Corruption is a human rights violation. At its core, the immoral and unlawful diversion of funds entrusted under the care of government agencies harms the people’s human right to health and social security—specifically, in the context of recent reports exposing allegations of “ghost” claims that were paid from 2016-2018 with PhilHealth funds to kidney treatments by WellMed Dialysis & Laboratory Center involving deceased patients.

The Commission on Human Rights condemns such practices that deprives others access to treatments crucial in achieving a dignified life. As such, we welcome the current investigation on the case.

This exposé also stresses the need for the proper and full implementation of the Universal Health Care Law (RA 11223), starting with making sure that its implementing rules and regulations give premium to greater transparency, better safeguards, and stronger accountability mechanisms in addressing loopholes and corrupt practices of any kind.

We likewise remind the private healthcare sector of their responsibility to preserve human life through the respect for human rights. As partners of the government is achieving the Philippine health agenda, they are called to guard their own ranks against the corrupt and ensure that no one really is left behind in achieving universal healthcare for every Filipino.