Amidst the on-going investigation about the corruption scandal involving Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or PhilHealth officials, Wilfred Hernandez, chief social insurance officer of PhilHealth Palawan, stated that PhilHealth Palawan is not connected in any way to the corruption happening within the insurance corporation.
The official was invited during the question hour of the 57th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Palawan to update the legislative body about the current situation of the operation of hospitals and PhilHealth in the province, September 1, 2020.
“I can assure you sir, kahit sa DTR namin, kapag ako ay pina-punch ng guwardiya na late na ako tapos pinapa-punch ng maaga, gingalitan ko ‘yung guwardiya. It’s to tell them the truth the dito sa atin dapat walang dayaan kahit maliit na bagay kasi kapag pinalaki mo ang isang bagay, magiging habitual na ‘yan,” said Hernandez when asked by Board Member Ryan Maminta if corruption exists in PhilHealth Palawan.
Hernandez denied any connections or involvement of PhilHealth Palawan in the national corruption scandal.
The PhilHealth chief was joined by Dr. Amabel B. Labor, provincial health officer of Southern Palawan Provincial Hospital (SPPH), Dr. Faye Erika Q. Labrador, officer in charge (OIC) of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), and Engr. Saylito Purisima, the officer in charge of the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO).
On the other hand, Dr. Labrador also made clear that the Provincial Government of Palawan hospitals are not involved in the corruption case.
“We guarantee you na the Provincial Government of Palawan hospitals is not in any way involved in any malicious or any illegal act regarding the PHIC,” said Dr. Labrador.