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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider No sacred cows in PhilHealth probe -- PACC commissioner

No sacred cows in PhilHealth probe -- PACC commissioner

Published Jul 30, 2020 03:56 pm

No one will be spared in the government's investigation into the alleged fund irregularities hounding the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhillHealth), Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Greco Belgica said.

Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Greco Belgica (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)

Belgica has pressed for the accountability of any erring government officials, saying they should fired and prosecuted if their involvement in corruption is proven. The anti-corruption government body is expected to release soon the results of its probe on the State health insurance firm.

"No sacred cow and pag napatunayan ang guilt nila dapat 'yan sibakin na at kasuhan for criminal liabilities (There will be no sacred cow. And if guilt is proven, they should be dismissed and prosecuted for criminal liabilities)," Belgica said. "Dapat ang corruption gawing heinous crime at punished by death (Corruption should be a heinous crime and punished by death)," he added.

The PACC initiated an investigation on PhilHealth last May in the wake of allegations overpricing of COVID tests kits. Also undergoing PACC investigation are the reported questionable liquidations within its PhilHealth executive employees.

Belgica called for the proper accounting of the cash advances in the interest of transparency and accountability. “Philhealth should release the liquidation of its cash advances because it allows Philhealth members to see clearly how their money are being spent and gives them the ability to hold corrupt government officials accountable," he said.

Last week, Duterte ordered an investigation into alleged anomalies in PhilHealth after an employee resigned due to supposed widespread corruption in the company.

PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales claimed that the employee who resigned was only vengeful after he was unable to get his desired post.

As to whether Morales should keep his post, Belgica said the President “knows best.”  “The President will not hesitate to ax anyone should investigations prove ones involvement in corruption in PhilHealth,” he added.

Last month, presidential spokesmen Harry Roque criticized Morales for allegedly failing to investigate and hold accountable officials involved in the alleged fund anomalies since he was appointed to the post last year.  Morales told Roque to file cases in court instead if he has proof of supposed corruption.

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