PhilHealth President Dante Gierran built his government career around law enforcement and settling into his new position, he said he would study more about public health. Gierran's task to ensure the fund's viability during the pandemic by fighting corruption.
Gierran drew criticism for admitting that he lacked a health background to lead PhilHealth, considered by millions as a financial lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Hayaan niyo sila yung nagko-comment (Let them comment). It's their right," he said.
"I admit, ano ba ang alam ko sa public health? Of course, aaralin ko yan. Aaralin ko yan, 'di ko nga alam eh. Alangan naman sabihin ko alam ko hindi ko nga alam?" said Gierran, the former head of the National Bureau of Investigation.
(What do I know about public health? Of course, I will study that because I am unfamiliar with it. Why would I claim knowledge when I am unfamiliar?)
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Gierran said he was willing to talk to his redecessor at PhilHealth, retired Army general Ricardo Morales for "insights" on how to fight corruption. "I have to talk to experts. I have to refer to experts to give me inputs. We do not have the monopoly of wisdom," he said.
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