
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III will virtually attend Senate’s hearing into the alleged corruption within the Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth), Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed on Monday.
Due to the Interior Secretary contracting the virus anew, Duque, along with other Cabinet members had to be isolated following safety protocols.
“He (Duque) has sent word to me that he will attend virtually,” Sotto told reporters in a text message.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros earlier stressed that it is crucial for Duque to take part in the investigations as the Health chief has “institutional memory of the leadership.”
Duque, who also served as the Health secretary of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, either headed the state-run insurance agency or was part of its board since 2001.