By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine Judiciary has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of its workforce after renewing its Comprehensive Health Care Plan, a program that provides medical coverage and health benefits to justices, judges, and court employees across the country.
The renewal agreement was formally signed on July 2 at the Supreme Court’s Division Hearing Room in Manila during a ceremony led by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo. Joining the event were Associate Justices Samuel H. Gaerlan and Raul B. Villanueva, along with officials from the Judiciary and its health care partners.
Justice Gaerlan, who chairs the Supreme Court Health and Welfare Plan Board and the Technical Working Group overseeing the procurement of the Judiciary’s unified health maintenance program, emphasized that the initiative reflects the institution’s recognition that its greatest strength lies in its people.
He said the efficient delivery of justice depends not only on legal reforms and court rulings but also on the dedication and well-being of the thousands of officials and employees who keep the judicial system functioning every day.
According to Gaerlan, the unified health care program was established to ensure that every member of the Judiciary—regardless of assignment or court level—receives reliable medical protection and access to quality health services.
He added that the renewed program was developed through the combined efforts of the Health and Welfare Plan Board, the Technical Working Group, administrative offices, and representatives from different sectors of the Judiciary to guarantee that the benefits remain responsive to the needs of court personnel nationwide.
The associate justice also linked the initiative to the Judiciary’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, stressing that institutional reforms extend beyond modernizing systems and procedures.
“A Judiciary committed to delivering efficient, fair, and accessible justice must likewise protect the health and welfare of the people who make that mission possible,” he said.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Supreme Court by Clerk of Court En Banc Atty. Marife M. Lomibao-Cuevas, while Kaiser International Healthgroup Inc. was represented by its president, Dr. Leah Uy-Yolo.
Serving as witnesses were Deputy Clerk of Court Atty. Marilyn I. De Joya, Manila Bankers Life and General Assurance Corporation President Ferdinand N. Santos, and Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Maria Carina A. Matammu-Cunanan, who acted as the Court’s administering officer.
Closing the ceremony, Supreme Court Employees Association President Erwin D. Ocson cited the program’s positive impact since its introduction in 2024, describing it as a major step toward improving employee welfare throughout the Judiciary.
Ocson said the health care plan has expanded medical access for court workers, strengthened employee security, and reinforced the institution’s commitment to promoting the overall well-being of its workforce.
He likewise expressed gratitude to Chief Justice Gesmundo, the Associate Justices, the Health and Welfare Plan Board, the Technical Working Group, and the Judiciary’s health care providers for sustaining the program.
“The continued care given to the men and women of the Judiciary ultimately strengthens the administration of justice itself,” Ocson said.
Also attending the ceremony were Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Fernanda Lampas Peralta, Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith A. Econg, Court of Tax Appeals Presiding Justice Ma. Belen M. Ringpis-Liban, senior Supreme Court officials, employees, and members of the Health and Welfare Plan Board and Technical Working Group.
Originally introduced in 2024, the Comprehensive Health Care Plan serves as the Judiciary’s unified medical benefits program. Its renewal ensures that members of the country’s courts will continue to receive comprehensive health care coverage through the joint implementation of Kaiser International Healthgroup Inc. and Manila Bankers Life and General Assurance Corporation.
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