By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Wednesday (18 December 2024) criticized the Duterte administration for failing to address long-standing inefficiencies in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), saying it neglected to update benefit case rates and strengthen the agency during a public health emergency.
“Siguro sa pang-unawa natin sa problema sa PhilHealth, nakita natin na hindi ho nagsimula ang problema na ito sa nakaraang taon lang kundi nandun na po yung problema na ito dahil napabayaan na po ang PhilHealth ng mga naunang administrasyon,” Acidre said during a press briefing at the House of Representatives.
Acidre emphasized that for 12 years, PhilHealth’s benefit case rates were left unchanged, even as inflation and healthcare costs rose significantly.
“Labing dalawang taon po, na hindi ni-review ang ating case rates ng PhilHealth. Since 2012, kung ano yung binabayaran ng PhilHealth sa bawat pagkakasakit at bawat package, yun pa rin ang binabayaran for the next 12 years until February of this year,” he said.
He noted that this period included the Duterte administration, which had six years to address the issue but failed to do so.
“Sa buong anim na taon, lalong-lalo na ng Duterte administration… sana naging masigasig ang unang administrasyon sa pag-update ng ating PhilHealth packages,” Acidre said.
Another major issue highlighted by Acidre was the instability in PhilHealth’s leadership during the Duterte presidency, where six different officials headed the agency in six years.
“Anim na taon po nakaupo si Duterte, anim din ang kanyang naging Pangulo ng PhilHealth,” he pointed out.
“Napakahirap na magkaroon ng isang Presidente ng PhilHealth every year,” he added.
Acidre also criticized the decision to triple the salaries of PhilHealth executives during the pandemic while members received no corresponding increase in benefits.
“Nakita ko tumaas ang sweldo ng mga Executive Officers ng PhilHealth. Nung panahon ng pandemic, imagine niyo po, ‘yung benefits natin hindi lumaki, pero ang sweldo ng mga taga-PhilHealth na executive officers nag-triple po,” he said.
Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon, who was also present during the press briefing, called on PhilHealth to act as a healthcare provider rather than a business enterprise.
“I would like to emphasize that it’s now the best time for PhilHealth to act as a health insurer. Hindi naman sila negosyo. Sinasabi nga ng ating kasamahan, this is not a business enterprise, you’re a service provider and therefore act as such,” Bongalon said.
Bongalon noted that PhilHealth’s significant reserve and surplus funds should be redirected toward improving healthcare coverage and reducing the financial burden on members.
“They have P150 billion in surplus. They have P280 billion in reserve fund. Meron pa silang investable fund na P490 billion as of November 2024,” he said.
He stressed that PhilHealth must prioritize expanding benefits rather than focusing on its investments.
“Hindi naman natin priority ang investment. Priority natin ang expansion of healthcare benefits para sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino,” Bongalon added.
Acidre said the inefficiencies in PhilHealth’s system have led to frustration among members, who feel their premium contributions are not being maximized.
“Nagkaroon ng dissatisfaction at frustration ang mga tao kasi hindi po nagre-reflect sa benepisyo nila ang perang binabayaran nila as premium,” he explained.
He added that during the pandemic, PhilHealth’s shortcomings left many Filipinos unable to access their benefits.
“Kailangan hong may managot. Kasi po, marami pong kababayan natin ang nagkasakit, hindi ho nakakuha ng benepisyo nila,” Acidre said.
Bongalon pointed out that under the law, PhilHealth has a clear mandate to lower premium contributions if its funds are more than sufficient.
“Sinasabi rin sa batas na kung sobra-sobra ang pera ng PhilHealth, isa sa mga dapat gagawin ay babaan ang PhilHealth contribution,” Bongalon said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Tingog Partylist Representative Jude Acidre defended the PhilHealth-DBP-Tingog Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Rural Hospital Financing Program, calling it a vital initiative to address the healthcare needs of underserved communities nationwide.
“This initiative—the PhilHealth-DBP-Tingog Memorandum of Agreement on the Rural Hospital Financing Program—was designed as a lifeline for LGU-owned hospitals in rural areas, where healthcare is often more of a distant hope than a present reality,” Acidre said.
