Duque appreciative of Morales' work in PhilHealth, says DOH exec

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III is appreciative of the work of embattled PhilHealth president and CEO Ricardo Morales during the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Wednesday.

At an online media forum, Vergeire said the Department of Health (DOH) understands the "predicament" of Morales, who earlier in the day said he is tendering his resignation amid the corruption controversy hounding PhilHealth.

“We understand the predicament of PhilHealth President Morales. The Secretary appreciates iyong ginagawa ni General Morales during this pandemic, at nagawa naman niya ng maayos ang trabaho,” Vergeire said.

Duque, as DOH secretary, sits as chairman of PhilHealth's board.

“Naibigay naman niya (Morales) ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” Vergeire said.

Morales announced his intention to resign after President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly said it would be better for him to leave his post due to his unstable health condition.

Morales, a retired military general, is undergoing treatment for lymphoma and is currently on medical leave.

Morales, in a radio interview early Wednesday, said there is not "an iota of evidence" that would link him to the alleged irregularities at PhilHealth, specifically with regards to the interim reimbursement mechanism (IRM) and the overpricing of an IT system.

The alleged irregularities in PhilHealth have been the subject of separate investigations by the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has wrapped up its hearings and will release its report next week.

Aside from the congressional probes, a task force led by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra is also investigating PhilHealth.

The task force was formed upon orders from Duterte, who vowed to spend the last two years of his six-year term going after erring PhilHealth officials. —KBK, GMA News