Roque says PhilHealth under probe over 'overpriced' IT purchase

July 24 ------ Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Friday bared that Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) officials are under investigation over the agency's alleged overpriced purchase of IT system worth over P2 billion. Interviewed on Unang Hirit, Roque also urged Thorrsson Montes Keith, PhilHealth's anti-fraud officer who recently tendered his resignation over "widespread corruption" in the agency, to assist in the investigation being spearheaded by the Presidential Management Staff.

"Nananawagan ako sa kaniya na ngayong meron nang pormal na imbestigasyon, sana po ay makipagtulungan na lang siya tutal siya naman ay nagresign na para matigil na once and for all ang corruption diyan sa PhilHealth," said Roque. "Kung hindi niya nagawa habang nasa loob, gawin na niya ngayon at sabihin na niya ang lahat ng nalalaman niya bilang anti-fraud officer," he added. Roque said he has a copy of Keith's resignation letter where the former PhilHealth official mentioned of "widespread corruption" in the agency. PhilHealth has yet to issue a statement on Kieth's resignation and accusation as of posting time.

IT purchase

According to Roque, PhilHealth's private board members were opposed to the agency's purchase of an IT system as its component worth over P730 million has yet to get approval from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Roque said it was agreed upon during a recent meeting that this matter should be investigated. He said he himself referred the issue to a Palace office.

"Importante ang IT purchase kasi lahat ng kababalaghan diyan sa PhilHealth ay nagagawa kasi nga po wala silang mabuting IT system para maiwasan yang corruption na 'yan," said Roque, who once represented whistleblowers in filing a complaint against PhilHealth. Without mentioning any names, Roque said he believes there is a systematic corruption within PhilHealth involving top officials. "Ang kongklusyon ko diyan talaga ay may sindikato talaga at ito ay 'yung pinakamatataas na career executives diyan sa PhilHealth ang involved," he said. "Hindi natin nilalahat, pero ang pinakamatitindi po diyan ay yung pinakamatataas ang katungkulan dahil sila ang bumubuo sa mga polisiya ng PhilHealth," Roque added.

Source: gmanetwork.com