NBI probes ‘all entities’ seeking refunds from PhilHealth

Wellmed Dialysis Center owner Dr. Bryan Sy covers his face during a press briefing at the NBI Headquarters in Manila. He was arrested in connection with irregular claims for payment for dialysis and other medical treatment of Philippine Health Insurance members and beneficiaries. PHOTO / Richard A. Reyes, Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has widened the scope of its investigation into the anomalies surrounding the “ghost” claims to Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

“All the entities claiming refunds or reimbursements from PhilHealth are being watched by the NBI and PhilHealth jointly,” NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin said at a press conference.

During the press conference, the NBI presented to the media Dr. Bryan Christopher Sy, one of the owners of WellMed Dialysis and Laboratory Center, together with whistleblowers Edwin Robredo and Liezel Aileen De Leon who are facing complaints for estafa under Article 315, of Revised Penal Code and falsification of documents under Article 172 in relation to Art. 171 of Revised Penal Code.

There are other WellMed officials subject of the complaint but are currently at large.

Deputy Director Vicente De Guzman III said they are not singling out WellMed, stressing that they are “also investigating the claims of other medical entities.”

Other medical entities, he said, refers to clinics, hospitals accredited by PhilHealth.