further measures.

Despite the current economic difficulties, PhilHealth reassured its members that health benefits and services will continue without interruption, in line with the Universal Health Care Act.