PhilHealth suspends senior exec for ‘grave misconduct, negligence’

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)  suspended Dennis Adre, Philhealth regional vice president in Davao City, after being accused of “grave misconduct, gross insubordination and gross neglect of duty.”

In a statement on Friday, the PhilHealth board of directors confirmed the 90-day preventive suspension imposed on Adre, noting that they are still evaluating their “decision on the said charges.”

“The suspension imposed upon him [Adre] is of critical importance to ensure that he cannot extend undue influence or even pressure any witnesses. Most importantly this [preventive suspension] will prevent him from tampering with evidence which he can do if he remains in office during the proceedings,” Roy Ferrer, acting president and chief executive officer of PhilHealth, said.

According to PhilHealth’s preliminary investigation in March, Adre was charged with repeated failure to comply to submit documentary requirements needed by the Human Resource Department to renew the contracts of casual employees of PhilHealth Regional Office XI warranting a temporary removal from his post.

Ferrer reiterated that he would maintain a “responsible workforce” so that they would succeed in offering health insurance program for Filipinos.

“When I was sworn in as APCEO, I vowed that under my leadership, PhilHealth will succeed in managing the National Health Insurance Program to empower Filipinos to seek appropriate treatment and care for what ails them,” he said.

“That is why it is imperative that we maintain a responsible workforce if we are to uphold our mandate. We cannot let our image be jeopardized by fraud, misconduct, and unethical behaviors of our employees, let alone our officers.” he added.

Ferrer added that the agency is also reviewing other cases involving officers that may lead to their suspension or dismissal. /jpv