PhilHealth hearing to push through despite Senate lockdown — Sotto

The upcoming Senate hearing on the alleged corruption within the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will not be delayed by the possible two-week lockdown in the upper chamber, according to Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday.

"Hearings will not be covered by our 'ECQ.' Tuloy [ang] PhilHealth tomorrow," Sotto said in a message to reporters.

The PhilHealth inquiry would push through in "hybrid" format—meaning physical and online attendance will both be acknowledged. Resource persons, however, are required to be physically present in the Senate.

On Sunday night, sources said Sotto consulted his colleagues on the possibility of declaring a two-week "enhanced community quarantine" in the Senate

Sotto confirmed that he already has the majority of the senators' support for a Senate lockdown, including that of Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon.

The motion is expected to be approved during the plenary session on Monday afternoon.

A Senate inquiry on alleged irregularities in PhilHealth was sought by senators last week after an anti-fraud officer of the state health insurer resigned supposedly due to "widespread corruption." — RSJ, GMA News