Manila, June 12 -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is shifting its strategy toward "smarter spending" to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Universal Health Care (UHC) law amid expanding benefit packages for Filipinos.

During a forum at Healthway Cancer Care Hospital on Thursday, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Edwin Mercado emphasized that healthcare investments should be viewed as drivers for national development rather than mere expenditures, noting that a healthier population yields a more productive workforce and stronger communities.

"This irreversible shift in our baseline of support for the UHC Law includes immediate eligibility and expanded benefit packages. Now, ...