Message of Senator Koko Pimentel on Director Gierran's Appointment

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III describes as "a well-deserved appointment" the designation of former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Dante Gierran as the new President of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

"I congratulate Director Gierran for his well-deserved appointment. I am sure a CPA lawyer like him will bring his professionalism to PhilHealth just like what he did to the NBI. Because of his leadership, NBI is now a modern professional organization. And I know the same thing will happen to PhilHealth under a high-caliber leader," Pimentel said.

Senator Pimentel, who authored the NBI Reorganization and Modernization Law, pointed out that Gierran effectively implemented the said law which made the NBI a more competent investigative body. According to Pimentel, records show that NBI did not figure in any controversy under Gierran's management from 2016 up to his mandatory retirement in February 2020.

"Mahirap nang makalusot ang corruption ngayon sa PhilHealth dahil hindi lang tapang ang dala ng bagong pinuno kundi kaalaman din being a lawyer and a CPA. A true professional licensed by our regulatory agencies. And of course, his government career has been untainted by allegations of corruption. Matapang, may alam, malinis," Pimentel further stated.

The Senator expressed confidence that a seasoned crime investigator with administrative management skills can bring the reformation of PhilHealth to its logical end.

"Also, I am sure he can always ask the NBI to investigate whatever shenanigans he discovers while at PhilHealth," ended Pimentel.

It can be noted that it was during Gierran's term when the NBI filed criminal complaints against 21 PhilHealth officials and employees in connection with the alleged misuse of funds on "ghost" dialysis treatments.