Probing PhilHealth ‘piece of cake’ for Gierran, says Sotto

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday reiterated his confidence on the investigative skills of new PhilHealth president and CEO Dante Gierran.

"Dahil nga sa lalim ng mga problema sa PhilHealth lalo na sa isyu ng korapsyon eh bagay na bagay ang may investigative skills na tulad nito. Tiyak na mag-iingat 'yan," Sotto said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

Gierran was a former director in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

"Alam mo naman ang NBI araw-araw, umaga hapon at gabi napakaraming kung anu-anong reklamo at imbestigayon ang nagyayari. Piece of cake ang PhilHealth sa kaniya, I'm sure, pagdating sa imbestigasyon," Sotto said.

Further, Sotto said the argument that Gierran is not qualified for the post because of his lack of experience in public health is debatable.

"'Yang qualification na 'yan, ang tingin ko diyan debatable 'yan kasi pag tiningnan mo ang binabasa mo ang nakalahgay diyan ang ire-recommend dapat ng Board sa Presidente ay ganun," Sotto said, referring to Section 14 of the Universal Health Care law.

"Eh ito walang ni-recommend ang Board sa President, inappoint na timano ng Presidente. Debatable ngayon 'yan, puwede talaga si Gierran kung tutuusin," he added, reiterating his approval of Gierran's appointment in PhilHealth.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also believes Gierran's lack of health expertise does not make him any less qualified to lead the state health insurer.

The new PhilHealth chief, for his part, said he was warned that his new assignment is "like being thrown into a snake pit."

Nevertheless, he vowed to restore public trust and confidence in PhilHealth.

Gierran replaced retired general Ricardo Morales after the latter resigned due to an unstable health condition. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News