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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Krimen ng demonyo': Solon slams hospital's 'palit-ulo' modus; calls for House probe 

'Krimen ng demonyo': Solon slams hospital's 'palit-ulo' modus; calls for House probe 

Published Apr 7, 2024 08:15 am

At A Glance

  • AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee is calling for a House inquiry on an alleged detestable practice of at least one hospital wherein a relative or friend of a patient who died essentially gets held hostage at the medical facility. 
  • The alleged modus operandi is called "palit-ulo", or head-swap. 

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A party-list congressman is calling for a House inquiry on an alleged detestable practice of at least one hospital wherein a relative or friend of a patient who died essentially gets held hostage at the medical facility. 

AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee filed House Resolution (HR) No.1674 for this purpose. The measure called the alleged modus operandi "palit-ulo", or head-swap. 

Under HR No.1674, Lee specifically wants tackled the reported complaints against ACE (Allied Care Experts) Medical Center. The hospital allegedly held in detention the relatives of deceased patients and refused to release their death certificates, unless they were replaced by another person or until their hospital dues were settled. 

"Demonyo ang gumagawa ng krimeng ito; sila na dumadagdag pa sa pasanin at pagdurusa ng mga pasyente at kanilang pamilya,” the rookie solon said. 

(The perpetrators of this crime are demons; they add to the burden and anguish of the bereaved families.) 

“Pagamutan, hindi piitan. Pakikipagkapwa-tao, hindi negosyo (Hospitals aren't detention centers. Humanity should take precedence over business)," Lee underscored. 

The resolution recounts the experiences of reported “palit-ulo” victims at ACE Medical Center, such as Richel Mae Alvaro who was barred from leaving its premises due to her husband’s unsettled bill. Alvaro was still under illegal detention even after the remains of her husband were already taken out of the hospital. 

Lovery Magtangob, on the other hand, was allegedly asked to stay at the Office of Safety Officer while waiting for her brother to settle the bill of their relative. Magtangob said she was released only after paying a partial payment of their unsettled bill. 

According to the Bicol lawmaker, hospitals that practice “palit-ulo” scheme are criminally liable for Serious Illegal Detention and Slight Illegal Detention under the Revised Penal Code. 

“Acquiring unsettled hospital bills is not a criminal offense under our laws, and the same is also not an ailment requiring compulsory confinement of the patient in a hospital. Kaya tigilan na itong kawalanghiyaan, karumal-dumal, at ilegal na gawaing ito!” Lee said. 

(This shameful, detestable, and illegal activity must stop!) 

He also says fhe “palit-ulo” scheme is proof that there is an alarming gap in the healthcare system that needs to be addressed with appropriate measures.

Related Tags

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