Senate grants legislative immunity to PhilHealth ‘whistleblowers’

The Senate on Tuesday granted legislative immunity to the three witnesses participating in the upper chamber's investigation on the alleged irregularities in PhilHealth.

Senator Panfilo Lacson moved to grant the plea of incumbent Board Member Alejandro Cabading, resigned head executive assistant Estrobal Laborte, and resigned anti-fraud officer Atty. Thorrsson Montes Keith.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III approved the motion after no objection was raised.

Cabading made the request for legislative immunity during the last hearing and Keith wrote a letter to the Senate.

Estrobal, on the other hand, testified before the Senate hearing this time after backing out at the last minute last week due to various reasons, including security.

PhilHealth officials previously threatened to take legal action against Keith and Cabading for their claims which include tagging the executive committee as members of a mafia pocketing money from the corporation's fund. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News