Ex-PhilHealth officer in hiding after exposé, says Morales is an 'assassin'

Resigned Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) anti-fraud legal officer Thorrsson Montes Keith on Monday said he is in hiding following his exposé about the state insurer.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Keith noted PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales' supposed reputation as an "assassin."

"Nagtatago po muna ako," Keith, a lawyer, said. 

Asked on why he is in hiding, Keith said: "Siyempre po dating sundalo yung [pinuno]."

Morales, who has denied Kieth's claim of widespread corruption in PhilHealth, is a retired Army general. Keith described him as "kakaibang sundalo."

"Sa background po niya makikita niyo naman 'yung mga dati niyang ginawa kaya medyo nakakabahala," Keith said.

Pressed to elaborate, he added: "Tinignan ko po sa Google, nakukuwan ko siya na parang assassin siya dati."

Keith resigned from PhilHealth last week, claiming "widespread corruption" in the agency.

Morales, in an interview last week, said Keith was a disgruntled employee whose application for promotion was rejected as he was unqualified for the position.

'Mabait na 'ko ngayon'

In a separate interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Monday, Morales laughed off Keith's accusation that he was an assassin.

"Mabait na ako ngayon," he said as he once again challenged Keith to show proof to back his claim of corruption in PhilHealth.

"Ang hinihingi ko lang sa kaniya (Keith) ay i-substantiate na 'yung mga sinasabi niya," Morales said, stressing that he is open to the investigation that will be conducted by the Senate.  

"Of course, dapat nga eh [na imbestigahan]. The Senate and the people deserve to know the truth," he said.

Morales also said he will not go on leave as he is ready to face the controversy head-on. He also urged Keith to seek psychiatric help.  

"I don't think he knows what he's talking about. He should come out with details," the PhilHealth chief said of Keith.  

Senate probe

Also on Monday, Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Panfilo Lacson filed a measure seeking a Senate inquiry on the alleged "corruption, incompetence, and inefficiency" in PhilHealth amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate Resolution 475 states that the state health insurer's Interim Reimbursement Mechanism must be looked into by the Senate Committee of the Whole for supposed irregularities in implementation.

The alleged overpricing of ICT equipment in PhilHealth, and its financial status will also be looked into. — KBK/RSJ, GMA News