Gordon defends Red Cross' advance payment from PhilHealth

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairperson Senator Richard Gordon on Monday defended the P100 million advance payment from PhilHealth for COVID-19 testing, saying it is a 'rolling account' and not illegal.

Gordon argued that the advanced payment ensures supply continuity and prevents shortages.

In contrast, Surigao Del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Public Accounts, claimed there is no legal basis for PRC to demand PhilHealth to pay its alleged P1.1 billion overdue balance as there is no contract between them.

Barbers also stated that the memorandum of agreement between PhilHealth and PRC is illegal since PhilHealth was not authorized to issue advanced payments.