Lacson inclined to give legislative immunity, security to witnesses vs. PhilHealth 'corruption'

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said he is inclined to recommend to the Senate Committee of the Whole the granting of legislative immunity and security to witnesses in the probe on alleged irregularities in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

This was after Board member Alejandro Cabading requested for a legislative immunity after he revealed names of supposed mafia members during the hearing on Tuesday.

"I'll push for that. Ang legislative immunity naman, ang advantage lang noon they can freely talk during the legislative inquiry without 'yung output o sinabi nila na magagamit against them," Lacson said.

"Hindi naman ito precedent-setting. Dati na naming ginagawa para lang mas tumibay ang loob ng aming witnesses but it is up to the Committee of the Whole to decide as a body," he added.

The upper chamber is also willing to provide security for whistleblowers.

"If they request mayroon naman kaming security unit ng Senado na puwedeng mag-provide ng physical security sa kanila and I think they deserve to be physically secured," Lacson said.

During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, a PhilHealth executive being accused of membership in a mafia warned Cabading that he may take legal action if the latter fails to substantiate his claim.

Cabading and resigned anti-fraud officer Thorrsson Montes Keith attended virtually in the hybrid hearing as they testified against the supposed irregularities in the state insurer.

Lacson said another potential whistleblower, resigned Philhealth executive Estrobal Laborte, backed out at the last minute due to security reasons.—AOL, GMA News