Ledesma expresses concern over reassignment of PhilHealth execs
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, lamented the reassignment of its eight executives saying work had been smooth since he took office.

“As the head of the corporation, it saddened me to hear that our Board of Directors has lost confidence in the hardworking members of PhilHealth execom (executive committee). Nevertheless, we fully respect the decision of the Board to have an independent check on the management and its officers,” Ledesma said in reaction to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa's decision to reassign eight PhilHealth executive committee members.
"Like I said earlier, nakakalungkot at talagang nagulat ako with what transpired kasi (I'm sad and really surprised by what transpired). I've been here for 10 months now, and ever since I joined, maganda naman yung takbo, maganda naman ang samahan namin (the flow is good, our camaraderie is good as well), very close naman with my colleagues," Ledesma added.
The PhilHealth chief reassured the public that the Board's decision would be respected, saying, "Me personally, I always believe that truth and justice will always prevail, so just wait; we have another board meeting tomorrow; we'll see what transpires."
Ledesma revealed plans to establish a crisis committee to investigate the allegations against the eight executive committee members.
"As the Chief Executive, I am committed to implementing the Board's directive, subject to pertinent laws, rules, and regulations that govern reassignments in the public sector, and it is also my duty to uphold and protect the rights of these officers who have been labeled as incompetent, grossly negligent, and ineffective," he explained.
When asked about the reassignment details, he assured that PhilHealth's operations would be unaffected, though it is unclear where the eight executive committee members will be transferred.
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Eli Dino Santos pointed out that if lawful orders for reassignment are issued, the executive committee members will comply with the rules and regulations in place. (Zekinah Elize Espina)