In a significant move to support businesses and enhance healthcare coverage, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Davao Region has announced a one-time waiver on interest charges for missed premium payments this year. This initiative specifically targets delinquent employers with long-standing obligations, offering them an opportunity to return to compliance without the burden of accumulated interest.
Waiver Details and Eligibility Requirements
Germaine M. Tan, officer in charge of the Field Operations Division of PhilHealth–Davao, clarified that the waiver covers unpaid contributions spanning from July 2013 to December 2024. Importantly, this offer is available exclusively throughout 2026, providing a limited-time window for employers to take advantage.
During the recent Kapehan sa Dabaw forum held at SM City Davao on Monday, February 9, Tan emphasized the program's accessibility, stating in Filipino: "Employers can avail of a one-time interest waiver. They only need to pay the premium, and PhilHealth will waive the interest."
Qualification Criteria for Employers
To qualify for this interest waiver, employers must meet specific requirements designed to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage for workers. These include:
- Enrolling employees under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP)
- Ensuring completion of the First Patient Encounter (FPE) as mandated by PhilHealth policy
Tan explained that these requirements go beyond mere paperwork compliance, ensuring that workers and their families are genuinely connected to primary healthcare services.
Background and Economic Context
The decision to implement this one-time waiver stems from recognition of the economic challenges businesses have faced. While PhilHealth has offered interest waivers since 2013, Tan noted that most employers typically apply only when financial difficulties become overwhelming.
The COVID-19 pandemic created particular hardships for many enterprises, with the country's economic recovery progressing gradually. In response to these ongoing challenges, the PhilHealth Board approved this special waiver to alleviate financial pressure on employers while encouraging them to settle outstanding arrears.
Payment Options and Interest Structure
PhilHealth has established flexible payment arrangements to accommodate varying employer capacities:
- Employers who settle delinquent accounts within one month will pay no interest whatsoever
- Those opting for staggered payments over two to six months will be charged a reduced 1 percent interest rate
- Employers requiring seven to twelve months for payment will incur a 2 percent interest charge
Tan emphasized that employers may submit customized payment proposals based on their specific financial capabilities.
Regional Compliance Statistics
As of September 2025, Davao Region had 17,185 registered employers, with the retail sector and large firms comprising the majority. Among these, 13,602 employers have consistently remitted contributions, resulting in a regional compliance rate of 79.1 percent.
"Approximately one in five employers in the region remains delinquent," Tan revealed, urging these businesses to take immediate advantage of the waiver program.
Documentation and Record Updates
An additional challenge involves employers who have paid premium contributions but failed to submit required reports. PhilHealth is actively encouraging these businesses to complete their documentation to ensure accurate record-keeping and proper credit for payments made.
Program Objectives and Scope
The one-time interest waiver represents a strategic effort to assist various stakeholders, including employers, self-employed individuals, and other covered members with longstanding contribution obligations. It's crucial to understand that the waiver applies exclusively to interest charges and does not cover unpaid premiums themselves.
This initiative serves dual purposes: providing immediate financial relief by halting the accumulation of compounded interest while simultaneously motivating members to return to full compliance with their PhilHealth obligations.
