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Manila, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte accepted the resignation of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and CEO Ricardo Morales, Malacañang said Thursday.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque confirmed the development, adding that the president has yet to find a replacement.
“Names are already being considered, but the president is careful in choosing,” he said.
The Palace official said that for the next head of PhilHealth, the president is looking for someone who is not tainted by corruption allegations, who possesses managerial skills with experience in public and community health and skills in the insurance field.
Roque was among those who have been pressing for an investigation into the alleged corruption at the agency.
But when asked if he was interested in running for the vacant position, Roque replied: “I am a presidential spokesperson so, I am busy with my work at the moment.”
Morales submitted his resignation Wednesday amid allegations affecting the state insurer. She previously said that the move is in response to the president’s call for her to leave office due to her medical condition.
Last week, he took a medical leave to undergo treatment for lymphoma.
Roque said the chief executive also expressed hope that Morales will recover from the disease.
However, he assured that Morales’ resignation does not mean that he is blameless.
“The law is very clear, if criminal responsibility is incurred when you are in office, it subsists and public officials can be held responsible, whether or not they remain in office,” he said. – RRD (with details from correspondent Rosalie Coz)
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