Acidre highlighted the pressing state of the country’s healthcare system, citing a study that shows a significant shortage of hospital beds nationwide. “Let me repeat: currently, we only have one hospital bed for nearly 230,000 Filipinos,” he stressed, underscoring how far the country lags behind the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended ratio.
The program, he explained, aims to bridge this gap by providing local government units (LGUs) with the resources to upgrade and develop hospitals in underserved areas. He clarified Tingog’s role in the initiative, refuting allegations of partisanship or misuse of funds. “TINGOG’s role is simple and clear: advocacy and assistance. We don’t handle the funds. We don’t choose which LGUs participate. All we’re doing is lending a hand to LGUs—especially in rural areas—that lack the technical capacity to navigate these processes on their own.”
Acidre further reassured that the program adheres to strict legal and transparency requirements. “The funds are managed by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and PhilHealth—both government institutions with strict guidelines,” he said. He added that participating LGUs must comply with the Government Procurement Reform Act and existing Commission on Audit (COA) protocols to ensure accountability.
Responding to accusations of politicization, Acidre urged critics to focus on the real struggles faced by rural communities. “When we visit rural areas, we don’t see party affiliations. We see mothers traveling kilometers to reach the nearest hospital. We see children being treated in overcrowded wards. We see doctors and nurses trying their best to save lives with limited resources.”
He emphasized that the program complements the Universal Health Care Act (UHC) by laying the foundation for healthcare access. “Universal healthcare sounds great on paper, but it can’t succeed without the infrastructure to back it up. How can PhilHealth reimburse hospitals if there are no hospitals to begin with? How can we achieve universal healthcare when rural hospitals are severely underfunded, outdated, and unable to serve their communities?”
Acidre also called on Congress to support reforms that will strengthen PhilHealth’s transparency and efficiency, urging critics to shift from accusations to meaningful action. “To those who are quick to accuse: What have you done to address these inequalities? What solutions have you offered? If the answer is nothing, then I invite you to join us and be part of the solution. Let’s work together to bridge the gap and ensure that all Filipinos—especially those in rural areas—can access the healthcare they need and deserve.”
He concluded by reaffirming Tingog Partylist’s dedication to serving the Filipino people. “This isn’t about TINGOG. This isn’t about politics. This is about doing what’s right for the people we serve. No matter what challenges we face, you can count on Tingog Partylist to remain true to our commitment to serve—always listening and always serving!”
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA—Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre has expressed his solidarity with over a hundred families who gathered at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, to seek answers and accountability through the ongoing investigation by the House Quad-Committee into extrajudicial killings (EJKs) linked to the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The inquiry was highlighted by the appearance of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, a moment that families saw as a crucial step toward transparency and justice.
Before the hearing, families, together with several lawmakers, attended a Holy Mass to honor their loved ones lost during the anti-drug campaign.
Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list, Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women’s Party-list, Rep. Raoul Manuel of Kabataan Party-list, and former Kabataan Party-list Representative Sarah Elago joined the families in their pursuit of truth and justice. For many, the hearing offered renewed hope and a platform to seek long-awaited answers.
Malyn Alameda, who lost her partner in 2017, shared the difficulties of raising her children alone. “To be honest, when it happened, he was the head of our family, the one who supported us. I really struggled. At that time, I was pregnant with our fourth child. Even after it happened, I didn’t know what we were going to do. We were scared, and we couldn’t trust anyone,” she said.
Alameda also expressed how the hearing revived her hope: “We feel somewhat encouraged that hearings are taking place in the Senate and here in Congress regarding the drug war. I truly believe that Duterte has something to do with what happened in the war on drugs.” Reflecting on Duterte’s presence, she added, “Just the fact that former President Duterte showed up answers many of the questions we’ve had about what happened to us in the EJK.”
Another family member, Weena Alamo, whose brother was killed in a 2017 police operation, shared the challenges her family faced and the strength they found in coming together with other families. “Even a little bit of justice, even if it’s not fully realized, at least there is someone guiding us,” she said, expressing hope that the truth might eventually emerge. “I hope the truth comes out. After all this time, maybe it’s still possible. But I hope it happens soon.”
