ADVERTISEMENT
Sotto, Lacson file resolution seeking Senate probe into alleged PhilHealth irregularities
By DONA MAGSINO,GMA NewsSenate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday filed a measure seeking a Senate inquiry on the alleged "corruption, incompetence, and inefficiency" in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senate Resolution 475 states that the state health insurer's Interim Reimbursement Mechanism must be looked into by the Senate Committee of the Whole for supposed irregularities in implementation.
The alleged overpricing of ICT equipment in PhilHealth, and its financial status will also be investigated.
In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Sunday, Lacson said the earliest possible Committee of the Whole Hearing on the issues may happen on Thursday.
Sotto, on the other hand, said the best possible schedule for the said hearing would be on Monday, August 3.
"Masyadong malawak 'yung sakop eh, hindi lang sa health," he said when asked why constituting into a Committee of the Whole is needed.
Last week, several senators were dismayed and pushed for a full-blown investigation
ADVERTISEMENT
Keith said he is in hiding following his exposé as he noted PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales' supposed reputation as an "assassin."
This corruption allegation has been previously denied by Morales.
Meanwhile, Malacañang said President Rodrigo Duterte has already ordered an investigation into the matter.
Before the latest corruption issue broke out, PhilHealth recommended to postpone the implementation of the Universal Health Care law as well as to defer the expansion of the primary care benefit, noting the drop in collections due to COVID-19.
Nonetheless, it assured that it has enough funds to sustain operations this year amid the pandemic. —KG, GMA News