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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ meets to finalize strategy of task force on conduct of PhilHealth probe

DOJ meets to finalize strategy of task force on conduct of PhilHealth probe

Published Aug 10, 2020 03:13 pm

The Department of Justice (DoJ) is set to finalize Monday a strategy that the inter-agency task force can adopt in conducting the investigations over alleged corrupt activities at the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)

“The DoJ team will convene today to finalize a strategy for the consideration of the task force,” disclosed Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra who heads Task Force PhilHealth.

“The members of the task force are presently identifying which specific investigations or audits, other than on the Wellmed issue, could be reasonably accomplished within the limited period given to the task force,” he noted.

The Wellmed Dialysis Center in Quezon City had been accused of being involved in a so-called “dialysis scam” in which the facility has been allegedly collecting falsified health claims for already dead patients. WellMed owner Dr. Bryan Christopher Sy is currently facing estafa charged before the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) over the issue.

Guevarra created Task Force PhilHealth last Friday upon the instruction of President Duterte.

In a memorandum to Guevarra, Duterte gave the task force 30 days starting from its creation to submit to him “its findings and recommendations, which shall include, proposed legal actions against officials and employees found responsible for acts of corruption and anomalies in PhilHealth.”

The DoJ had earlier explained the job of the task force includes “speeding up ongoing investigations and special audits, recommending necessary personnel movements at the PhilHealth, and examination of the corporation’s existing IT system.”

“It will conduct lifestyle checks on key PhilHealth personnel and examine their financial transactions, and file administrative and anti-graft cases as may be warranted,” the department said.

“It can also preventively suspend personnel as necessitated by its investigation,” the DoJ added.

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