Palace refuses to comment on possible absence of PhilHealth officials in Senate probe

August 9, 2020

Malacañang on Sunday said it is up to the Senate to comment on the reports that Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) officials, including president and chief executive officer Ricardo Morales, may skip its hearing for medical reasons.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, however, said the Task Force organized by the Department of Justice will proceed on its mandate to probe the various allegations of corruption in PhilHealth.

“We leave it to the Senate, a separate co-equal branch, to comment on reports that officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation may skip their hearing, scheduled on August 11, for medical / health reasons," Roque said.

“As far as the Executive is concerned, the Task Force organized by the Department of Justice, upon the instruction of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, will proceed on its mandate to investigate on the various allegations of corruption in PhilHealth, including the audit of PhilHealth finances and the conduct of lifestyle checks on its officials and employees, and if warranted, to recommend the preventive suspension on any official to ensure that the probe of the Task Force would be unhampered,” he added.

Roque said there is no turning back and they expect the Task Force to submit its findings and recommendations to the Office of the President within 30 days as directed by the Chief Executive.

On Saturday, reports came out that Morales has informed the Senate of his prevailing medical condition, particularly the need for him to undergo treatment for lymphoma or cancer of the lymph nodes.

Similarly, Morales has been advised by his doctors to already take a leave of absence while undergoing treatment.

In a statement, PhilHealth said Morales will remain present in the forthcoming Senate investigation, although he will have to do so virtually.

"He had every intention to attend the Senate hearing scheduled this August 11 or any investigations," said PhilHealth.

This was ascertained by Morales himself, saying his medical condition would not prevent him from participating in the inquiry.

The Senate has been conducting an inquiry on the supposed prevalence of corruption in the state-run health insurer. Ella Dionisio/DMS