Morales either misled or co-opted amid PhilHealth 'corruption' allegations —Lacson

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said there could only be two possible status of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) chief Ricardo Morales given the avalanche of allegations against the state health insurer—either he is hoodwinked or he already had his hands dirty.

"Dalawa lang naman ang possibilities eh kapag wala kang ginawa amidst itong lahat ng corruption issues, mga allegation, either napakatanga mo kasi isang taon ka nang mini-mislead eh nami-mislead ka pa rin or co-opted ka na," Lacson told reporters in a virtual interview.

"Pag sinabing co-opted mas masama 'yun, ibig sabihin kasama ka na diyan. 'Yun lang naman ang possibilities eh, wala na akong makitang third possibility," he added.

Lacson said he really had high hopes when Morales was appointed PhilHealth chief last year and thought he was a perfect pick.

However, the senator underscored that the true test of character is when one is given power and wealth.

"I am not judging him, sa akin, theoretical ang usapan natin," he added.

'Sin of omission'

Lacson was careful to express his opinion whether or not Morales could be held liable for graft and corruption, underscoring that the Senate investigation is not over yet.

"Kung ibabase ko kahapon 'yung mga sagot niya, at the very least mayroon siyang omission bilang president at CEO ng PhilHealth," he said.

He added that he despises the PhilHealth chief's strategy of finger-pointing and dodging of questions during the Senate inquiry.

"Ako ayoko sa lahat ‘yung tinatanong ka, parang si Sec. Duque, turo nang turo. Ikaw ang top diyan. Doon pa lang makikita mo ang weakness ng leadership," Lacson said.

During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Morales said the P10.2 billion of the PhilHealth funds could have been lost to fraud in 2019.

Whistleblower Thorrsson Montes Keith claimed that P15 billion was stolen by the mafia whom he said was composed of the whole executive committee.

The PhilHealth chief denied being a coddler of corrupt officials.

On allegation of overpriced IT equipment, Morales said he assumed everything was regular when he signed procurement documents.—AOL, GMA News