De Lima: Gordon’s latest report a case of ‘whataboutism’

Senator Richard Gordon’s latest report as Blue Ribbon Committee chairman urging the filing of criminal raps against Aquino administration officials is a “Senate version of whataboutism,” Senator Leila De Lima said Wednesday.

Gordon earlier recommended the filing of charges against former Health Secretary Janette Garin, former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, and former PhilHealth chief Alexander Padilla for their alleged diversion of P10.6 billion in funds meant for premiums of members of the state health insurer. 

“Yes, the evidence is clear against the current PhilHealth officials according to Sen. [Panfilo] Lacson and the witnesses or resource persons, but WHAT ABOUT those possible cases from the previous administration?!” De Lima said in a statement.

“Such a typical play by this administration but ultimately unproductive because IT FAILS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE NOW. What it does is take away the conversation from the current issues,” she added.

Abad has denied the allegations.

Padilla likewise said the accusations were “brazen lies” and “baseless,” while Garin dismissed the report as a “joke.” 

“The Committee could have saved itself the embarrassment had it bothered to reach out to Sec. Abad and/or Atty. Padilla… Not only is this a violation of their right to due process, it puts the credibility of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to question,” De Lima said.

The senator also speculated that the report may have been used to “shield” President Rodrigo Duterte’s “men in PhilHealth” from accountability.

Embattled PhilHealth President and CEO Ricardo Morales earlier tendered his resignation amid corruption allegations and health issues. 

Duterte had said that it was best for Morales to resign due to his health condition. — BM, GMA News