In a radio interview on Monday, 13 November, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, reiterated his appeal to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Health (DOH) to fast-track the release of the Health Emergency Allowances (HEA) still due to healthcare workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The senator's remarks came amid growing concerns over delayed payments and unresolved financial commitments to the frontline workers.
"For the nth time, umaapela ako sa DOH, DBM to fast track the release of the unpaid Health Emergency Allowances due our nurses and other healthcare workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic," Go stated, emphasizing the critical role these individuals played during the height of the crisis and even until now in securing the health and well-being of every Filipino.
Go highlighted the sacrifices of these health workers, who risked their lives daily to care for the nation. He pointed out the disparity between the allowances they are set to receive and the magnitude of their sacrifices.
"Sila po 'yung hero sa panahon ng pandemya. Hindi natin mararating ito kung hindi dahil sa kanila. Karamihan po sa kanila nagkasakit, 'yung iba po namatay," Go said.
"Maliit na halaga ang kanilang allowances kumpara sa malaking sakripisyong ginawa nila," he remarked, drawing attention to the need for the government to fulfill its duty to these healthcare heroes.
The senator noted the passage of Republic Act 11712, which provides for continuing benefits and allowances to healthcare workers during public health emergencies. Despite the lifting of the state of public health emergency in July, many healthcare workers have yet to receive their HEA.
Go acknowledged this ongoing issue and pledged to continue reminding the DBM and the DOH about the government's obligation to healthcare workers.
"Kaya patuloy ko ipapaalala sa kanila kung magkikita kami nang personal ng mga secretaries ng DBM at DOH, ipapaalala ko sa kanila na dapat ibigay nila ito," he affirmed.
In terms of budget allocations, Go said that DBM has released P23.6 billion from this year's budget, with P19.6 billion coming from programmed appropriations and an additional P4 billion from unprogrammed funds. However, this amount still falls short of the total requirement.
The DOH has reported that over P62 billion worth of HEA remains unpaid, with arrears accumulating from 2021 to 2023.
The DOH has recently requested an additional P25.9 billion from the DBM to cover outstanding HEA payments.
"Pero mayroon pa rin mga health workers natin na hindi pa nababayaran ng kanilang HEA, ito yung health emergency allowance. Kaya dapat obligasyon ito ng gobyerno na dapat bayaran ng DOH at ng DBM," said Go.
During the November 8 Senate plenary session where the budget of the DBM was deliberated, Go questioned the delay in the disbursement of the HEA and highlighted its importance in providing financial relief to healthcare workers.
While there are significant concerns about the delays, Go acknowledged the initial steps taken by the authorities.
"Kung kakailangan rin po dahil may mga reklamo… willing po akong magpatawag ng hearing… for the meantime, sinagot na nila na mayroon nang initially na-release na P23.6 billion ngayong taon na ito para sa mga health emergency allowance," Go clarified.
Go also pointed out the need for a comprehensive overview of the distribution process, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of these funds.
"Tingnan po natin kasi may nabalitaan rin po ako may mga na-release na po sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa," Go stated.
In a bid to ensure thoroughness and fairness in the process, Go expressed his intention to request regular updates from the DOH. "Kaya hihingi tayo ng regular na report mula sa DOH," he concluded.