Duque assures cooperation in probe of PhilHealth ghost claims
MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque has assured the public that he will cooperate with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on the probe of the anomaly surrounding the multi-billion peso ghost claims paid by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to treatment centers.
Duque, who sits as chairman of the PhilHealth board, personally met with Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra and NBI Director Dante Gierran on Tuesday to give his assurance.
“Sec. Duque requested the meeting to express his willingness and readiness, as PhilHealth chair, to cooperate with and extend assistance to the NBI in the conduct of its expanded investigation of alleged ghost claims filed with PhilHealth,” Guevarra said in a text message.
Guevarra said Duque’s move is much welcome as it would allow NBI probers easy access to documents from PhilHealth relevant to the controversy.
“The NBI will first examine the relevant documents pertaining to payment of fraudulent claims, and then determine who will be summoned for investigation,” he said.
Guevarra ordered the NBI to conduct a fact-finding probe based on the report that there are other clinics and hospitals as well as other PhilHealth executives involved in the alleged scam that reportedly cost the government P154 billion.
He said PhilHealth officials led by president and CEO Roy Ferrer who recently tendered their courtesy resignations would be covered by the probe.
Aside from Ferrer, the six other PhilHealth Board members who resigned were Jack Arroyo, elected local chief executive; Rex Maria Mendoza, an independent director of the Monetary Board; Hildegardes Dineros of the information economy sector; Celestina Ma. Jude dela Serna of the Filipino overseas workers’ sector; Roberto Salvador of the formal economy sector; and Joan Cristine Reina Liban-Lareza of the health care provider sector.
“The NBI is looking into the possibility that certain PhilHealth officials may be charged for violation of the Anti-Graft Law if they knowingly participated in this allegedly fraudulent scheme and benefited from it,” Guevarra said.
A case has been filed against physician-businessman Bryan Sy for estafa and falsification of documents.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has started its preliminary investigation on the same charges against seven other WellMed executives — Dr. John Ray Gonzales, medical director; Claro Sy, chairman; Alvin Sy, corporate treasurer; Therese Francesca Tan, purchasing officer; Dick Ong, administration officer; and physicians Dr. Porshia Natividad and Joemie Soriano.
The respondents sent their lawyers to get copies of the complaint and were ordered to submit their answers in the next hearing.
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