Manila Bulletin
CSC hit for alleged gag order on PhilHealth cases
Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa Bala denied Commissioner Aileen Lizada's claim that she ordered CSC commissioners not to disclose details of pending administrative cases against Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) officials to lawmakers.
Lizada stated that Bala gave them guidance not to reveal information about PhilHealth cases.
Bala asserted that she adheres to the sub judice rule for unresolved cases and would never instruct officials to suppress legally shareable information.
CSC Assistant Commissioner Ariel Ronquillo also defended the chairperson, stating she issued no gag order.
Lawmakers noted Ronquillo was not forthcoming in responding to questions raised by House members prior to Lizada's disclosure.
Lizada's revelation prompted panel officials to set a new congressional hearing to dig deeper into the alleged gag order.
The CSC chairperson was previously an ex-officio member of the PhilHealth Board until the universal healthcare law changed the board's composition.
Bala was also implicated in a complaint questioning the PhilHealth Board's illegal installation of Celestina Ma. Jude Dela Serna as president.
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