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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 3 witnesses to appear in Senate probe of PhilHealth

3 witnesses to appear in Senate probe of PhilHealth

Published Aug 3, 2020 03:36 pm

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson has identified three witnesses who would appear tomorrow before the Senate Committee of the Whole that is trying to delve into alleged corruption at the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) involving about P400 million reimbursements to non-accredited hospitals involved in the hospitalization of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients.

Senator Panfilo M. Lacson (SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

The Senate, according to Senate President Vicente C Sotto III, would conduct an investigation into the alleged PhilHealth corruption committed by an ‘’in-house Mafia’’ where its president and chief executive officer (CEO), Ricardo Morales, was one of those called to the Senate probe.

Senators and witnesses are expected to be physically present or would testify through video conference during the Senate probe that starts 9 a.m. Tuesday.

One of the witnesses, Thorrsson Montes Keith, resigned PhilHealth anti-fraud officer, claimed that PhilHealth favored two non-accredited hospitals in the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas whose combined claim for more than P400 million was reimbursed in just one to two weeks .

Lacson said he learned that one of these hospitals only had one COVID-19 patient while high-profile hospitals in Metro Manila have a hard time seeking reimbursements for expenses in treating COVID-19 patients.

The second is Col. Etrotal Laborte, former head executive assistant of Morales, who gave information on the overpriced purchase of information and communication technology equipment.

Laborte was recruited by Morales when the latter joined the Metropolitan Manila Waterworks and Sewerage Administration (MWSS). He later joined Morales when Morales was appointed as PhilHealth chief.

Third is PhilHealth Board Member Aljendro Cabading who earlier took notice of the ‘’doctoring’’ of PhilHealth financial statements to strengthen its financial standing.

Aside from the three, Lacson said other witnesses, either currently with the PhilHealth or have recently resigned, would appear before the Senate tomorrow and testify on irregularities at the medical agency.

What is expected to be uncovered or discussed tomorrow is how the ‘’in-house Mafia’’ raked in millions of pesos in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of those to be named in the scandal are former officials investigated in past PhilHealth irregularities.

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