Duterte fires PhilHealth’s Dela Serna over alleged excessive trips, allowances

Celestina Ma. dela Serna. PHOTO from PhilHealth official Twitter

President Rodrigo Duterte has fired Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) interim head Celestina Ma. dela Serna, a source told INQUIRER.net on Monday.

Duterte informed members of his Cabinet, who were with him now in Seoul, about his decision to remove Dela Serna from her post. Mr. Duterte is currently on an official trip in South Korea.

Dela Serna is under investigation for her excessive trips and allowances.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net on Monday morning, Dela Serna said she has not received the order from Duterte.

“No, sorry,” she said when asked to confirm information of her dismissal.

Dr. Roy Ferrer, a board member of PhilHealth who hails from Davao City, will replace Dela Serna, the source said.

Malacañang did not immediately release the appointment paper of Ferrer but later provided the media a copy of it.

Ferrer also released to the media a copy of his appointment paper a few hours after news of his designation as new PhilHealth boss broke out on Monday.

Based on the appointment document, Mr Duterte signed the appointment paper of Ferrer last Friday, June 1. /kga

PHOTO from Dr. Roy Ferrer

Photo from Malacañang