Ombudsman charges PhilHealth officials with graft

Office of the Ombudsman PHOTO FROM https://www.ombudsman.gov.ph/

MANILA, Philippines—The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) on Wednesday indicted six incumbent and former officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PHIC or PhilHealth) on multiple counts of graft for alleged misuse of funds.

Charged with nine counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in the Sandiganbayan was former PHIC Administrative Services Department manager Nadya R. Castillo.

Former senior vice president Reynaldo N. Dalma Jr. and administrative officer Joseph O. Vergara were both indicted on three counts.

Slapped with one count of graft each were group vice president Gregorio C. Rulloda, building and grounds supervisor Victor B. Sia, and administrative officer Maribeth R. Sincuya.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the resolution recommending the indictment of the PhilHealth officials in August 2013 but the cases were filed only this week.

According to the criminal information, the accused took part in the registration of PhilHealth’s fleet of service vehicles for comprehensive insurance coverage with BF General Insurance Co. Inc. between March 2000 and May 2001 for a total of P722,774.

The OMB said the law prohibits government property being insured with private insurance firms as they must be insured only with the Government Service Insurance System.