The Supreme Court declared as illegal in its Resolution of July 30, the suspension of Dr. Mario Reyes, a practicing ophthalmologist and former head of the Ophthalmology Department of the Ospital ng Maynila. According to Atty. Saul Hofileña Jr., lawyer for Dr. Reyes.
The Supreme Court Resolution was the result of the former PhilHealth Board’s decision to adopt the ruling of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology.
Hofileña, quoting the Supreme Court resolution, said that the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology does not determine who may practice medicine, but it’s the government, specifically the Board of Medical Examiners, who makes that determination. There was no proof that Dr. Reyes’ certificate of registration to practice medicine had been suspended or revoked by the Board of Medical Examiners. Thus, without showing such revocation, PhilHealth cannot argue that it imposed the correct period of suspension.
The SC resolution said Hofileña, is a stern reminder to PhilHealth not to follow the recommendations of medical organizations blindly since such recommendations may only be the result of enmity or ill-will. Besides, Hofileña continues, the “findings” of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology were made without giving Dr. Mario Reyes the opportunity to explain his side. In other words the entire proceedings was bereft of due process.
The Supreme Court ruling is part of a series of setbacks that has plagued the former PhilHealth Board since the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte took over the reins of government.
