Marikina City Representative Stella Quimbo on Friday filed a resolution seeking an inquiry on the alleged failure of the Department of Health (DOH) to release the benefits and allowances of private medical workers.
State auditors earlier flagged the DOH over several deficiencies in its utilization of P67.32 billion in COVID-19 funds, mainly due to non-compliance with laws, rules, and regulations in the transfer of funds.
“P13.5 billion pesos was appropriated for these allowances and benefits under Bayanihan 2. Dapat siguraduhin natin na ang bawat piso na inilatag dito ay napunta sa kanila,” Quimbo said in a statement.
(P13.5 billion pesos were appropriated for these allowances and benefits under Bayanihan 2. We should ensure that each peso will be delivered to them.)
According to the Commission on Audit, allotments totaling P11.89 billion remained unobligated as of December 31 last year.
In its management letter, the DOH also said a “large percentage” of the P11.89 billion unobligated allotment came from Bayanihan 2 funds, “wherein material amount is allocated for the health-related responses such as provision of Special Risk Allowance and Active Hazard Duty Pay, among others.”
Numerous healthcare worker groups have repeatedly said that they have yet to receive their special risk allowance.
The resolution also seeks the immediate payment of said benefits and allowances to all eligible healthcare workers.
Quimbo said the House of Representatives should hold the DOH accountable.
“The DOH should determine the reasons for such failure and identify viable solutions to give healthcare workers the benefits due to them,” she said.
“Ito ay para masigurado na mabilis na makakarating sa ating frontliners ang pondong nakalaan para sa kanila,” she added.
(This is to ensure that the funds will immediately reach our frontliners.)
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier insisted that the questioned transfer of funds to partner agencies had memorandums of agreement and other supporting documents. — DVM, GMA News
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