Fabella workers stage lunch break protest

MANILA, Philippines — Health care workers at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila staged a protest action yesterday as they called for the release of their pandemic benefits.

The protesters staged a demonstration and noise barrage during their lunch break as they called for the release of their special risk allowance, as well as meal, accommodation and transportation (MAT) allowances.

According to the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital Employees Union-Alliance of Health Workers, the Department of Health (DOH) has yet to release P59 million in MAT allowance to Fabella workers.

The union also called for the resignation of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for failing to assist the country’s pandemic-weary frontliners.

Four percent of health workers in the hospital have contracted COVID-19.

Union president Dr. Margarita Esquivel said it is their right to air grievances even as “we see to it that our services are not hampered.”