Duterte accepts Morales’ resignation — Palace

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has already accepted Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president Ricardo Morales’ resignation, Malacañang confirmed Thursday.

“Tinanggap na po ni Presidente Duterte ang resignation ni Gen. Morales. Wala pa pong kapalit,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in an online briefing.

(President Duterte has already accepted Gen. Morales’ resignation. There’s no replacement yet.)

The President had asked Morales to step down from his post due to his “on-and-off health situation.”

READ: Duterte believes ailing Morales should resign as PhilHealth chief

Morales earlier took a medical leave amid probe on alleged irregularities within PhilHealth as he is battling lymphoma and undergoing treatment.

Upon announcing his resignation, Morales assured he will continue cooperating with investigations being conducted on PhilHealth involving its alleged overpriced information technology project, questionable release of funds under its interim reimbursement mechanism, among others.

Roque said Morales’ replacement must be free of corruption and must be able to return the public’s trust in PhilHealth.

JE