The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has given its nod to the urgent request of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa for the transfer of seven key officials within the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The move comes in the wake of a tumultuous period marked by a “loss of confidence” in these officials, as cited by the PhilHealth board.
In compliance with exemptions under the Omnibus Election Code, which typically prohibits the transfer of government employees during an election period, the Comelec granted approval based on the assertion that the transfer is vital for restoring effective governance within PhilHealth.
The memo signed by Comelec Chairman George Garcia outlines the reasons behind the “loss of confidence,” pointing to “observed incompetence, gross negligence, and ineffective leadership” exhibited by the implicated officials. These shortcomings are believed to have directly and adversely impacted PhilHealth’s operations, leading to issues such as delayed payments to hospitals.
Health Secretary Herbosa, who also chairs the PhilHealth board, has been vocal about the need to address these governance issues. Last week, he attributed delayed payments to hospitals squarely on the shoulders of PhilHealth’s executive committee.
Furthermore, Herbosa has sought the assistance of Congress in a comprehensive effort to cleanse PhilHealth, an organization that has been marred by accusations of corruption in the past.
The Comelec’s approval of the transfer is not without conditions. The move should be deemed essential for the proper functioning of the insurer, ensuring that it does not interfere with the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for October 30. Additionally, the transfer should not result in any promotions or salary increases for the officials in question.
As PhilHealth grapples with internal challenges, the approved transfer of officials is seen as a crucial step towards restoring stability and confidence in one of the country’s vital healthcare institutions. The developments within PhilHealth will undoubtedly be closely monitored as the organization navigates through this governance crisis.Health Secretary Herbosa, who has been at the forefront of efforts to cleanse PhilHealth, sought the assistance of Congress in addressing the organization’s deep-seated problems, which have previously involved allegations of corruption.
Comelec’s approval of the transfers comes with conditions. The transfers should be deemed essential for the proper functioning of the insurer, should not exert influence on the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for October 30, and should not involve any promotion or salary increase for the officials in question.
