By: Elena Grace Flores
YouTube video by Imee Marcos
Senator Imee Marcos discusses PhilHealth issues with Erwin Tulfo over Radyo Pilipinas.
Philhealth Corruption?
Senator Imee Marcos expresses her disgust over DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III’s admittance. He alleged that there might be a syndicate involved in the widespread corruption in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). Since he already knew about it, what has he done to stop it? The Senator asked.
The Godfather Accusation
Senator Marcos may not want to put this issue in addition to the President’s full plate. However, the records show that Duque has a strong influence on Philhealth’s organization structure. The fact that his friends and relatives compose most of the positions from the rank-in-file staff to the top management seems doubtful. She understands that changing the health chief during a pandemic is not ideal. Nevertheless, she senses a mafia-like scenario at Philhealth.
Senate Statement
The health chief’s answer to Senator Marcos even made her suspicious. She asked during the senate hearing whether PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Ricardo Morales is involved in the said syndicate. Instead, Duque pointed out that Morales must deliver on his promised reforms after holding the position for two years. The latter has just resigned after the President’s call.
Fr. Jose Bosch Innovative Skills Training Advocacy Cooperative (ISTAC)
