BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved a proposal to summon officials of the collecting agent committee members of the local health insurance office in the city accredited by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation(PhilHealth), the City Treasurer, the City Accountant, the City Budget Officer or their duly authorized representatives to appear during the regular session of the local legislative body on Monday, 08 August 2016 to shed light on the PhilHealth proposed collection remittance agreement program with the city.
The invitation was extended by the City Council pursuant to the pending confirmation of the memorandum of agreement entered into between Mayor Domogan and the health insurance corporation in relating to the said issue.
Earlier, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation came out with Circular No. 8, series of 2009, offering all interested banks, non-bank financial institutions and other entities like remittance centers, bills payment centers, pawnshops, telecommunication companies, organized groups and similar enterprises, to be collecting agents.
It was learned that the corporation is offering to partners with the local government as its collecting agent considering that it is capable, accessible and dependable to be a collection outlet for premium payments as a benefit for its constituents of the city.
However, one requirement to be a PhilHealth-accredited collecting agent is for the City Mayor to enter into a collection remittance agreement and such accreditation will allow the local government to increase public service and awareness.
The council resolution stated by tapping the services of the local government as authorized collecting agent to accept remittance of premium contributions from PhilHealth members, the city now offers public service and convenience to members or clients, as well as provide the city added income from its share of the collections and remittances that could be plowed back to the people through various development projects and improved delivery of basic services.
The council wants to be clarified on the specific duties and responsibilities of both parties and the benefits to the city, thus, the invitation to officials of PhilHealth and relevant city officials to facilitate the speedy approval of the agreement.
The said invitation was already forwarded to the PhilHealth and the concerned city officials.
By Dexter A. See
