Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) — Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa hurdles the Commission on Appointments (CA) after his appointment was bypassed in September due to lack of time.
During the deliberation of a CA panel, Herbosa said the agency is investigating the fraudulent claims in Philhealth and reviewing the rules on penalizing clerical errors.
Herbosa made the statement after Senator Bong Go, Senate Committee chair on Health, called for a thorough probe, as removing the Philhealth accreditation of a medical facility may compromise the accessibility of medical services.
Earlier this year, The Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of Philhealth to discontinue the accreditation of a physician and a dialysis center due to fraudulent claims for reimbursement of Philhealth benefits.
On his past controversies, which include a rape joke and a remark against community pantries during the COVID-19 pandemic, Herbosa said he continues to apologize on these matters, and as DOH secretary, he will be careful with his comments.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Herbosa as Health Secretary in June.
He served as DOH undersecretary from 2010 to 2015 and served as special adviser to the National Task Force Against COVID-19.
