House panel eyes giving Duterte emergency powers to reform PhilHealth

Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor during the weekly briefing at the House of Representatives. INQUIRER.net file photo / Noy Morcoso

MANILA, Philippines — The House Public Accounts Committee is looking into granting President Rodrigo Duterte emergency powers to address corruption issues currently plaguing the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor, committee chairman, revealed this during a joint hearing on PhilHealth issues, saying the committee is “inclined” to give the President emergency powers and is already discussing it.

“The committee is inclined and we are already discussing the emergency powers to be granted to the President,” he said.

He also quizzed Health Secretary Francisco Duque III whether he agrees to give the President emergency powers.

“Would you be willing to grant the President emergency powers para ayusin ang PhilHealth?” Defensor asked.

To which Duque answered in the affirmative.

“Opo. Maganda po ‘yung inyong panukala na bigyan ng karagdagang kapangyarihan si Pangulong Duterte para mas mabilis ang reporma na isailalim ang PhilHealth,” Duque said.

(Yes, your suggestion to give President Duterte additional power to hasten reforms at PhilHealth is good.)