PACC finds flaws in PhilHealth system

MANILA, Philippines — There are “systemic flaws” in the system of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) that made the firm susceptible to corruption, according to the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).

PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica said yesterday at the Laging Handa public briefing aired over PTV-4 that based on initial findings on alleged corruption in PhilHealth that was exposed following the resignation of the firm’s anti-fraud officer a few weeks ago, the PACC is ready to submit a report to President Duterte on Monday.

The agency has identified at least 30 individuals engaged in corrupt activities, the official said.

“We’ve seen fault in systems that’s why this is perpetuated and we’ve identified officials involved here, positions that are vulnerable for these kinds of
 corruption,” Belgica said.

Based on their report, Belgica also expressed concern on the wrongdoings perpetrated by some PhilHealh officials.

Since there is a continuing investigation, Belgica did not provide details on the PACC’s probe. He added that the President would have the final say on the findings, including its presentation to the public.

Initial findings also showed issues with their information technology systems, which were earlier brought to public attention.

Belgica said the PACC also found that PhilHealth’s systems have “defects” but these were not corrected by the officials.

“That’s why there were continuous withdrawals... whether it’s a hospital or a patient scamming PhilHealth. And it seems that PhilHealth is playing blind. Actually not just playing, but with so much lost, they’re really blind to all this,” he said.