No order to suppress info on cases of PhilHealth execs — CSC chief

Civil Service Commission (CSC) chairperson Alicia Bala denied that she gave a guidance to "suppress" information on the cases involving officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

The CSC issued the remark on Tuesday following allegations made by CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada during the House joint panel hearing on the supposed irregularities at PhilHealth.

In a statement, the CSC said Lizada's allegation during the hearing was "patently false and misleading."

"CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala vehemently denies the allegation of CSC Commissioner Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada during today's Congressional hearing that there was guidance from the former to 'suppress' information on the cases filed against PhilHealth officials," the agency said.

During the hearing, Lizada claimed that Bala gave a guidance to suppress information regarding cases involving PhilHealth officials before the CSC.

"If my recollection serves me right, 'this information should not be made public nor should be given out to anyone who would be asking either in aid of legislation or investigation.' Parang ganun ang natandaan ko," Lizada said when asked to state the exact words of Bala.

But the CSC noted that Bala was observing the "sub judice rule," or the rule that restricts comments and disclosures related to judicial proceedings to prevent prejudging on the case, especially those that are pending before the commission.

"Chairperson Bala would never ask any CSC official or employee to 'suppress' the sharing of information that could otherwise be legally shared, more so before the House of Representatives Committee on Good Governance and Public Accountability," it added.

The House joint panel approved the motion to continue discussing the alleged guidance in its next hearing on Thursday and to invite Bala to attend to clarify the matter.

They also approved a motion to subpoena the audio recording as well as the minutes of the CSC meeting, and the listing of cases involving PhilHealth officials. —LDF, GMA News