Manila Bulletin
‘No ‘palakasan’ in PhilHealth’s reimbursement scheme; no P154-B ‘loss due to fraud’ says Duque in Senate hearing
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has denied allegations of a "palakasan" or favoritism system in the release of funds through the Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) at PhilHealth, asserting his zero tolerance for corruption and fraud.
Duque, who chairs the PhilHealth board, directly addressed senators during a hearing, stating there is no preferential treatment in the distribution of IRM funds.
The IRM is designed to provide advance payments to hospitals and healthcare facilities, enabling them to continue operations during crises.
According to PhilHealth's definition, the IRM offers substantial aid to healthcare institutions significantly impacted by unforeseen events, aiming to ensure continuous healthcare services for affected Filipinos.
Recent data indicates that the Southern Philippines Medical Center received the largest disbursement from the IRM, amounting to P326 million, followed by the UP-Philippine General Hospital with P263 million, and the Davao Regional Medical Center with P209 million.
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Senator Panfilo M. Lacson stated that Filipinos deserve a corruption-free PhilHealth and a competent Department of Health (DOH) Secretary, criticizing the prolonged tenure of DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III.
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Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri stated that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III needs to provide explanations regarding the recurring controversies surrounding PhilHealth, given his position as chairman of its Board of Directors.
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ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro questioned the silence of Department of Health (DoH) Secretary Francisco Duque III amid allegations of massive corruption at PhilHealth.
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Senator Risa Hontiveros is investigating Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's involvement in alleged irregularities at PhilHealth, where he has held multiple leadership positions since 2001.
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Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's agreement to attend the Senate hearing concerning alleged anomalies within PhilHealth.
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