Philippine ombudsman junks raps vs Philhealth officials

It found insufficient evidence that the officials conspired against several Philhealth employees.

The Philippine Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed criminal and administrative cases against 11 former and current officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), according to local media reports.

In a decision released 16 June, Ombudsman Samuel Martires acquitted the officials due to insufficient evidence that they conspired to suspend and dismiss several Philhealth employees from 2017 to 2019. 

The officials include former CEO Roy Ferrer and interim president and CEO Ma. Jude dela Serna.

The officials were alleged to have filed administrative cases against the complainants as retaliation for suing several Philhealth officials and testifying before the House of Representatives on possible cases of graft and corruption, amongst others.