Solons call for House probe on fraudulent PhilHealth claims
A Resolution has been filed before the House of Representatives calling for a congressional inquiry on controversial claims and reimbursements from the government's Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC).
With at least P400 million as initially reported in questionable and questioned claims, the PHIC otherwise known as PhilHealth will be at the center of said House probe.
Such, alongside doctors and medical specialists who have turned into sudden multi-millionaires and private hospitals believed to be involved.
Introduced Wednesday, at least forty solons signed the Resolution entitled "Resolution directing the proper committee of the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry in aid of Legislation, on the alleged fraudulent claims being made to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation."
Among the solons confirmed by The News Today (TNT) to have affixed their signatures were Iloilo First District Representative Janette Garin and Pangasinan Third District Representative Rachel Arenas. Also in the House move were Northern Samar First District Representative Paul Daza and Paranaque Second District Representative Roilo Golez.
"Whereas, such report should not be taken lightly and the extent of such illegal activities should be ascertained given the magnitude of the resources that are allegedly being lost through fraudulent claims," excerpts of the House Resolution as obtained by TNT went. "Whereas, there is a need to inquire on the status of PhilHealth's initiatives to investigate and prosecute those involved in defrauding the national health insurance funds through illegal claims."
Controversy hounded the PhilHealth claims particularly significantly huge amounts paid off to cataract cases in Western Visayas. TNT in a report gathered that primary subject of an earlier PhilHealth probe were at least ten Ilonggo doctors and two hospitals in Bacolod City.
Iloilo City's Saviour International Hospital and its executive, Evangeline Camarista-Johnson was dragged into the fray barely a day after news broke out in the local media.
Johnson apparently felt alluded to broadcast expose' as she later came out to deny any wrongdoing in her Bacolod-based hospital, Bacolod Our Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital.
Johnson faced off with her critics vowing complete innocence while declaring that years spent in the United States were "spotless" when it comes to issues against her integrity.
In fact, Johnson in her official resume sent to TNT highlighted how she is the first Filipina to have been honored in 1996 by Texas Governor Ann Richards for being an outstanding employer.
Johnson also took pride in supposed achievements in America with over 20 healthcare facilities and at least six hospitals owned and managed.
"We are here to serve the poor," then asserted by Johnson.
Ironically, the PhilHealth controversy centers on health benefits due to the indigents.