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De Jesus still PhilHealth OIC PCEO as Gierran awaits formal confirmation as new chief
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is still being led by Executive Vice President and COO Arnel de Jesus while former National Bureau of Investigation director Dante Gierran awaits his formal confirmation as the new chief of the agency.
According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the Universal Healthcare Act states that the PhilHealth chief must be selected by the President from the non-ex officio members of the agency’s board.
Gierran was not yet a non-ex officio member of the PhilHealth board when President Rodrigo Duterte tapped
him to lead the embattled state health insurer in August.It was only last September 11 that the PhilHealth board convened to recommend Gierran as its next president and CEO.
Gierran is currently awaiting Malacañang’s confirmation before he assumes his new post.
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In the meantime, PhilHealth is headed by De Jesus, who is among the executives of the agency set to face charges over alleged involvement in corruption.
“Sa kanyang pagiging OIC PCEO, kaakibat no’n siyempre ‘yung certain authority to sign for the president and CEO. So tingin ko naman ay wala pong mga papeles na nabibinbin,” PhilHealth spokesman Rey Baleña said.
The Department of Justice-led Task Force PhilHealth is not yet done probing allegations of widespread corruption in the agency.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said more people may be charged as investigations continue. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News