By Fernan Angeles
Officers of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation involved in the P154-billion loss would go to jail, said President Rodrigo Duterte as he assured that he would see to it all funds spent to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic are all accounted for.
Duterte said he has already ordered “stricter measures” on the use of public funds under Bayanihan 1 and 2, the country’s coronavirus response laws. Bayanihan 2, which seeks at least P140 billion to fight COVID-19 and P25 billion on standby, hurdled a bicameral conference and will soon be submitted to the President for his signature.
“Gusto ko ipaalam sa lahat, upon my oath of office, huwag kayong mag-aalala, lahat ng pera na nagastos dito sa away ng COVID ay ma-aaccount, I will hold myself accountable for this solemn duty,” Duterte said.
“Allow us time to do our thing, spend the money and there will always be the time for reckoning. Huwag kayo ma-ano diyan sa PhilHealth pati dito sa Bayanihan 1 and 2 (Do not be bothered with PhilHealth and with Bayanihan 1 and 2.),” he said.