Possible amendment to PhilHealth Charter seen
MANILA – Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque today said there is a strong possibility that both Houses of Congress will work to amend the PhilHealth Charter known as Republic Act No. 10606 which was enacted into law last July 23,2012.
Speaking at the regular midday briefing, Secretary Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte is inclined to appoint Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III as PhilHealth Chairman vice Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III.
He explained Congress needs to amend the existing law because it specifically mentions the Secretary of Health as the ex officio Chairman of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation commonly known as PhilHealth. Under Republic Act 10606, the President and CEO would act as PhilHealth vice chairman.
Reports said Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III President Duterte is keen to name Secretary Dominguez, a known Finance expert to run the country health insurance. However, the only stumbling block is the law.
“That is according to law, because the charter is a law which can always be amended by Congress,” said Secretary Roque. Asked if there is enough time to amend the law to respond to the crisis perceived and experienced by both PhilHealth officials and the general public, Secretary Roque said there is enough time.
“I think Congress, this particular Congress has proven track record of passing the relevant and urgent legislation at the soonest possible time,” he concluded. (Melo M. Acuña)

Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque. (Screen grab from RTVM-PTV4)
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