President Rodrigo Duterte has asked Ricardo Morales, current CEO and President of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to resign.
Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra revealed that the President noted the ‘on-and-off’ health situation of the PhilHealth head, stating that it would be better for him and the institution if he decides to let go of the post.
“The president took note last night of Morales’ on-and-off health situation, and stated that it would be best for the latter and for PhilHealth to give up his post during these critical times for the agency,” said Secretary Guevarra in a text message as per reports from ABS-CBN News.
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President Duterte’s call for Morales’ resignation takes place amid the ongoing multiple investigations that PhilHealth is currently facing due to allegations on corruption.
Prior to the investigations, Morales sent a medical certificate that revealed that he was undergoing cancer treatments at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
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“He is advised to complete 6 cycles of treatment during which he will be immunocompromised and vulnerable to opportunistic infections. It is, therefore, in his best interest that I have advised him to take a leave of absence,” said the unnamed oncologist on the document.
The Senate panel released their findings on the PhilHealth investigation that identified several alleged members of the “mafia” within the agency involved in corruption.
