Earlier release of health emergency allowance hailed

MANILA, Philippines — It has been a familiar scene every time Sen. Bong Go meets with health care workers (HCWs): crowds chanting “HEA! HEA!” and practically begging the government to release their long-overdue Health Emergency Allowance.

In the monthly hearings he initiated as chairman of the Senate committee on health, Go consistently reminded concerned agencies to prioritize the release of HEA as soon as possible.

“It’s health care workers’ money. They worked hard for it,” Go would argue at every hearing.

Each time, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Department of Health (DOH) would assure the lawmaker that they would release the remaining outstanding HEA by 2025.

But yesterday, much earlier than promised, the DBM announced the release of P27 billion to settle all unpaid HEA. This was aligned with President Marcos’ directive to clear all such arrears.

Go expressed his gratitude to DBM and DOH for the development. “At least, they heeded our appeal. The dedication of health care workers during the pandemic will never be forgotten. We will continue working vigorously to ensure that each and every HCW is given support and due recognition,” he said.

While acknowledging the breakthrough, Go also appealed to the DBM and DOH “to intensify their efforts to ensure that no qualified health worker is overlooked. I hope that all obligations will be soon fulfilled.”

“During the past hearings, we have urged the DOH and the DBM to reconcile their records. I kept on telling them they were our heroes during the pandemic. They worked hard for this. For their services rendered, they should be given what’s due to them,” he said. “They shouldn’t be begging for benefits they’re entitled to under the law.”

Representatives from the health care sector were invited during hearings initiated by Go.

Roel Pahati, president of the Makati Medical Center Employees Association and representative for the United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines, at one such hearing expressed his appreciation for Go’s effort.

“We’re so happy. In the three hearings that we attended, Senator Bong made sure we were actively involved,” Pahati said.

In the previous 18th Congress, Go was one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act 11712, which grants benefits and allowances to health care workers during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency in the country, he continues to appeal to the Executive for the release of the pending health emergency allowances for qualified health care workers.

In May 2024, the DOH requested the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) amounting to P27.453 billion to cover 5,039,926 remaining validated unpaid HEA and 4,283 COVID-19 sickness and death compensation claims.

Meanwhile, Go promised to continue advocating for the needs and rights of HCWs, ensuring that their contributions during the pandemic are acknowledged and compensated appropriately.