PRESIDENTIAL spokesperson, Atty. Harry Roque, did not hide his anger and disappointment over the continuing reports of shenanigans and corruption at the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth).
In a radio interview over ‘Radyo Pilipinas 1’ (RP1) by newsman, Erwin Tulfo, Roque assured that he would personally see to it that those behind the ongoing mess at Philhealth would face the full force of the law.
As legislator in the 17th Congress, the universal health care and the transparent operations of Philhealth were among the ‘accomplishments’ of Roque that he is quite proud of.
“Hindi po natin papayagan na hindi sila managot,” Roque said, referring to the crooks and the entrenched syndicates that continue to lord it over at Philhealth with its current administrator, retired B/Gen. Ricardo Morales, seemed unable to control.
Tulfo was prompted to get a reaction from Roque amidst reports that Philhealth has been overcharging by as much as three times, the actual cost of testing for those suspected of contracting COVID-19, or from less than P3,000 to P8,000 per test.
As far back as 2012, Philhealth has been hitting the news with increased regularity over allegation of corruption in fund disbursements.
It was also repeatedly investigated by both chambers of Congress over accusations of, among others, “padding” payments for medical procedures and payment of ghost beneficiaries with the amount reaching into the billions.
Roque said that up to now, they at Malacañang are yet to receive data and documents the Palace requested from Philhealth.
He noted that PHilhealth managed to stall for time by claiming some of the documents being requested by the Palace and the Senate are covered by the law on privacy.