MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is already scouting for a replacement for newly-resigned Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) president and CEO Ricardo Morales, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Thursday.
In a press briefing in Laguna after the launch of a COVID-19 mega quarantine facility there, Duque said the President is “eyeing” to name Morales’ replacement within the week.
“Si Pangulo right now is already looking for a replacement. So ang pinupuntirya natin sana within the week sana po ay magkaroon na ng bagong pangulo at punong tagapagpatupad ang PhilHealth,” Duque said.
(We hope to have a new PhilHealth president within the week.)
Morales resigned following Duterte’s advice for him to step down due to his medical condition.
Duque, who also serves as chairman of the PhilHealth board, said that the Office of the President is looking for someone knowledgeable in managing finance.
“Ang tagumpay ng PhilHealth ay nakasalalay po sa tinatawag nating actuarial sustainability,” Duque said.
(PhilHealth relies on actuarial sustainability.)
“Ngayon kung maalam din sa accounting, mas magaling. Kung mayroon din siyang background sa legal, magaling din. So ito ang mga katangian na hinanahap ng Office of the President para sa susunod na pangulo ng PhilHealth,” he added.
(It would be better of the chosen candidate has a background in accounting and law.)
Morales, a retired military general, is undergoing treatment for lymphoma and filed for a medical leave as the state health insurance firm faces different investigations over the alleged massive corruption within its system.
Duterte recently ordered the Justice Department to lead an inter-agency task force to probe PhilHealth officials over corruption claims which were unearthed during a recent congressional inquiry.
Among the allegations raised were the procurement of allegedly overpriced IT equipment; a supposedly questionable release of funds under the corporation’s Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM); and the alleged manipulation of the corporation’s financial status.