Padilla quits as chief government peace negotiator

MANILA, Philippines - New Philippine Health Insurance Corp. president Alex Padilla had served notice he would resign as chief government negotiator with  the communist rebels.

However, Padilla told The STAR he could not yet resign from the government panel despite his appointment as Philippine Health Corp. (PhilHealth) president.

“I still have to prepare so many things so I could not resign yet,” he said. “I’m still with the panel.”

In a text message, presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles said: “Padilla’s appointment to PhilHealth does not come as a surprise. We have agreed that he will stay on to ensure a smooth transition. The rest of the panel remains in place and the work continues to proceed.”

In an interview yesterday during the 115th founding anniversary of the Department of Health where he sits as undersecretary, Padilla said being president and chief executive officer of PhilHealth requires undivided attention.

“I have already notified Secretary Deles, and I’m just awaiting formality,” he said.

“I need to work full time as president of PhilHealth.”

Padilla has not kept secret his frustration about delays in the peace talks, which again suffered an impasse last February.

The administration has remained open to the talks, although the National Democratic Front has warned that they are willing to resume negotiations after three years, when Aquino is no longer in power.

Last week, Aquino designated Padilla as member of the board of directors of state-owned PhilHealth, and approved as well his  nomination as president and CEO, replacing Eduardo Banzon, who resigned last January.

The 56-year-old Padilla had served as health undersecretary during the   Arroyo administration. His appointment was carried over when Aquino assumed office in June 2010.

Aquino named Padilla chief government negotiator in the   peace talks with communist rebels

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Padilla’s designation is “nothing new,” as he has handled several tasks simultaneously in the past without any conflict of interest.

Padilla’s appointment was stalled due to the appointments ban before the May 13 senatorial elections, she added. – Delon Porcalla, Sheila Crisostomo