DOH Sec. Duque disappointed over Senate recommendation for criminal charges

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III expressed disappointment over the Senate's recommendation to file criminal charges against him concerning the PhilHealth Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM).

Senator Risa Hontiveros stated that Duque is liable for the alleged irregular release of PhilHealth's COVID-19 funds under the principle of command responsibility.

Hontiveros added that Duque has "institutional memory" of PhilHealth, having sat or headed its board or served as president in nearly two decades.

Duque had previously stated he had no involvement in the deliberations or decisions regarding the IRM and was not present when the Board Resolution was made.

The Senate Committee of the Whole recommended charges against Duque, PhilHealth's resigned chief Ricardo Morales, and others for the "improper and illegal implementation of the IRM."

Senator Panfilo Lacson pointed out that the IRM funds were released to hospitals before a Board Resolution was adopted, suggesting a lack of legal basis for its implementation.

Despite the allegations, Malacañang previously affirmed President Rodrigo Duterte's continued trust in Duque.