Reader asks: Which agency is right, COA or PhilHealth?

This refers to the letter of Israel Francis A. Pargas, OIC-vice president, Corporate Affairs Group, PhilHealth, which appeared in the Opinion section last Oct. 22, wherein he stated that “PhilHealth incentives are aboveboard and duly authorized by law.”

However, last Jan. 15, the Inquirer carried on its front page a news article titled “Return bonuses, execs told.” Among the 31 government-owned and -controlled corporations ordered, PhilHealth topped the list with P1,651,084. According to the Commission on Audit (COA), these 31 GOCCs were found to have paid bonuses, allowances and benefits to the board of directors and employees without, or in excess of, legal basis or proper authority.

COA further stated that “the release of such incentives had no approval from the Office of the President…”

I leave it to the Inquirer readers to judge which is correct—COA or PhilHealth.

With regard to Pargas’ offer to help me with my past PhilHealth concerns, I appreciate that and I thank him for it. I remember that I sent a registered letter, via air mail, along with the pertinent documents, to the acting CEO of PhilHealth, a lady, in Makati.

If Pargas comes to Cebu City, I would like him to please contact me and we can discuss the matter, OK?

—BERNARDO V. PERALTA,

retired accounting professor,

Cebu City