Benhur’s health program needs MOA with hospitals

CEBU, Philippines -  Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro has kept himself off from disbursing the funds of fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon for the congressman’s health assistance program deposited in the municipality during the previous administration.

But Corro belied reports that he stopped the payment of hospital bills for the Benhur Health Card program saying he is just looking for the guidelines in the disbursement of the funds.

“Nangutana lang ko niana nga unsa may guidelines ana nga sila man diay magpili og kinsa’y hatagan niana, kinsa’y maka-avail ana,” Corro told The Freeman.

Salimbangon deposited funds to the local government units of Daanbantayan, Medellin and Bantayan after health card holders were reportedly denied at the province-owned district hospitals when Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale assumed as acting governor when then governor Gwendolyn Garcia was suspended for six months.

Magpale belongs to the Liberal Party while Salimbangon belongs to One Cebu.

Salimbangon gave P1.25 million to Daanbantayan whose mayor then was Maria Luisa Loot, an ally of Salimbangon, for patients in the district hospital of the town.

Corro of LP said that he was informed that no memorandum of agreement has been entered into by Salimbangon and Loot in relation to the disbursement of funds.

This prompted Corro to refer the matter to the Commission on Audit which in return told him that a MOA is needed.  Corro said that Association of Barangay Council president, town councilor Rex Novabos, suggested him to talk with Salimbangon on the matter which he agreed.

“Why not? I’m waiting for that,” Corro said.

The Freeman failed to reach Salimbangon for comment.

In the meantime, Corro said that he refrain from signing any papers for the payments of hospitals bills charged to Salimbangon’s fund in the absence of a MOA.

“Giunsa man na nila pag-facilitate ana in the absence of the MOA?” Corro asked.

Corro stressed that he cannot be in the position to approve any payments in the absence of the MOA.  Corro added that if the program resumes, he would want that anyone can avail of the assistance.   (FREEMAN)