Davao doctor picked as PhilHealth chief

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Dr. Roy B. Ferrer as acting president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), replacing Celestina dela Serna who was mired in controversy over alleged excessive travel expenses and allowances. On Monday, June 4, Malacañang released Ferrer's appointment paper signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on June 1.

"I am pleased to inform you that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has approved the nomination of Mr. Roy B. Ferrer as acting president and cheif executive officer of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation," Medialdea said in the letter.

Ferrer, who hails from Davao, was a member of the PhilHealth board of directors prior to his new appointment.

He has been a strong advocate of lifestyle diseases and diabetes prevention as a doctor of internal medicine at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

In a statement, Ferrer promised to do his best "to be an effective public service and to carry out the mandate of [PhilHealth and President Duterte]."

Duterte reached the decision to replace Dela Serna nearly a month after he made an instruction to look into the latter's travel expenses and allowances that reportedly amounted to more than P900 million.

On May 7, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. confirmed that

"As far as we are concerned, the opening of classes here in Davao region went very smooth, orderly and peaceful. We only received minimal concerns sama sa enrollment, other than that wala na," Atillo said.

If there is truth on the allegations, Atillo said, the department is encouraging teachers and concerned communities to file their complaints and submit it to their office, or to the local government and police or military.

Atillo said government authorities assured to maintain the peace and order situation as well as the traffic situation even as classes have already opened. They are also coordinating with school officials to ensure the safety of the students and the teachers as well. ICT