Former Philhealth President and CEO Ricardo Morales didn’t mince words in cursing Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
In a report by GMA News’ 24 Oras about Morales’ resignation, a screenshot of a text message from the former Philhealth executive was shown.
In the text message send to the reporter, Morales said Palace spokesman Harry Roque can now take over followed by a curse word.
“Roque can now take over p.i nya.”
Morales formally tendered his resignation on Wednesday, August 26.
In his letter to the President which he addressed as Mayor, Morales cited his medical condition as the main reason for his resignation.
Morales also thanked Duterte for the trust and support he gave to him during his stint at the state-owned insurance corporation.
LOOK: Copy of PhilHealth chief Ricardo Morales' resignation letter
On Wednesday night, Malacañang said it has received Morales’ resignation letter.
Duterte has yet to accept it, said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/tQobPTzgjg
— Bonz Magsambol (@bnzmagsambol) August 26, 2020
Meanwhile, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque called off Morales’ suggestion for him to take over Philhealth.
In a Palace press briefing, the Malacanang mouthpiece said he’s not interested because his already pre-occupied with his work at the palace.
“I’m the Presidential spokesperson. I’m busy with my job right now,” Roque said during a Palace press briefing when asked if he was ready to take over PhilHealth.
He also added that there are already names being considered by the President for the position.
“There are already names being considered pero nag-iingat po ang Pangulo (but the President is being careful),” Roque added.
Roque and Morales have been in a hostile situation for quite some time which started after Morales talked about delaying the implementation of Universal Health Law.
“He should be careful with his words because that law is my single most important contribution in this country. I will take it personally if someone like General Morales who leads PhilHealth will say that he will not implement the law,” said Roque in one of his press interviews.
In a separate press briefing, Roque has also said that if Morales won’t be able to implement the law then the President should find someone who can do the job better.
“Kung hindi ninyo po mapapatupad ang isang batas na sinertify urgent ng Presidente mismo, dahil ang nais niya magkaroon ng libreng gamot at libreng pagamot ang lahat ng Pilipino gaya ng ginawa niya sa Davao, eh siguro po hahanap na lang po ng iba na pupuwedeng magpatupad niyan,” Roque said.
Morales reacted to Roque’s statement saying, there’s no problem with him if he will be replaced.
“Masasabi ko kay Atty. Roque, be my guest. I will be very grateful if we can find somebody, baka siya. No problem with me. Anytime. But he’s not President, he’s the spokesman, that’s a different thing,” said Morales.
Morales also scored Roque on the latter’s allegations about the corruption in Philhealth.
“Dun naman sa nawawalang pera na sinasabi ni Atty. Roque. If he has any specific…evidence, he should file the case. He should go to the court. He’s a lawyer, he should file the case and bring the evidence to court.”
