New PhilHealth chief Gierran to public: Pagbigyan niyo muna ako

Newly appointed Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president and CEO Dante Gierran on Tuesday appealed to the public to let the state insurer win their trust back amid allegations of systematic corruption.

Gierran admitted that he is scared to lead the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) considering that he lacks experience in public health.

“Please spread the word, tell our people, the Filipinos, to give PhilHealth a chance. My job is to restore the trust of the people to the government,” Gierran said in an interview on ANC.

“I am new so give me a chance to move. Pagbigyan niyo muna ako,” he added.

Despite the lack of experience, the former National Bureau of Investigation director pointed out that his experience as an investigator, lawyer, and accountant would help solve the issues surrounding PhilHealth.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Gierran following the resignation of ex-PhilHealth president Ricardo Morales and the leaves of absence of top executives amid allegations of corruption and fraud.

Gierran said he will ask Morales for guidance in leading the state insurer.

On August 4, resigned PhilHealth anti-fraud legal officer Thorrsson Montes Keith said in  a Senate hearing that a "mafia" in the agency was able to steal some P15 billion through several fraudulent schemes.

Keith said the "mafia" has deep roots in the agency, including top officials in the executive committee.

He said among the fraudulent schemes being employed are the cash advances, the use of the interim reimbursement mechanism, and the continuous procurement of IT equipment the agency already has. —KBK, GMA News