Marcos wants PhilHealth officials suspended amid 'mafia' allegations

Senator Imee Marcos called for the preventive suspension of PhilHealth officials to allow for a thorough investigation into alleged corruption.

Marcos suggested that officials should resign or take leave to facilitate the investigation, citing the alleged P15 billion stolen by a PhilHealth 'mafia'.

She also questioned the agency's P2 billion expenditure on an IT system and urged for the immediate seizure of relevant documents by the Commission on Audit, the investigative task force, and the Department of Budget and Management.

Marcos pointed out that the Department of Health, headed by Secretary Francisco Duque, should also be included in the inquiry as its personnel hold key positions in PhilHealth.

Previously, Senator Bong Go also urged for the preventive suspension of PhilHealth officials implicated in fraud to ensure a thorough investigation by the DOJ-led Task Force.

Go proposed reviewing policies to allow preventive suspensions before investigations commence and emphasized the need for comprehensive audits.

PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales pledged the agency's full cooperation with the Task Force and Senate inquiry, including submitting to lifestyle checks.

The National Bureau of Investigation has reportedly submitted findings on PhilHealth anomalies to the Office of the President and formed its own PhilHealth-focused task force.