Paying for PhilHealth (in Dumaguete)

[davewe]

Just thought I'd share this experience for those thinking it's the beginning of the year and time to pay for PhilHealth.

We went to the 2nd floor of Robinsons in Duma, as we always do. There's a PhilHealth booth there and next to it a place to pay. The place to pay, which we have used several times had a sign that said they were not taking payments. Now I am not sure whether this was a permanent we are not taking payments or just temporary we are not taking payments. "Where can we pay?" I asked and was directed to Western Union.

Went to Western Union where my wife paid easily. Went to pay for my foreigner PhilHealth at 17k for the year. The computer came up showing they required another form. I explained I never needed this form before. Sorry Sir, we cannot take your payment without it.

Went back to the PhilHealth office and was told I should not need that form; it's for retired employees where employer paid for PhilHealth. The lady was nice enough to close her desk and walk with me to Western Union where she explained that I don't need the form. But their computer says I do, they told her and would not take my payment.

Thinking this might just be the girls at Western Union I went downstairs to Robinsons customer service where they take bill payments including Philhealth. They typed everything in and then suddenly said the computer said I needed the same form Western Union asked for.

The next day I went to the main PhilHealth office where I had no problems and am good to go for another year. But I thought I'd report this glitch for those intending to go pay at the mall soon. Save yourself a headache and go directly to the main office.