PhilHealth president and CEO resigns

Due to personal reasons, Eduardo P. Banzon, M.D., MSc. resigned from his post as president and CEO of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, according to a report on GMA News' News to Go on Tuesday.

 

The Philhealth Board of Directors accepted Banzon's resignation on Monday, the report said. 

 

Health Secretary Enrique Ona will serve as PhilHealth OIC until a replacement is named.

 

Banzon, who assumed office in 2011, worked toward a universal health care program in the Philippines, one of the key promises of President Benigno Aquino III. 

 

He pushed for measures to decrease out-of-pocket expenditure for health services, such as a higher premium, which would allow for expanded benefits. Banzon also pushed for the Sin Tax Reform bill, which would also enable PhilHealth to expand its benefits. 

 

President Benigno Aquino III signed into law Republic Act No. 1035 or the Sin Tax Reform Law last Dec. 20. —Carmela Lapeña/KG, GMA News