Manila Bulletin
Sotto stresses importance of Senate probe on PhilHealth controversies; says at least 4 officials want to testify
The Senate and the House of Representatives will conduct parallel investigations into alleged corruption and mismanagement within the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
President Rodrigo R. Duterte has also ordered an investigation into PhilHealth officials and their handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
These planned probes follow the resignation of PhilHealth anti-fraud legal officer Thorrson Montes Keith and another official over alleged corruption.
At least four PhilHealth officials are reportedly willing to testify in the Senate's forthcoming investigation.
Senator Panfilo Lacson stated that a Senate resolution will highlight "mind-blowing" incidents of corruption at PhilHealth Regions 5 and 8, and other cases.
Lacson cited questionable transactions, including an overprice of P98 million and dubious deals worth nearly P1 billion, as reasons for the Senate investigation.
He also pointed to the Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) as an example, which allegedly provided special privileges and substantial aid to "eligible" Health Care Institutions (HCIs) in these regions.
PhilHealth spokesperson Dr. Shirley Domingo welcomed the probes, assuring full cooperation from the state-run firm.
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