PhilHealth chief Morales' medical leave won't compromise Senate inquiry —Sotto

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday said PhilHealth chief Ricardo Morales' medical leave would not adversely affect the ongoing Senate investigation on the alleged irregularities within the state health insurer.

"That's fine. It won't stop our inquiry and other witnesses and testimonies from coming out. It won't also stop the filing of charges against erring officials of PhilHealth if warranted," Sotto said in a message.

Morales on Monday said he is seeking a medical leave

“If you look at the history of this corporation, ang bilis magpalit ng CEO, causing delays. I did not want to resign, because we will be implementing Universal Health Care law, and then we were hit by COVID. It is not wise to change the course in the middle of the road,” Morales said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

“But nature has intervened. I will take the doctor’s advice. I already relayed to my boss my intentions. It is up for them to decide. It is medical leave,” he added.

A copy of the retired general's medical certificate submitted to the Senate Committee of the Whole has revealed that he was diagnosed with lymphoma and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Morales refused to further discuss his medical condition, stating that he only informed the Senate of his ailment so that they would understand his reason for requesting to be allowed online attendance to the upcoming hearing.

“My privacy was violated. I sent them [to the Senate] para lang payagan ako mag-appear [sa hearing] online. That is all,” Morales said.

“It really embarrasses me to talk about my personal condition. I would prefer that we would not discuss it. I have been exposed enough, humiliated enough,” he added.

Sotto, while acknowledging the willingness of Morales to virtually appear in the Senate hearing, said there is no such thing as privacy for top-level government officials.

"When you hold a high public office, you are a servant of, and answerable to, the people. There is no privacy!" the senator said.

Aside from Morales, PhilHealth executive vice president Arnel De Jesus also notified the Senate of his health status.

De Jesus said he will not be able to attend the next Senate hearing, citing an "unforeseen medical emergency."—AOL, GMA News