Newsbreak Chats: Will the economy, PhilHealth, and Duque survive the pandemic?

Bookmark this page to catch the discussion on Thursday 4 pm, September 24!

The coronavirus pandemic has spared nothing and no one. The effects of the health crisis go beyond the thousands of infected Filipinos.

Supposed to be accountable for this is Health Secretary Francisco Duque III who has been heavily criticized for his flawed leadership. (READ: The survivor: Francisco Duque III) Still, Duque enjoys the trust of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Never mind if he is chairman of the Board of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and if there have been allegations of graft and corruption against PhilHealth officials.

Never mind, too, if there are alleged irregularities in a contract between PhilHealth and the Philippine Red Cross whose chairman and CEO is also Senator Richard Gordon. (READ: Did Gordon’s P100M Red Cross deal with PhilHealth violate laws?)

Through all these, the country’s economy has been taking a huge hit from the pandemic. (READ: Part 1: How the pandemic is crushing company earnings | Part 2: From malls to banks: The pandemic’s domino effect)

On Thursday, September 24, the Newsbreak team will discuss what lies ahead given these persistent issues and controversies. Will they survive the pandemic?

The discussion with multimedia reporters Ralf Rivas, Sofia Tomacruz, and Camille Elemia will be moderated by investigative desk head Chay Hofileña.

Join us Thursday afternoon for the discussion. Let us know in the comments below or tag us on Twitter (@newsbreakph) if you have any questions! – Rappler.com