Rep. Jude Acidre commended the courage of these families and reaffirmed his support for the Quad-Committee’s investigation.
“This inquiry isn’t just about finding answers — it’s about recognizing the strength of families who have endured unimaginable loss yet continue to hope,” he shared. “To these families, you are not alone. Your pain, your resilience, and your voices are heard. I stand beside you, committed to supporting your journey toward justice and healing. May this be a step toward the peace and recognition you deserve,” Acidre said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Partylist Representative Jude Acidre has challenged former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to appear before the House Quad Committee following Duterte’s recent Senate testimony about his anti-drug campaign.
Acidre criticized Duterte’s defiant stance, insisting he must answer for the consequences of his actions. He also called on Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to recuse himself from the Senate inquiry due to his deep involvement in Duterte’s policies.
“Duterte’s admissions about his ‘death squad’ and his disturbing willingness to command extrajudicial killings reveal a leader with no regard for human life,” Acidre stated. “It’s appalling that he continues to hide behind a tough-on-crime persona, leaving a trail of bloodshed in his wake.”
During the recent Senate hearing, Duterte, who assumed the presidency in 2016 with a promise to extend his Davao City anti-crime approach nationwide, admitted to directing a group to eliminate perceived threats.
He also disclosed that he instructed the police to provoke suspects into confrontations to justify their killings, defiantly stating, “Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do.”
Acidre emphasized that Dela Rosa’s role in the Senate probe represents “a glaring conflict of interest.”
“His complicity in these policies undermines any attempt at impartiality. This investigation should be about justice for the families who lost loved ones, not about shielding those in power from accountability,” Acidre said.
He underscored the need for a transparent inquiry, stressing that justice for the victims must be the primary focus.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Tingog Partylist, led by Representatives Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre, in collaboration with House Speaker Martin Romualdez, recently distributed financial assistance to 3,300 individuals at the KCC Mall in Zamboanga City as part of the government’s “Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita” (AKAP) program.
Each beneficiary received ₱3,000 on Monday, October 28, 2024, to help cover essential needs.
Rep. Yedda Romualdez emphasized the importance of the AKAP program, stating, “Today’s distribution of financial assistance is a vital step in addressing the immediate needs of our community.”
She added, “Each ₱3,000 provided is meant to ease the challenges families face, ensuring they have the support necessary to navigate these difficult times. Our commitment to serving the Filipino people remains strong, and we will continue to work tirelessly to create opportunities for everyone to thrive.”
Rep. Jude Acidre echoed this sentiment, saying, “This initiative is a testament to our dedication to uplifting the lives of our people. Tingog Partylist will continue to advocate for the needs of every Filipino, ensuring support is always within reach.”
The event was also attended by local leaders, including House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Representative Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, and Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe, who both underscored the collaborative efforts between local government and Tingog Partylist to effectively serve the community.
Tingog Partylist remains dedicated to providing essential support to Filipinos, reaffirming its commitment to serve and uplift every community member, “Dahil ang Tingog Partylist ay palaging nakikinig at nagsisilbi.”
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In response to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to evacuate Filipinos from war-torn Lebanon “by whatever means,” Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre joined government officials on October 26, 2024, to welcome 290 Filipinos who were safely repatriated.
Acidre, chair of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, assured the returning Filipinos at NAIA Terminal 1 that Tingog Party-list remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare and safety of Filipinos abroad.
“Our Overseas Filipino Workers are the backbone of many communities, and their safety remains a priority,” Acidre said.
The group of 290 repatriates includes 233 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) accompanied by 13 dependents and 21 other Filipinos with 23 dependents. They were brought home via a chartered government flight arranged by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in close collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Ankara.
“Tingog Party-list, alongside our partner agencies, is dedicated to providing essential support for our repatriated Filipinos and their families to ensure a safe and smooth transition back home,” Acidre stated.
He added that their successful return highlights strong inter-agency coordination to ensure that all Filipinos seeking assistance can make it home without delay.
“I commend President Bongbong Marcos for his unwavering commitment to our OFWs’ welfare, which has been instrumental in facilitating this repatriation effort,” Acidre said.
