Reps. urge DOJ to probe Duque's role in PhilHealth anomalies

Lawmakers from the House of Representatives have urged the Department of Justice-led task force to investigate the role of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III in the alleged irregularities at the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

Surigao Del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers questioned Duque's claim of not being involved in the controversial interim reimbursement mechanism (IRM), citing his position as chairman of the PhilHealth board.

Barbers suggested that Duque's statements about not attending meetings or signing documents related to the IRM were an evasion of his responsibilities as board chairman.

He further inquired if such inaction by the Secretary of Health could be considered non-feasance, making him administratively liable.

Previously, Duque maintained he had no influence over the IRM, despite the Senate Committee of the Whole recommending charges against him and other PhilHealth officials for the system's "improper and illegal implementation."