Various groups of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including the Filipino migrant rights group, Migrante-Middle East and North Africa (M-MENA), have called for the boycott of Philippine Health’s move to increase the premium rate from January 2014.

According to this group, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Alexander Padilla announced Monday the new premium rate of 2,400 pesos for individually paying members with a monthly income of 25,000 pesos and below, while those whose income is above 25,000 pesos will have to pay a premium of at least 3,600 pesos annually. This will take effect in January, the group said.

The group leader urged other OFWs around the world and their dependents in the Philippines to intensify protest against the plan.