Thursday, July 26, 2007

Fake Physician In Aklan?

By Ambrosio R. Villorente
To find the truth if Mr. Antonio Viray III has passed the medical board examination and a duly licensed physician, an investigating committee was formed. Viray was appointed Chief of Hospital I in Ibajay District Hospital, Ibajay, Aklan.
The members of the SP Aklan constituted themselves as the investigating committee.
According to Ms. Ellen Tolentino, Human Resource Management Officer of Aklan, Dr. Antonio Viray III was first appointed on August 29, 2004 as Medical Officer III in Malay Emergency Hospital, Malay, again on September 23, 2005 as Medical Officer IV in Buruanga Emergency Hospital, Buruanga and on March 5, 2007, as Chief of Hospital I in Ibajay District Hospital, Ibajay.
Sometime in May 2007, Mr. Jonathan Cabrera, anchorman of RMN-DYKR received information that Antonio Viray III did not really pass any medical board examination and therefore is not duly licensed to practice medical profession in the Philippines.
The investigation was held on July 24 in the SP Session Hall, Kalibo. In his testimonies, Cabrera informed the committee, he tried to find the truth by interviewing officials concerned. He received responses to his queries that Mr. Antonio Viray III got a failing grade of 70.50 percent in the August 1991 Medical Board examination given by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC).
Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz, president of Aklan Medical Society (AMS) informed the committee that the AMS has sent query to their umbrella organization, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) requesting for the verification of the professional status of Antonio Viray III as Physician. The PMA forwarded the request to the PRC. And the PRC answered as follows: “Records of this Commission show, that the latest license number issued to a Physician as of this date is 110237 hence, certificate of registration/professional license No. 987653 under the name of Antonio Viray, was not issued by this Commission. The same records further show, that after a diligent search, the name Antonio Viray does not appear in the registry books of the Board for Physicians which contain the names of those duly authorized to practice medicine in the Philippines.” The letter was signed by Linda D. Macorol, OIC, Registration Division, PRC.
Ms. Evelyn Ijar, Director II of the Civil Service Commission field office, Kalibo, said, the appointment of Mr. Viray is still with her office awaiting license verification from PRC. Once verification is received, she will forward the appointment papers to CSC Regional Office for whatever legal actions CSC will institute.
The next hearing is set on August 1, 2007. Mr. Viray will be invited to attend to tell his side. /MP

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