The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) clarified the issue regarding the Universal Health Care Law.
According to PhilHealth President and CEO Ricardo Morales, the suspension of the implementation of the law is still under discussion, contrary to what others believe.
Morales has been asked in a Congress hearing, Tuesday, on the UHC Law the implementation of which he recommended to delay. He pointed out that this is due to the lack of funds brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
However, he explained that it is only a suggestion and the matter is open for discussion by the agency. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated earlier that the suspension in the UHC implementation is “another attempt to divert attention from a damaging issue” since Morales failed to follow the mandate of the President.
“Whenever the President calls, I will come running, siya nag-appoint sa akin eh, anytime. ‘Yung issue ng delay, it is still under discussion. Kaya nga, inilalabas natin ‘yan. Nagtatanong naman sila kung anong recommendation, so iyon ang sinabi natin na baka pwedeng i-delay kasi para we can realign ‘yung mga resources. [Sec. Roque] is not privy to the information that I have. Kaya kong sabihin ‘yun dahil alam ko ‘yung financial statement, ‘yung performance ng Philhealth. (He appointed me. The issue of the delay is still under discussion. That’s why we opened it up. They asked for a recommendation and we suggested if it could be delayed so we can realign resources. [Sec. Roque] is not privy to the information that I have. I can say that because I know the financial statement and the performance of PhilHealth),” Morales pointed out. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