In addition to safe passage home, repatriates will receive support to help them reintegrate into their communities. Each repatriate will be provided financial aid, including Php 75,000 from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund, Php 75,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Php 20,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Additional services include free medical consultations, psychological support, and access to livelihood programs through the Department of Health (DOH), TESDA, and other agencies.
Acidre shared that Tingog Party-list has prepared a comprehensive aid package to support these modern-day heroes and their families. This includes financial assistance through the “Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita” (AKAP) program, educational support under the CHED Tulong Dunong Program, and a livelihood package to assist in setting up small businesses to facilitate smooth reintegration.
Since October 2023, the Philippine government’s voluntary repatriation program has safely brought home 903 OFWs and 47 dependents from Lebanon in response to increased regional tensions. The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Beirut continues to support 69 Filipinos in temporary shelters, providing essential care as they await their return.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Tingog Partylist, led by Rep. Yedda Romualdez and Rep. Jude Acidre, commemorates its 12th anniversary, marking over a decade of dedicated service, advocacy, and community engagement.
Originally founded in Leyte as Tingog Leytehon in 2012, it has since evolved to serve the entire Eastern Visayas as Tingog Sinirangan. Following its success in the 2019 elections, it has expanded its reach nationwide, to further champion the voices of marginalized communities by bringing government services closer to people, as Tingog Partylist.
“As we celebrate this anniversary, we reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges we’ve faced. Our commitment to serving the people remains unwavering, and we look forward to continuing our work to uplift communities and empower individuals,” Rep. Yedda Romualdez stated.
Tingog Partylist stands firm in its advocacy for socio-economic development, social justice, and human rights, with a strong focus on the rights of women and children, access to healthcare, and education.
Since its establishment, Tingog Partylist has proposed over 500 bills, many of which have been signed into law. Reflecting its dedication to meaningful legislative action, some notable laws include:
RA 11510 (Institutionalizing Alternative Learning System in the Basic Education for out-of-school children and adults): Providing timely support for the basic learning needs of out-of-school children, including indigenous peoples and adults in special cases.
RA 11648 (Statutory Rape Amending RAs 3815 and 7610 of RPC and SPC):
Providing a stronger protection against rape and sexual exploitation and abuse, increasing the age for determining the commission of statutory rape.
RA 11934 (Sim Card Registration Act): A measure aimed at curbing cybercriminal activities.
RA 11967 (Internet Transactions Act): Protecting online consumers and merchants engaged in e-commerce.
RA 11983 (New Philippine Passport Act): Streamlining the processes for issuing and renewing Philippine passports.
These legislative efforts underscore Tingog Partylist’s commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos and ensuring that essential rights and services are accessible to all.
In addition to its significant legislative achievements, Tingog Partylist is actively responding to the needs of communities affected by natural disasters. Tingog has consistently mobilized assistance for victims of calamities, including the recent typhoons Carina, Enteng, and Julian, as well as major fire incidents in Tondo, Cavite, and Muntinlupa.
Tingog Partylist has established strong partnerships with government agencies, working closely with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to extend financial assistance through programs Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).
The party also collaborates with the Department of Health (DOH) to provide essential healthcare assistance to those in need.
To enhance accessibility to essential services, Tingog Partylist has partnered with various district representatives to establish Tingog Centers. Currently, there are 140 operational Tingog Centers, providing vital support to the Filipino people.
By prioritizing both legislative initiatives and community support, Tingog Partylist continues to demonstrate its dedication to improving the lives of Filipinos, ensuring that help is always at hand during times of crisis.
“This milestone is not just a celebration of our past but also a commitment to our future. We are dedicated to creating more opportunities for dialogue and collaboration among the people we serve, ensuring that every voice is heard,” Rep. Jude Acidre noted.
As Tingog Partylist celebrates its 12th anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment, not only to the people of Leyte and Eastern Visayas, but to all Filipinos across the nation. With deep gratitude for the support received over the years, Tingog is eager to embark on new initiatives that will further strengthen its advocacy and impact for inclusive and sustainable development.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With 3.5 million Filipinos lacking birth certificates, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre is pushing for the swift passage of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Bill, also known as House Bill 9572.
