Go pushes prompt release of HEA

SEN. Bong Go reiterated his appeal for the prompt release of the health emergency allowance (HEA) for health workers who reported to work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, questioned the delay despite the fact that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had already released funds to the Department of Health (DoH).

Health Undersecretary Achilles Bravo said a cut-off date of May 20 had been agreed upon during previous committee hearings.

Sen. Christopher Lawrence «Bong» Go (Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate Social Media Unit)

He added the total requirement for the HEA was P103.5 billion, and a shortfall of P27 billion was identified.

Through Go's intervention, the shortfall was covered with the release of unprogrammed funds, however, compliance issues and liquidation process posed new obstacles.

Go urged the DoH to validate and present these claims in upcoming budget hearings.

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Go reminded the committee that health workers had been at the forefront of the pandemic response and that the government owed them not just gratitude but proper compensation.

Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act 11712, which mandates the provision of additional health emergency allowances for public and private health care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies.