As we continue the fight to further strengthen our healthcare system through legislation, government programs, and other initiatives, we must not overlook the fact that healthcare concerns not only the patients but those who provide it as well — doctors, nurses, medical technologists, pharmacists, barangay health workers, other professionals, and their support staff.

On 3 June, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, I presided over the 14th public hearing on the remaining unpaid Health Emergency Allowance or HEA, a compensation legislated through our initiative for healthcare workers who served during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As your senator, I am very happy to report that our unwavering effort to make sure the sacrifices of our modern-day heroes are justly acknowledged has been paying off. As I always say, “Sulit ang ating pangungulit (Our badgering has paid off)!” Last year, after our continuous calls for the Department of Budget and Management to prioritize payment of the long overdue allowances, P27 billion in HEA arrears was settled.

Consequently, our call to the public to use the Senate’s health committee as an avenue for their concerns also proved to be effective, as P8.1 billion worth of new HEA appeals surfaced. New claims, however, pose new challenges in terms of government funding.

During the hearing, I urged the relevant agencies to explore different options so that the HEA payouts will finally be completed. The Department of Health reported that the economic managers of the government have agreed to include P6.8 billion of unpaid HEA in the 2026 draft national budget. The DBM also affirmed that it may source funding this year through the SAGIP program under the Unprogrammed Appropriations, as it did in 2024.

At the hearing of the Commission on Appointments on 4 June, Commission on Audit chief Atty. Douglas Mallillin confirmed that if the remaining P8.1 billion or so in HEA claims will not be covered by next year’s budget, an alternative pathway for healthcare workers to be compensated is through CoA’s “money claims” process.

Once again, we were able to get the commitment of the government agencies concerned. I urge the DoH, DBM, and CoA to prioritize our mandate of taking care of our citizens. I will keep a watchful eye and will not stop until all legitimate HEA claims are paid. As I always say, this is for a service already rendered by our healthcare workers. They worked hard, sacrificed, and some even gave their lives to save others during one of the greatest challenges to our existence as a people.

On 4 June, we attended the Commission on Appointments deliberations for appointees to the CoA and the Civil Service Commission, where we expressed our support for CoA Commissioner Atty. Mallillin and CSC Commissioner Atty. Luis Meinrado Pañgulayan.

During the Senate session on the same day, we delivered a manifestation to co-sponsor Omnibus Resolutions honoring distinguished individuals in the Philippine entertainment industry, namely, the late National Artist Nora Aunor, Ricky Davao, Pilita Corrales, and Gloria Romero. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, I commended Pedro Taduran for successfully defending his International Boxing Federation World Minimumweight Championship Title.

I also expressed my optimism for the improvement of our healthcare system as four hospital bills were passed on second reading in the Senate. First was House Bill 10885, which seeks to establish the San Miguel District Hospital in Zamboanga del Sur under the provincial government; House Bill 11162, which provides for the creation of the Aurora Medical Center, a level-3 hospital with 200 beds under the DoH; House Bill 11163, which proposes the establishment of the Liloy General Hospital, a 100-bed level-2 facility in Zamboanga del Norte also under DoH supervision; and House Bill 10080, which seeks to upgrade the Quirino Province Medical Center to a level-3 hospital.

We were also invited as guest of honor and keynote speaker at the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines National Executive Board regular quarterly meeting with VMLP National President Dean Domalanta.

On 5 June, we attended the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines’ 100th National Assembly headed by Vice Governor Karen Agapay.

And because there is always a Filipino in need, we continue to provide Malasakit services even on a Sunday. On 8 June, I led our Malasakit Team to give immediate assistance to 518 fire victims in Quiapo, Manila.

To further extend our help to the grassroots level, the Malasakit Team also aided 269 fire victims in Mandaue City.

We also provided additional assistance to 70 families whose homes were totally damaged in Balanga City and Limay in Bataan. They received one-time emergency shelter support to help them rebuild their homes via a national government program that I pushed for and advocated.

As your Mr. Malasakit, I will work tirelessly to bring government services closer to our fellow Filipinos. I am always reminded of former President Rodrigo Duterte's words: Do what is right and always put the country’s interest first. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos (My vice is to serve and I believe that service to the people is service to God).