Malacañang confirmed on Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted the resignation of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president and CEO Ricardo Morales.

In a virtual press briefing at the Palace, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the President as of this time has not chosen a replacement.

He, however, confirmed that a number of names has been floated to lead the embattled agency.

Roque, however, said the President hopes Morales’ resignation from his post will help his immediate recovery from his current illness.

“Well, the President has always been of the opinion that health should come first. That is why he is hoping that the resignation of Gen. Morales will lead to his recovery. There is a need for him to get better and the President thinks it was best for him to resign and concentrate on his health,” Roque said.

Roque says regrets
When asked if he is willing to take over the agency, as what Morales stated, Roque said he is too busy handling the spokesperson duties at the Palace. He also said that he, himself, is praying for Morales’ recovery.

“I’m presidential spokesperson, I’m busy with my job right now,” Roque said.

On the question of who are the possible candidates to replace Morales and if the President is considering the advice of Task Force PhilHealth to allow GOCC (government-owned and controlled corporations) to allow them to make recommendations on restructuring PhilHealth, Roque said there is no lack of people ready to serve the country.

“Well, you know, we are not lacking in people who have the capability to lead and serve in government because it’s an honor to serve in government,” he said.

“So, the only thing I can say, we are not lacking when it comes to people who want to serve but of course the President carefully chooses who has the qualifications to help PhilHealth recover. Because the President admits that PhilHealth needs his personal attention,” he noted.

“Just like what he said, the remaining two years of his term will be spent cleaning up PhilHealth. So whoever he appoints there should be his partner to help regain the trust of the people in PhilHealth, clean up PhilHealth to help fulfill the promotion of the Universal Healthcare and free treatment and free medicine for all Filipinos,” he explained.

Roque said there are already names being considered for the PhilHealth post but the President is being very careful on whom he will choose.

“Well, there are already names being considered pero nag-iingat po ang Presidente sa pagpili,” Roque said.

Criminal liability stays
Meanwhile, Roque stressed that Morales and other PhilHealth officials resigning from their post doesn’t absolve them of criminal and administrative liabilities.

“No. The law is very clear: If there is a criminal liability incurred when you are in office, it subsists; and public officers can be held liable for them whether or not they continue to be in office,” he said.

Roque on Wednesday confirmed that Palace has received the resignation of Morales which was sent to the office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. (Daily Tribune)