And this time we are seeing it again in the diversion of health funds earmarked for the welfare of senior citizens toward purposes that were never contemplated. Due to the fund diversion, the life of the PhilHealth reserve fund was reduced from the mandatory 24 months to just 10 months, because part of it is being used to fill the P10.6 billion for senior citizens’ benefits, Duque said. Last March 18, PhilHealth filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Garin and Padilla for alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in connection with the fund diversion. Abad has disputed the report of a fund diversion, saying, “No PhilHealth fund was involved and there was absolutely no funds diversion.”Abad contends that the funds used were MPBF funds—which were largely salaries and unfilled items or new positions that were not used and had become available for use as savings—and not PhilHealth funds. Garin has also publicly denied such fund diversion in interviews with radio and TV stations.

Source: Manila Times May 31, 2018 16:46 UTC