Senators: No need for Manila liaison office

Following a visit to Guam, senators have become more convinced that putting up a liaison office in Manila—again—is unnecessary.

Five senators, including Senate minority leader Pete P. Reyes, who has heavily opposed the proposed liaison office, met with Guam Gov. Felix Camacho and other Guam officials Friday to discuss a possible joint referral program and learn more about Guam’s referral system in Manila.

Other senators who met with Camacho included majority leader Paul Manglona, Senate Committee on Health, Education, and Welfare Program chair Henry San Nicolas, Luis Crisostimo, and Senate Committee on Fiscal Affairs chair Joseph Mendiola.

“We’re kind of excited because Guam’s referral program in Manila has been successful and they don’t keep an office there. What they did was to solicit proposals and choose the best company to take care of Guam,” said Mendiola.

He said House Bill 14-151, which proposes a new liaison office in the Philippines, requires full-time employees, housing, and transportation.

“When we look at this, there’s no limitation to expenses. Before, I think they spent more than half a million,” he said.

Guam, he said, refers an average of 25 patients to the Philippines and spends only about $100,000 a year.

Right now, the CNMI refers a handful of patients—less than 10 patients a year—to the Philippines.

“It works for Guam and they save a lot of money. We hope it works for us, too,” said Mendiola.

He said Guam has issued an RFP for logistical support in Manila about two years ago.

Mendiola said that Guam’s agent in Manila has the rates of services, including major medical operations, of all Manila hospitals.

“They request the published rate of all hospitals through the agency. They look at the prices for procedures. They look at the facilities, etc. In a way, the insurance [companies are] happy with that because the cost is predetermined,” said Mendiola.

He said a group of independent doctors validate the rates.

“It’s important that we have these information and we don’t just wait for the billing. There are ways to make the operations efficient,” said the senator.

The House earlier approved the Manila liaison bill, citing the need for an office to supervise the treatment of CNMI patients in that country.

The House cited that health care services in the Philippines is far cheaper than that in Hawaii or the U.S. mainland.

In objecting to the proposal, Reyes had noted that it seems illogical for the CNMI to pursue a medical referral program in the Philippines when it does not generally hire Filipino doctors.

Reyes, likewise, said the creation of the office is not good timing since the government is financially broke.

Reyes said the government can just make an arrangement with Manila on the treatment of CNMI patients without having to set up a liaison office.

Mendiola said that Guam Gov. Camacho had communicated with Reyes, which resulted in the senators’ meeting with the Guam official last week.

During the meeting, CNMI senators also inquired about a possible tie-up with Guam on a medical referral program in Honolulu and Los Angeles. Mendiola said a memorandum of agreement may be signed between Guam and the CNMI on this matter.

He said the Senate would call on the Department of Public Health to get their position on issuing an RFP for Manila.

If this happens, he said there is no longer a need to pass H.B. 14-151, which is being pushed by House Health and Welfare Committee chair Crispin Ogo.