Lorenzana says PhilHealth chief Morales should resign to 'rest'

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday said it would be better if embattled Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) President and CEO Ricardo Morales would resign from his post after he raised some health issues amid the probe on alleged irregularities in the agency.

In a television interview, Lorenzana said Morales should resign because he is already experiencing a health problem.

"That would be his decision... I cannot say anything kasi wala naman ako sa posisyon niya, but if I were in his position, I would resign already kasi health problem na 'yan, health issues," Lorenzana told CNN Philippines.

"If I were him, confronted by that sickness that will incapacitate me to do my job, kahit na isa, dalawa, isang linggo lang, isang buwan o anim na linggo, I think the best thing to do there para makapagpahinga siya at makapagpagaling ay mag-resign na siya," he added.

Lorenzana expressed belief that Morales had nothing to do with the anomalies within PhilHealth, adding that Morales could just be overwhelmed with the tasks in the agency.

Lorenzana noted that he personally knew Morales, who, like him, is a retired military general.

Over the weekend, Morales and PhilHealth executive vice president Arnel De Jesus disclosed their "unfavorable medical conditions" to the Senate days before the continuation of the inquiry on the alleged corruption within the state insurer.

Morales' oncologist had sent a medical certificate to the Senate Committee of the Whole to inform the body that the PhilHealth chief is undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with lymphoma.

According to Morales, he is seeking medical leave due to his condition.

It was earlier revealed by PhilHealth’s former anti-fraud legal officer Thorrsson Montes Keith that a "mafia" was able to steal some P15 billion from the state insurer through several fraudulent schemes.

PhilHealth has been denying the accusations. —KBK, GMA News