Manila Bulletin
Corrupt officials at PhilHealth worse than COVID -- Lacson
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.
Lacson claimed that among the "soulless" were Health Secretary Francisco Duque III who allegedly "didn't do anything in his capacity as ex-officio Chairman of PhilHealth."
Corruption in PhilHealth to take advantage of a pandemic is worse than the deadly coronavirus itself because of its evil intent and purpose, according to Lacson.
Duque has served in the DOH and PhilHealth in various capacities since 2001.
Fourteen senators have signed a resolution calling for Duque's resignation due to his perceived weak leadership, despite President Duterte's continued trust in him.
During a Senate hearing, Duque apologized to senators as he admitted the lapses the Department of Health (DoH) has committed in the government's anti-COVID-19 drive.
He also stated that any lapses in the pandemic response were not deliberate.
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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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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.
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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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Health Secretary Francisco Duque III insisted before a Senate panel that he has been trying his best to lead the public health sector, asserting any lapses were not deliberate but a product of honest assessment of incoming data.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto stated that the PhilHealth board, which includes five members of President Duterte's Cabinet, has apparently neglected its duties, leading to the state insurer's "implosion."
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