The Department of Health (DOH) was given 10 days to pay healthcare workers who have yet to receive their benefits such as special risk allowance (SRA) and Active Hazard Duty Pay (AHDP).
In a pre-recorded public address aired on Saturday (Aug. 21), President Rodrigo Duterte directed DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III to use its available funds, including funds from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
“Iyong mga nagrereklamong frontliners about their allowances, or about whatever, pati itong volunteers na [nagbabakuna], I am ordering Sec. Duque, bayaran mo. Use whatever money there is,” Duterte said.
“Itong naghawak ng pera, DBM, I’m giving you 10 days [to release the money]. Ibigay mo ‘yung pera kay Sec. Duque tapos bayaran niya,” he added.
In a report, the DOH said insufficient documents delayed the distribution of benefits to other healthcare workers.
The DOH also requested an additional P3.6 million for the COVID-19 response of the Health department, which will cover vaccinators’ and additional 4,800 health workers’ funding for the national vaccination program.
Meanwhile, the DBM assured that funds are made available for the requests of the DOH.
“Iyong sa vaccinators, part of that, mayroon kaming nakitang P1.6 billion sa DOH pertaining to 2020 na hindi nila nagamit. Nandoon lang naman iyon, pwede nilang gamitin iyon,” DBM Undersecretary Tina Rose Canda said. – Report from Mark Fetalco / CF -rir
