HOUSE ‘YOUNG GUNS’ HAIL PBBM’S RELEASE OF P27.4-B COVID-19 ALLOWANCE FOR HEALTH WORKERS

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — The so-called “Young Guns” in the House of Representatives composed of young and visionary lawmakers on Sunday (07 July 2024) praised President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for releasing the P27.4 billion in unpaid COVID-19 health emergency allowance (HEA) claims owed to healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Reps. Jay Khonghun of Zambales, Paolo Ortega V of La Union, Rodge Gutierrez of 1-Rider Partylist, Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol Partylist, Mika Suansing of Nueva Ecija, Joel Chua of Manila, Migs Nograles of PBA Partylist, Cheeno Miguel Almario of Davao Oriental, Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, and Inno Dy V of Isabela welcomed the move. 

“We are very happy that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the allowance release for our health workers. This decision demonstrates his commitment to supporting those on our healthcare system’s front lines. By providing this financial assistance, the government acknowledges the vital contributions of our healthcare workers and helps alleviate some of the burdens they face,” said Khonghun, chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion. 

Ortega, an Assistant Majority Leader, commended President Marcos for ensuring the release of long-awaited benefits for healthcare workers during the pandemic.

“We thank the President for consistently recognizing and reciprocating our health workers’ selfless sacrifices and invaluable service. Their contributions during the pandemic were truly invaluable. We must honor their dedication by ensuring they receive the support and appreciation they rightfully deserve,” Ortega emphasized.

Gutierrez, a lawyer, expressed relief that the funds were finally released. “We appreciate the President’s dedicated efforts to compensate our health workers, who have made tremendous sacrifices, including laying down their lives so that others may live. This underscores the President’s steadfast commitment to championing the interests and welfare of our healthcare heroes.”

“Kudos to President BBM and DBM Sec. Pangandaman! They just helped families of our frontline health workers cope with the never-ending problem of recurring inflation. Now they can use the money for whatever needs their family members have,” Bongalon, a lawyer, remarked. 

“We will fully support our hardworking health care workers. Like everyone else, they are facing the same challenges as the rest of the population. It is fortunate that the government has been able to improve their situation with the order of the President to release the allowance,” Suansing, an Assistant Majority Leader, said. 

Chua was glad that “the government was able to release the funds.”

“The financial support will uplift the spirits of health care workers and ensure they can continue making essential contributions during these challenging times,” Chua said. 

“Our unsung heroes during the two-year pandemic can now finally breathe a sigh of relief with the release of their allowances,” remarked Nograles, a Deputy Majority Leader who also practices law. “The release is very significant in alleviating the burdens faced by our dedicated health care workers, whose relentless efforts have been crucial in battling the challenges of the pandemic.”

Almario said “the allowance will significantly boost their morale and enable them to sustain their vital services to the community.”

“We owe our health workers a lot in terms of taking care of our COVID-stricken fellow kababayans. And they fully deserve all this remuneration,” Almario said. 

Adiong, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation, emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive assistance to healthcare workers who have demonstrated unwavering commitment and sacrifice in serving the nation.

“Our health workers deserve all the support they can receive, particularly from the government, to whom they have diligently paid taxes and gone beyond the call of duty,” Adiong said.

Dy, also Deputy Majority Leader, highlighted the significance of the fund release, saying, “This support is crucial for our health workers who can now address various needs. I hope this will be given immediately to the beneficiaries so that they can allocate these resources to ensure their children are ready for the upcoming school term by purchasing essential school supplies. Additionally, they can provide medications for their elderly family members or ensure food is on their tables.”

“These funds aim to alleviate financial pressures and enable health workers to focus on their crucial roles in healthcare delivery,” Dy said. 

The amount, released last Friday to the Department of Health through Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, will cover the arrears in HEA, and will cover as well the payment of Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) of eligible health and non-healthcare workers. 

PHEBA includes Special Risk Allowance (SRA), compensation for COVID-19 sickness and death, and additional benefits like meals, accommodation and transportation allowances for healthcare workers.

The fund is expected to compensate a total of 5,039,926 unpaid HEA and 4,283 COVID-19 Sickness and Death Compensation claims. 

The DBM approved the release of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the purpose amounting to P27.453 billion on July 5. 

(el Amigo/mnm)