Bong Go pushes ‘long overdue’ Magna Carta for barangay health workers

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has renewed his call for the immediate passage of the proposed Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers, stressing that frontline health volunteers have long awaited institutional recognition, adequate compensation and formalized benefits.

In his co-sponsorship speech on 25 February, Go recalled that the measure nearly passed during the 19th Congress but failed to secure final approval.

“Muntik na po, muntikan nang pumasa ito nung last 19th Congress. Maalala ko at the very last minute. Sayang naman po. Pinaghirapan din natin ito nung 19th Congress. Of course, ang ating sponsor, Senator JV Ejercito," he said.

He expressed hope that the 20th Congress would finally enact the bill, acknowledging its current sponsor.

“Sana po ngayon, sa tulong po ng ating sponsor, Senator Risa, ay maisapasa na to at maisabatas dahil matagal na po itong inaantay ng ating mga BHWs at alam naman natin na mahirap ang trabaho ng isang BHW," Go added.

The senator described the conditions faced by barangay health workers (BHWs), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ulan, init, nagta-trabaho po sila. At isa sila na itinuring natin na hero ng pandemya. Hindi natin mararating itong kinaroroonan natin kung hindi po dahil sa kanila," he said.

Go also cited his efforts to push for the release of their Health Emergency Allowance.

“Kaya pinaglaban po natin nung 2024 at 2023, hanggang 2025 po ang kanilang HEA. Yan naman po lagi nilang sinisigaw tuwing pumupunta po ako sa mga health center, sinisigaw nila ang kanilang HEA.”

He noted that pending balances amounting to P27 billion in 2024 and P6.7 billion last year were eventually settled, but BHWs are now urging lawmakers to pass the Magna Carta.

“Bukod sa HEA, finally nabayaran na po nung 2024 yung balanse na 27 billion at last year naman po yung 6.7 billion, finally nabayaran. Ang sinisigaw naman po nila ngayon itong Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers. Sana po, ngayong 20th Congress, sa suporta po ng kasamahan natin, ay maisabatas na po ito,” he said.

Go underscored the role of BHWs in delivering primary health care services, citing the Local Government Code which devolved basic health services to local government units down to the barangay level.

“In terms of the delivery of health services, our Barangay Health Workers serve as the frontliners in the barangay. They play a vital role in accomplishing the primary health care approach towards health empowerment,” he said.

He stressed that BHWs are especially crucial in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas where doctors are scarce.

“Ang ating mga Barangay Health Workers ang nagsisilbing frontliners, lalung-lalo na po sa malalayong lugar. Sila po ang nag-aasikaso. Of course, kulang naman po talaga ang ating mga doctors, lalung-lalo na po sa mga bundok at malalayong lugar. Sila po ang tumutulong sa paggagamot ng ating mga kababayan, lalung-lalo na sa mga komunidad na walang doktor,” he noted.

Reflecting on their role during crises, Go described BHWs as the first line of defense.

“Our BHWs have been at the forefront, our first line of defense, risking their own lives to save countless others. Maulan, mainit, andyan po sila. Mapa-pandemya, kalamidad, emergency – nandyan ang ating mga BHWs na handang mag-serbisyo. They are true heroes of our nation, and we owe them a great debt of gratitude. Nararapat lang na bigyan natin ng pagkilala ang kanilang serbisyo,” he said.

The proposed Magna Carta seeks to provide BHWs with a fixed monthly benefit of P3,000, along with additional allowances, benefits and security of tenure.

“This bill seeks to provide our Barangay Health Workers a monthly monetary benefit of P3,000. They will also be entitled to other allowances, benefits, and privileges, and security of tenure. The benefits and privileges enumerated in the bill will also include Christmas bonus, annual training and skills upgrading, and Civil Service Eligibility,” Go explained.

He added that the measure would entitle BHWs to Government Service Insurance System, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG benefits while retaining incentives under Republic Act 7883, including free legal services and preferential access to loans.

“If enacted, they will also be entitled to GSIS, PhilHealth, and PAG-IBIG benefits. The proposed measure will also retain the benefits and privileges of BHWs under Republic Act 7883 or ‘The Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995,’ such as free legal services and preferential access to loans,” he said.

Despite these proposed entitlements, Go acknowledged that the benefits remain modest compared to the sacrifices of BHWs.

“Mr. President, wala po ang mga ito kumpara sa mga sakripisyong ibinibigay ng ating mga Barangay Health Workers. It is undeniable that many people have been working long hours, often without adequate protection or proper compensation. Hence, there is still more to be done to ensure that our health workers are properly compensated and protected,” he said.

Closing his remarks, Go reiterated his appeal for the bill’s passage.

“Maraming salamat po, Mr. President. At sana po maipasa na itong long overdue na Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers. Salamat din po sa lahat ng co-authors at co-sponsors ng bill na ito. Thank you, Mr. President.”