Following the scrutiny of its budget, the Department of Health (DOH) has requested an additional Php 10 billion-budget during the deliberation at the Senate on Friday.
Under the 2021 National Expenditure Program, the health facilities enhancement program of the department only got an approved budget allocation of Php 4.7 billion from its requested Php 45 billion.
The program is meant to upgrade health facilities, including small health centers and military hospitals, to provide quality health care services to more Filipinos.
“As a consequence to the reduction of the allocation, our goal to the COVID-19 responses and UHC will be significantly affected with delays in the functionality…due to lack of infra and equipment,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III claimed.
The DOH also reported that a study will be conducted in one community in the country regarding the rapid antigen COVID-19 for border screening. Everyone entering a city or municipality might get tested once antigen testing is approved.
A detailed review will be undertaken on the matter due to its low sensitivity rate which could result in false positive among asymptomatic patients.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) was also present in the hearing for its Php 22.5 billion proposed budget. Congressman Edcel Lagman questioned why Lance Cpl. Joseph Pemberton did not get through the Board of Pardons and Parole. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra explained that he sees nothing wrong with the move of President Rodrigo Duterte as he was only “exercising the power granted to him by the Constitution.”
“Kahit nga hindi na-process ng (Even if it was not processed by the) Board of Pardons and Parole, it is my opinion that the President may still grant executive clemency),” Guevarra added. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio
