Press Release - Bong Go repeats calls for DOH to fast-track Health Emergency Allowance distribution to qualified health workers

In a Senate hearing on Wednesday, October 2, presided over by Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, he once again made a strong appeal to concerned government agencies, urging them to prioritize the release of the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) for qualified health workers.

Go emphasized the need for the immediate reconciliation of records, predicting that more appeals would arise if these issues were not promptly addressed.

In his opening statement, Go reiterated his concern regarding the long delays in disbursing the allowances, even though funds had already been released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the Department of Health (DOH).

"Marami pa rin po sa ating mga kababayan ang 'di pa po nakakatanggap ng kanilang HEA," Go stated. "Kahit sabihin niyo by October tapos na po ito, bayad na po ito, hindi pa rin po ako makokontento habang ayan, marami pa yan. Pakinggan niyo. 'Di pa ako nagsasalita, 'yan na sinisigaw -- HEA! HEA!," he said, referencing the growing complaints from health workers.

Go then proceeded to show a video documenting the complaints of healthcare workers from Luna, Isabela, and Dasmariñas City, Cavite, among other places.

He then called on the DOH officials present to respond to the complaints. He reminded the officials that it was their responsibility to ensure the full and timely release of the funds, which had already been provided by the DBM.

"Dahil ang pinangako nila before October ends ay matutugunan na po ito. At ni-release naman po ng DBM sa DOH ang pondo," he added.

DOH Undersecretary Achilles Bravo provided an update on the status of the HEA. He explained that a cut-off date had been agreed upon during previous committee hearings, which was set for May 20. At that point, the total requirement for the HEA was PhP103.5 billion, and a shortfall of PhP27 billion was identified.

Thanks to Go's intervention, the shortfall was covered through the release of unprogrammed funds, and as of October 1, the DBM had provided the necessary funds to the DOH's regional offices.

However, some issues persisted, as a portion of the allowances had not yet been fully disbursed due to compliance