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Roque advises PhilHealth's Morales to be careful with his words


Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Saturday advised Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President Ricardo Morales to be careful with his words after the latter said the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law may be delayed.

"Well, mag-ingat po siya sa mga binabanggit niya, no? Dahil ako po talaga 'yan po talaga 'yung single most important contribution ko sa bansang ito," Roque said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

"And I will take it personally kapag someone, gaya po ni General Morales na pinamumunuan ng PhilHealth, ay magsasabi na hindi niya ipatutupad ang batas. Laban po kung laban," he added.

Morales previously recommended a general delay on the implementation of the UHC as well as to postpone the expansion of the primary care benefits due to a possible fund deficit.

Roque on Thursday said that if Morales was unable to implement the law, which was certified as urgent by President Rodrigo Duterte, it could be time to find someone who could accomplish the task.

Morales countered that Roque was welcome to find his replacement. The PhilHealth president has also claimed that Roque had a long-standing vendetta against officials of PhilHealth.

Roque had previously vowed to reveal anomalies at the PhilHealth as he slammed its leadership for their alleged failure to go after corrupt officials.

However, the spokesperson said that the situation should not be taken personally.

"Wala pong personalan pero ito po ay talagang- ang personalan po dito 'yung personal na paninindigan ko na panahoon na para ang kaban ng bayan gastusin ng hindi po namamaaty ang mga Pilipino dahil sa kahirapan lamang," Roque said.

He also stressed that PhilHealth should take further responsibility in assuring the public amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019.

"Well, hindi po kainakailangan ng ceasefire dahil alam niyo sa panahon ng COVID, mas dapat nga magbigay ng pahiwatig ang PhilHealth na paninindigan nila ang taong bayan. Na habang nagkakasakit ang taong bayan nandyan 'yung PhilHealth na magbibigay ng assistance at tulong," Roque said.

Roque said he still planned to file charges against more senior officials of the agency.

"Dalawa na pong kaso yan. Pero hayaan niyo naman po dahil ako naman ay walk the talk. Kapag sinabi kong magde-demanda ako, nagde-demanda ako," he said. — DVM, GMA News

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