A group of health workers gathered on Wednesday morning (Sept. 1) at the Department of Health’s (DOH) central office to call for the release of their special risk allowance (SRA) and other benefits.
A COVID-19 facility nurse in Metro Manila said some of them were able to receive half of their benefits, while other health workers have yet to receive theirs.
“Mga kasama ko, ‘yung mga miyembro ng Filipino Nurses United ay hindi pa nakakatikim man lang ng SRA, lalo na doon sa malalayong lugar sa mga probinsya,” Nicko Gabo said.
“Ang LGUs [local government units] doon hindi pa ibinibigay ang nararapat sa mga nurse,” Gabo added.
Malacaῆang said it respects the protests of health workers, saying that it is their right to air their sentiments. However, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the funds for health workers’ SRA have been released.
“Nagkaroon po ng kaunting delay dahil nga sa pagsusumite ng mga pangalan sa hanay ng mga pribadong ospital, kasi iyong SRA ay ibinigay ng Kongreso sa lahat po ng healthcare workers, hindi lang sa pang-gobyerno,” Roque said.
“Yung ibang benipisyo naman po na nakasaad sa batas, lahat ng iyan ay ibibigay. Pero ang isyu po saan natin kukunin kung kulang na ang pondo,” he added.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the funds have already been released to the healthcare facilities.
Meanwhile, the DBM said the funds for the transportation and meal allowances should come from the DOH. However, securing P13 billion for the said allowances may be a challenge to the agency.
DBM officer-in-charge Tina Canda said a clearance has yet to be issued whether they can release budget on the matter following the request of the DOH.
“Pero in the meantime, hinighlight din namin sa DOH [kung] saan nila pwedeng kuhanin ‘yon in the meantime,” Canda said. – Report from Karen Villanda/AG-bny
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