Charles Teves
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra revealed on Tuesday that President Rodrigo Duterte had already asked PhilHealth president and CEO Ricardo Morales to resign because of his health status.
This came amid the corruption allegations against Morales, who Duterte refused to sack even after multiple hearings on the PhilHealth anomalies.
“The president took note last night of Morales’ on-and-off health situation, and stated that it would be best for the latter and for PhilHealth to give up his post during these critical times for the agency,” Guevarra said in a text message.
Guevarra noted that Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea spoke to Morales, who “said he would understand if he had to be replaced.”
“We have to find a very good replacement for him ASAP,” Guevarra said.
Morales’ medical certificate earlier revealed that he regularly gets treated for cancer at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
“He is advised to complete 6 cycles of treatment during which he will be immunocompromised and vulnerable to opportunistic infections. It is, therefore, in his best interest that I have advised him to take a leave of absence,” his oncologist stated in the document.
Morales has Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma, a disease that gravely affects white blood cells which develop into lymph nodes.
Sen. Ping Lacson also expressed concern for Morales.
“I feel sorry for PCEO Morales. I hate to think that the stress brought about by the intense COW hearings may have taken a toll on his infirm health condition,” he said in a statement.
“In spite of his possible complicity that could make him face some serious legal problems, I still wish that he wins his bout against cancer and recovers,” he added.
Morales already submitted his resignation to Palace after the president asked him to step down, but Duterte has yet to accept it.
Former PhilHealth anti-fraud legal officer Thorrsson Montes Keith alleged that around ₱15 billion was lost due to corruption. The agency has also been accused of favoring hospitals when it came to funds.
Many think that Duterte only recommended Morales to step down is because he wants to save him.
So Duterte wants embattled PhilHealth President Morales to resign because he’s sick and not because he’s a crook?
The bro energy on this one is extreme.
— Tito (@maroontito) August 25, 2020
Duterte bared that his doctor told him that his Barrett’s esophagus ailment was “nearing stage one cancer.”
“I would resign already because that’s a health problem, health issue,” Lorenzana said on Aug 10 referring to Philhealth president Ricardo Morales.
Same banana?!🙄 https://t.co/xrH7OCAejl
— Dan Santos (@DanSantos8) August 25, 2020
Duterte and Morales trying to pull out the health card as cause for resignation. Sickness should never exclude you from accountability. https://t.co/egIVMUIQiJ
— gj (@_Geeejay) August 26, 2020
Ani DOJ Guevarra, PINAYUHAN ni Duterte si Morales na magpahinga na at mag-resign sa PhilHealth.
Nagpapasalamat naman si Morales kay Duterte dahil PINAYAGAN siyang SUMUNOD sa payo.
Buti pa ang dalawang 'to, nagkakaintindihan, may MU. https://t.co/0YwJ1yCaWO
— NCE (@NCE66382691) August 26, 2020
Omg Pres. Duterte have found a reason to make Morales resign,this is what im waiting for?.The 9 million pesos in the bank account which is clearly the owner has no identity lol. Roque must be very delighted right now https://t.co/2UelhQoOJ6
— Kateriana (@AutidaKatelyn) August 26, 2020
Duterte demanding Morales' resignation because of health reasons and not because of the many alleged acts of corruption in Philhealth is simply a scapegoat, beating around the bush, and a manifestation of how this Administration only favors allies.
— Osiris (@adenosine_SS) August 26, 2020
