Drilon, Lacson reject Duterte's PhilHealth emergency powers

Senator Franklin Drilon opposes the House of Representatives' proposal to grant President Duterte special powers to reorganize PhilHealth, stating the President already has sufficient authority.

Drilon suggested that Duterte could initiate administrative and criminal cases, and suspend or reassign personnel, and that the GCG is mandated to oversee PhilHealth.

Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Michael Defensor defended the proposal, stating emergency powers are necessary for the President to have a "free hand" in reorganizing PhilHealth, including abolishing or creating offices and accelerating audit and legal processes.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III believes senators will only agree to grant emergency powers if new authorities are given to the President, questioning what these new powers would be as he believes the President is already the most powerful in the region.

Senator Panfilo Lacson also stated that Duterte does not need emergency powers to address issues at PhilHealth as he has government agencies at his disposal.