Civil Service Commissioner Atty. Aileen Lizada revealed during the House hearing on alleged PhilHealth anomalies that Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Alicia Dela Rosa-Bala is withholding some documents on the PhilHealth irregularities.
Lizada disclosed that there are around 19 pending cases filed against PhilHealth officials at the CSC which are mostly administrative in nature and related to grave misconduct.
“We had a meeting ever since lumabas ‘yung memorandum ng Presidente. Right away we had a virtual meeting. Yes, Sir, may guidance regarding iyong concern niyo (We had had a meeting ever since the memorandum of the President came out. Right away, we had a virtual meeting. There was guidance regarding your concern,” Lizada bared.
Asked by House Committee on Public Accounts Chair Mike Defensor if she was referring to the guidance to withhold information, Lizada answered yes.
CSC Assistant Commissioner Ariel Ronquillo who also represents Bala in the hearing countered the allegation of Lizada.
“The instruction of the chair was to ensure that this matter will be kept confidential from and not to be shared to the public but will be shared in any investigations will be conducted concerning PhilHealth. There was no guidance to suppress evidence,” he responded.
Lizada disclosed the meeting on the matter was recorded. Lawmakers have already subpoenaed the copy of the audio recording. The hearing will resume on Thursday. – Report from Daniel Manalastas
