Amid bureaucratic shadows

At a time many people are feeling disillusioned with the government, Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier emerges as a refreshing exception. Who could forget that third day of oral arguments in the Supreme Court on the PhilHealth fund transfer controversy?

Justice Lazaro-Javier combines smart thinking with strong values, making her a trustworthy figure in a murky political landscape.

She isn’t just another brilliant lawyer — a B.S. Education graduate, magna cum laude, from the Philippine Normal College and class valedictorian at the UST College of Law — she rose to become a Supreme Court justice. Not only does she apply the law with skill, she does so with a keen sense of empathy for what everyday Filipinos go through.

Her insightful questions during the oral arguments early in March on the transfer of P89.9 billion from PhilHealth to the National Treasury showed her commitment to holding our government accountable.

During the Supreme Court hearings, Justice Lazaro-Javier raised critical concerns that revealed a genuine connection to the struggles of Filipinos. Her inquiry into whether PhilHealth prioritized investments over enhancing member benefits struck a chord.

Saying that PhilHealth was not precisely complying with the law is the stark reality that while funds are ostensibly managed for the public good, they often veer off course.

Truthfully, health should be a right rather than a privilege.

She addressed the paradox of urgency surrounding the fund transfer when the projects intended to benefit from it were already fully funded by foreign loans, referring to the P174.49-billion Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island bridges project that is fully funded by the Export-Import Bank of Korea.

One can’t help but wonder where the accountability lies.

“The project has not even started. So where is the money,” she was quoted as asking. “Did the government spend even a single centavo from that Korean loan?”

There’s more. She questioned the additional P688 million under unprogrammed appropriations for the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity when the General Appropriations Act had already earmarked P459 million.

“Is the peace process part of the PhilHealth mandate,” she wondered.

This drew more questions than answers. Her tone was not merely accusatory, it was laden with the weight of responsibility that every public servant should feel. It was a prompt that decisions made within the hallowed halls of government directly impact the lives outside them.

Her fierce advocacy for the sanctity of healthcare funds rekindles hope when politicians seem disconnected from reality. She dared question the priorities of a system that appears indifferent to the needs of its citizens and even contradicts the Universal Health Care Act.

Every day, Filipinos experience the repercussions of a poorly managed healthcare system, often in profound ways. For many struggling families, the looming shadow of medical expenses can mean the difference between life and death.

Justice Lazaro-Javier’s insights reflect a deep understanding of this reality — that healthcare should not be a political bargaining chip. These funds are not just figures on a balance sheet — they are for life-saving medical services for countless families in desperate need.

Her keenness to protect PhilHealth funds shows her deep respect for the public trust, viewing these funds not just as resources but as a sacred obligation to serve the health needs of Filipinos.

Her courageous voice challenges the status quo by aptly implying the moral dimensions of public finance — that PhilHealth funds are indeed sacred and untouchable.

Beyond Justice Lazaro-Javier’s beauty is a formidable force for change, ensuring that those who are overlooked still have a voice.

Cheers for her fierce love for Filipinos and for standing resolutely for what is right. Happy Women’s Month!