PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Morales. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines— Beleaguered Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president President Ricardo Morales has been advised by his doctor to take a leave of absence due to lymphoma.
In a medical certificate issued on August 7, Morales’ oncologist disclosed that Morales was a “diagnosed case of Diffuse Large B cell lymphoma” and is undergoing chemotherapy.
The copy of the medical certificate was submitted to the Senate, constituted as Committee of the Whole to look into alleged widespread corruption within the Philhealth.
“He (Morales) is advised to complete 6 cycles of treatment during which he will be immunocompromised and vulnerable to opportunistic infections. It is therefore in his best interest that I have advised him to take a leave of absence,” the certificate read.
“He shall undergo a repeat PET CT Scan after completing 6 cycles of chemotherapy after which I shall make a recommendation when he can resume work,” it further said, adding the medical certificate was issued upon Morales’ request.
In another letter to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III also dated August 7, Arnel de Jesus, executive vice president and chief operating officer 7 of Philhealth, said he would not be able to attend the next hearing of the Senate on August 11 “due to an unforeseen medical emergency.”
De Jesus also attached in his letter a copy of his medical certificate.
“Rest assured I will make myself available when my health permits. I respectfully ask that my privacy be respected during this time,” the official added.