Health workers hold protest vs government, DOH

MANILA, Philippines — Health care workers yesterday protested for a living wage, job security, mass hiring of workers and the release of unpaid benefits.

Workers also lamented the low budget for public hospitals.

“Today, we are one with the Filipino people in commemorating National Heroes Day – to honor the bravery of all the heroes of the country who have fought and struggled for our freedom,” Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) public relations officer Benjamin Santos said yesterday at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City.

More than a year after President Marcos lifted the state of public health emergency, several health workers in local government units and private hospitals have yet to fully receive their health emergency allowances.

“Where is the P27-billion budget released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for health workers’ HEA?” the AHW asked.

Marcos’ issuance of Executive Order 64, which updated the salaries of government workers, is demoralizing, insulting and stingy, according to National Kidney and Transplant Institute Employees Association-AHW president Edwin Pacheco.

Health workers urged the Department of Health and DBM to immediately release their performance-based bonus for 2021-2023.