Lacson expresses disappointment over PRRD’s action on PhilHealth controversy

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Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Thursday expressed his dismay as he reminded President Rodrigo Duterte of his vow to fire officials over a “whiff of corruption,” after Duterte refused to fire PhilHealth’s chief despite numerous allegations of irregularities within the agency. 

“Sabi niya (Duterte) kasi noong araw, just a whiff of corruption—‘pag sinabi mong whiff, makaamoy ka lang—you’re fired,” the senator told ANC. 

[Duterte previously said even just a whiff of corruption, then you’re fired.]

Lacson emphasized that he is not questioning the President’s discretion in appointing and sacking officials, however he noted that hearing such news in the middle of a pandemic is “shocking” for the people.

“Of course, we do not question the authority of the President. Iyong hire-and-fire authority is always there, it’s his discretion… Pero ‘pag ganito namang may pandemya na pagkatapos ganyan ang maririnig natin, ewan ko kung hindi kayo ma-shock ,” he said. 

[But if there is already a pandemic and we hear something like that, I don’t know why you wouldn’t be shocked.]

Morales, a former Army general, has denied the allegations of a “mafia” operating within PhilHealth to pocket absurd amounts of funds.

The President will not fire the PhilHealth chief “unless there’s evidence,” spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday. 

“It goes without saying: I am disappointed,” Lacson said. “Do some remedial measures.” 

House committees to hold hearings during break

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Spread the loveMANILA – The House of Representatives has authorized for its committees to conduct hearings during the five-week congressional break, extending until late April.

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