“This bill is especially crucial for Filipinos who, due to various circumstances, were not registered at birth. Delayed birth registration must be accessible to all, free from bureaucratic hurdles and financial burden,” Acidre emphasized.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 3.5 million Filipinos lack birth certificates, many of whom are from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“We must recognize that many unregistered individuals come from marginalized communities. They often face challenges such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and disability. By making the birth registration process responsive and accessible, we can address these disparities and ensure that no one is left behind,” Acidre noted.
He explained that a comprehensive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system in the Philippines will ensure that every Filipino is recorded and documented.
“By ensuring that every birth is registered, we are laying the foundation for a society where everyone can exercise their rights and access essential services,” Acidre said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — “Look who’s talking.”
This was the gist of the reactions of Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre to the claim of feisty former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte that he was a victim of “political persecution.”
The Tacloban local chief executive, who is a cousin of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, said the Taclobanons would rather gather to celebrate the feast of Santo Niño than listen to the “blasphemous” protests led by Duterte.
“There are many religious people here. They know there will be cussing. They don’t want that,” Romualdez said.
It can be recalled that during the height of his popularity, Duterte cursed and called God “stupid” because of the biblical story about the creation of Adam and Eve.
Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre echoed Romualdez’s apprehension, saying there were more curses than prayers in previous rallies led by Duterte.
In an open letter addressed to Taclobanons, Duterte charged the Marcos administration with efforts to stop the holding of the Maisug rally, which was initially slated for May 25 at the Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Plaza.
“As part of the Marcos administration’s policy of stifling peaceful dissent, they are doing everything to prevent this rally from happening,” Duterte ranted.
Mayor Romualdez, husband of former sexy star Cristina Gonzales, is also a cousin of the President.
He denied Duterte’s allegations, saying the event was canceled due to the onslaught of Typhoon Aghon.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Representative, Jude Acidre, on Saturday (30 March 2024) criticized the recent Pulse Asia survey on Charter change (Cha-cha) as “malicious” and “unfair.”
The survey, conducted from March 6 to 10, indicated that 88 percent of respondents were against any alterations to the 1987 Constitution, while only eight percent favored amendments.
Acidre argued that the survey’s questions and scenarios were designed to instill fear among Filipinos regarding Cha-cha, rendering the results invalid, unfair, and irrelevant to the current context.
He pointed out that the 1,200 respondents’ negative responses were influenced by politically charged questions concerning the extension of terms for national and local elective positions, a shift from a bicameral to unicameral legislature, a transition from a presidential to a parliamentary system, and a change from a unitary to a federal system.
“These political-themed amendments were not included in Resolution of Both Houses No. 7, which aims to relax restrictions on the economic provisions of the Charter. They were not discussed during our extensive deliberations in the House because they were never part of our agenda,” Acidre emphasized.
Meanwhile, a recent survey conducted by Tangere, showed that a good majority, or 52% of Filipinos favored Charter change.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that it was only Senate interpretation that the two houses of Congress shall vote separately, House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre stressed on Thursday (22 Feb 2024) that the 1987 Constitution does not mandate separate voting for the proposed amendments of the 1987 Constitution.
“Ang voting separately, dinagdag po ‘yun ng Senado kung anong nakasulat sa Saligang Batas. Tayo po [sa House of Representatives] we stand with what’s written in the Constitution,” Acidre said in a press conference.
The Tingog party-list lawmaker cited Section 1, Article XVII (Amendments and Revisions) of the Constitution, which states that “Any amendment to, or revision of, the Constitution may be proposed by: 1) The Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its members…”
“Kinopya lang po natin doon, pagpapakita po na ang House ay sumusunod po sa pangkasalukuyang Saligang Batas ng bansa,” Acidre maintained.
Earlier, former Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said that if the House refuses to concede and insists on “voting jointly” in amending the Charter, then “any member of Congress or any tax payer can now go to SC to raise the question.”
“Supreme Court ang dapat na arbiter dito,” Carpio said.
(el Amigo/MNM))