ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has filed a complaint against Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) officials in Western Visayas over the unpaid claims of nine hospitals and the city government-run molecular laboratory.
The respondents were PhilHealth regional vice president Atty. Valerie Anne H. Hollero; Health Care Delivery Management Division chief Marjorie A. Cabrieto; Claims Processing officer-in-charge Dr. Genaline Aguirre, and “those who may be responsible for the delay or non-payment” of the claims of the hospitals related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“….(M)ore important is the urgent need (for) PhilHealth to settle and release the payment claims of our hospitals and Uswag Molecular Laboratory which provide treatment, intervention and detection for COVID-19 both private and public,” Treñas emphasized in his letter of complaint dated Aug. 26.
The letter was addressed to Deputy Ombudsman Paul Elmer Clemente of the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas and Secretary Jeremia Belgica, director general of the Anti-Red Tape Authority.
With the authorization from the city council, Treñas filed the complaint on behalf of the city government and 10 institutions, all claiming for the COVID-19 related PhilHealth claims which amounted to a total of P932,322,324.35 as of Aug. 24.
According to Treñas, these claims were already elevated to PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Atty. Dante A. Gierran twice.
“However, up to this day, our pleas have fallen on deaf ears,” Treñas lamented.
The city mayor also noted that the claims have been filed in a timely manner in accordance with existing policies.
“However, it is as if PhilHealth is making its rules for the release of lawful, valid and ripe claims as it goes along….(T)he method or procedure today may be different tomorrow – which results in the denial of the claims…,” Treñas said.
He warned of a looming danger: the healthcare system of Iloilo could breakdown due to the lack of funds to sustain the same. The non-payment of the said claims will result to the failure of the medical institutions to effectively meet medical needs of COVID patients, he said.
The respondents, according to Treñas, manifested partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence in violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practice Act.
“As mayor of the City of Iloilo, it is my responsibility to ensure the welfare of my constituents by taking the lead in maintaining health services. Because of this COVID-19 pandemic it is very important to address the deficiency of PhilHealth,” added Treñas.
On the other hand, Hollero said she was saddened about the Mayor’s move.
“I am saddened that the good mayor has resorted to filing a complaint against us,” Hollero said in a statement. “I feel bad for the 402 hardworking employees of PhilHealth Regional Office VI who have worked so hard to process good claims immediately to help our partner hospitals in this time of pandemic.”
Citing the congressional hearing on PhilHealth’s Unpaid Hospital Claims, Hollero noted: “PhilHealth Region VI has a turnaround time of 27 days and has the highest number of claims processed per employee nationwide at 1,255 a month.”
“I urge my PhilHealth colleagues not to be disheartened. As public servants, we have sworn to serve our country whatever the cost. Padayon lang,” Hollero said./PN
