In adherence with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to settle all unpaid arrears for the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) of healthcare workers, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman announced that around P27 billion shall be released by the DBM for the purpose by Friday, 05 July 2024.
It can be recalled that in May this year, the Department of Health (DOH) officially requested for the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) amounting to P27.453 billion to cover payment of 5,039,926 remaining validated unpaid HEA and 4,283 COVID-10 Sickness and Death Compensation claims of eligible healthcare and non-healthcare workers.
The same amount was represented to the Senate during the May 20 hearing and likewise proposed by the DOH for inclusion in their FY 2025 National Expenditure Program.
“Bilang pagtupad po sa direktiba ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, we will release the additional P27 billion requested by DOH for the settlement of unpaid HEA claims of our healthcare workers by Friday, July 5, 2024. This is a promise fulfilled. Kahit sa 2025 pa ito hinihiling ng DOH, sinikap po ng DBM na mas maaga itong tuparin, dahil deserve po ito ng ating mga manggagawa sa health sector,” Secretary Mina assured.
To date, the DBM has released P91.283 billion to the DOH for the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA), covering all benefits for healthcare workers from 2021 to 2023. Of this amount, P73.261 billion has been allocated specifically for HEA.
PHEBA includes Special Risk Allowance (SRA), compensation for COVID-19 sickness and death, and additional benefits like meals, accommodation, and transportation allowances for healthcare workers. (PR)