I get our anger and frustration over the issue. But the claims forms (CF1, CF2, CF3, CF4) are not there to make it “easier” for PhilHealth to pursue corrupt practices. Actually, the forms are there to safeguard the interests of PhilHealth members by allowing the hospital to declare that the standards of care have been met. These forms are used so that hospitals can be reimbursed for the services they rendered to their patients.

I believe some PhilHealth employees are demoralized because of this issue. If the allegations are true, please spare other hardworking, honest employees who have given more than enough to improve health financing in the country.

Let us focus our frustration and disappointment on high ranking officials who swore to protect the interests of the people. PhilHealth, for the longest time, has not kept its promise of adequate financial risk protection. We still see patients who continuously suffer from huge out-of-pocket expenses that sometimes lead them to financial catastrophe.

This issue will have a great impact on our transition to DRG-based global budget payments. Ultimately, policy decisions made after this fiasco will determine how we will run the health financing system that will drive the universal health care we’ve always dreamed of.

We have the right to be angry, frustrated or disappointed. We have the right to demand for a better management. We have the right to demand accountability from those guilty of graft and corruption. And, yes, we have the right to a better health system that will ensure financial risk protection and achieve better health outcomes for all Filipinos.