Philhealth employees’ group up in arms over suspension of some officials

A group of employees at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation on Friday denounced the supposed "oppression" by the Philhealth management following the recent suspension of alleged erring officials.

In a statement, the PhilHealth Workers for Hope, Integrity, Transparency and Empowerment  (Philhealth WHITE) claimed that the suspension of its leaders and members was an "evil attempt to shake the group to its very core and its advocacy."

On Thursday, PhilHealth acting president and CEO Roy Ferrer said a total of 38 erring officials and employees have been suspended in line with the corporation's fight against fraudulent and corrupt activities.

"Instead of attacking the rank and file employees and spending for press conferences, press releases and media sorties, why won’t Dr. Ferrer focus its efforts by conducting an investigation to unearth the anomalies now being exposed by some hospitals, now in the headlines in the national papers?" PhilHealth WHITE president Maria Fe Francisco said.

"If Management says it wants to 'clean up' PhilHealth of corruption, then why attack PhilHealth WHITE, a labor union which desires the same? Why?" she added.

PhilHealth WHITE claimed that the suspensions were caused by "extraordinary circumstances."

PhilHealth WHITE said the issue started when administrative charges were filed against its members following the hearing on the confirmation of former Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial on October 10, 2017.

One of the leaders of the PhilHealth WHITE attended the hearing and acted as one of the oppositors on Ubial's appointment.

"Then Corporate Secretary, Attorney Deborah Sy, who was co-terminous with the then PhilHealth Board ex-officio Chairperson Secretary Ubial, overstayed for thirteen days," PhilHealth WHITE stated.

"Looking back in 2017, given the raw emotions and exasperation of the employees brought about by the drastic cut in their take-home pay due to an irresponsible and unfounded legal advice to the Board of Directors, it prompted PhilHealth WHITE at the Central Office to denounce the disregard for protocols by the Board of Directors and Management," it added.

PhilHealth WHITE leaders and members were slapped with formal charges of grave misconduct and discourtesy during the discharge of official function and violation of office rules.

The group said that not a single centavo was stolen from the corporation nor was there any disruption of operations.

"PhilHealth WHITE is merely seeking meaningful change by advocating transparency, accountability, integrity in the civil service and good governance," Francisco said.

She said that the group would continue to serve and protect the collective interests, rights and privileges of all rank and file employees through genuine dynamic representation. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News