PhilHealth execs take leave to support probe

Six regional vice presidents and members of the executive committee of PhilHealth have voluntarily filed an official leave of absence starting August 17 to support ongoing investigations into alleged corruption.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that these officers are not part of the alleged PhilHealth "mafia" involved in fund anomalies.

Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra expressed gladness that the officials heeded his call and hopes others tagged in inquiries will also take a temporary leave.

This is to allow Task Force PhilHealth to freely perform its mandate without suspicion of evidence suppression.

Two senators welcomed the move and urged more PhilHealth officials to vacate their posts.

They believe this would assuage suspicions of compromised records and allow witnesses to come out openly.

PhilHealth assured that the filing of leaves will not affect the agency's operations as there are designated officers to take over.