DOJ sees no impediment in PhilHealth-Red Cross COVID testing deal – Palace
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) saw no impediment in the coroanviris disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing agreement between the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) which was earlier questioned.
This is part of the DOJ’s legal opinion, portions of which was read by presidential spokesperson Harry Roque during a Palace briefing on Monday.
“Ang DOJ opinion po says na wala pong impediment na makipagkasundo ang PhilHealth sa [PRC] to provide delivery of health services gaya ng COVID testing,” Roque said.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. Screenshot from PCOO Facebook video
The DOJ, Roque said, cited Section 6 of the Universal Healthcare Act which authorizes PhilHealth to enter into a contract with any institution or professional in the delivery of health services.
In the case of the P100-million advanced payment made by PhilHealth to PRC under the agreement, the DOJ said such payments should be approved by the President, added Roque.
”It is not clear from the documents submitted to us whether such authority was obtained,” the Palace official said, reading from the DOJ opinion.
Photo from Radyo Inquirer
“Nonetheless, even if the [PhilHealth] failed to get such approval prior to remitting the amount to the PRC we’re of the opinion that such be obtained post facto,” Roque added.
“So puwedeng kunin pa rin po ang approval ng ating Presidente,” he added.
