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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Morales to appear in Senate PhilHealth probe

Morales to appear in Senate PhilHealth probe

Published Aug 9, 2020 03:26 pm

Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) President Ricardo Morales assured that he will still participate in the ongoing Senate investigation on the alleged corruption in the agency despite his current health status.  

PhilHealth president Ricardo Morales
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

PhilHealth said that Morales requested to attend the Senate hearings virtually and not physically because of his “immunocompromised  state.”

“He had every intention to attend the Senate hearing scheduled this Aug. 11 or any investigations,” the State health insurer said in a statement Sunday. 

The PhilHealth chief also gave this assurance, saying that “as president and chief executive, it is my duty to represent the corporation while still physically capable.”

Reports have said that Morales had informed the Senate about his current medical condition. 

The agency said that the PhilHealth chief was “diagnosed with cancer in Feb(ruary) of this year and undergoing chemotherapy, Morales continues to hold office against medical advise.”

However, both PhilHealth and Morales were dismayed after his medical certificate was released publicly as it was only submitted to the Senate to justify his request of participating in the investigation virtually. 

“ submitted his medical certificate, as required, to request  Senate to allow his online instead of  his physical presence,” the agency said. 

“I regret that my privacy was not respected,” said Morales. 

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