Pangilinan seeks Senate probe on 'widespread corruption' in PhilHealth

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Monday sought a Senate investigation on the alleged "widespread corruption" in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

In filing Senate Resolution 474, Pangilinan said the allegations against the state health insurer amid the pandemic reflect the "disastrous disregard and dereliction of duty in ensuring the efficient delivery of health care services."

He said PhilHealth's supposed release of multi-million pesos to some unaccredited hospitals with only few COVID-19 patients, and its "overpriced" COVID-19 testing package must be looked into.

The alleged P154 billion fund losses due to various forms of fraud including the "ghost dialysis" issue, and the questionable planned procurement of various IT equipment worth P734 million shall be combed through, he added.

Pangilinan also cited the resignation letter of PhilHealth anti-fraud officer Thorrsson Montes Keith who enumerated various "irregularities" in the agency.

PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales, for his part, denied the allegation and even dared Keith to substantiate his claims.

A similar resolution was filed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Panfilo Lacson earlier in the day.

Sotto said the first hearing on the matter could possibly be on Monday next week.—AOL, GMA News