The task force created by President Rodrigo Duterte to investigate the alleged anomalies and corrupt practices in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is expected to release a report this month. Once it reaches his office, the President will then decide on what measures to be undertaken to address the issue in the corporation.
“Ang Presidente, dahil binuo naman niya ang task force, ay susundin niya ang rekomendasyon. At sa ngayon po inaasahan na matatapos ang pormal na imbestigasyon, mga September 14 (The President will follow the recommendation since he created the task force. As of now, the formal investigation is expected to be finished by September 14),” Roque stated.
“Pagkatapos po niyan, sana within the month magkaroon na rin ng rekomendasyon sa Presidente ang ating task force (Afterwards, the task force should have a recommendation to the President within the month),” Roque added.
The Senate first released its recommendation on Tuesday that includes the filing of charges against Health Secretary Francisco Duque III as the PhilHealth Board Chairman, Ricardo Morales, and other officials allegedly involved in anomalies.
“Nirerespeto po namin ‘yung naging desisyon ng Senado, ‘yung pagco-conduct po ng mga hearing in aid of [legislation], kasama po talaga ‘yan sa katungkulan ng Senado (We respect the Senate’s decision and the conduct of hearing in aid of legislation which is part of the Senate’s duties),” Roque said.
Amid calls for his resignation, Sec. Duque still has the confidence of the Chief Executive. Roque clarified the accountability of the PhilHealth executives involved will depend on the result of the task force’s investigation.
“Pero hintayin po natin ang rekomendasyon ng task force dahil kung mayroon din ganiyang rekomendasyon ang task force ay rerespetuhin din ng Presidente ang rekomendasyon (But we will wait for the task force’s recommendation because if that is included, the President will still respect it),” he explained. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
