“The IRM is an emergency program of PhilHealth that releases CASH ADVANCES (emphasis mine) to hospitals and medical facilities during natural disasters and other unexpected events including COVID-19…” This statement was lifted from the news item, “PhilHealth funds used ‘like a bank check’—Quimbo” (Inquirer.net, 8/18/20).
If the allegations are true, the plunder of PhilHealth funds by the very persons tasked to manage the resources of the national health insurer is a most heinous crime being committed against millions of our fellow Filipinos who pay premiums for their and their dependents’ health, and of the mostly poor citizens of this country who cannot afford expensive medication and hospitalization.
The health crisis and other unexpected events this PhilHealth program is mandated to alleviate are being used by crocodiles as opportunities to pad their pockets and fill their bank accounts at the expense of the ailing populace. They have caused more serious suffering in these days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Woe unto them “whose conscience with injustice is corrupted,” to borrow a line from Shakespeare.
Ramon Mayuga
ramon.mayuga49@gmail.com