Sotto tells PhilHealth’s Morales: No privacy for those holding high public office

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Monday those holding high public office do not enjoy the luxury of privacy after Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president and CEO Ricardo Morales claimed that his privacy was supposedly not respected following the disclosure of his medical condition amid the alleged anomalies hounding the agency.

“I’ve said it before, when you hold a high public office, you are a servant of, and answerable to, the people,” Sotto said in a text message.

“There is no privacy! If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!” the Senate President added.

In a statement, PhilHealth said that Morales “had every intention” to participate in the Senate investigation into the alleged anomalies within the agency, particularly on the issue of corruption.

However, due to Morales’ health condition and his immunocompromised state, PhilHealth said he opted to submit his medical certificate as a requirement in requesting the Senate to allow him to attend the hearing through video conference instead of physically.

“Diagnosed with cancer in February of this year and undergoing chemotherapy, Morales continues to hold office against medical advice,” the agency said.

In the same statement, Morales is quoted as saying, “As President and Chief Executive, it is my duty to represent the Corporation while still physically capable. I regret that my privacy was not respected.”

READ: PhilHealth’s Morales says privacy was not respected with disclosure of his cancer

PhilHealth is also facing a separate probe in the House of Representatives.

READ: Defensor: PhilHealth loss to overpayment, fraud at P153.7-B from 2013 to 2018

JE