Former Sen. JV Ejercito. (EDWIN BACASMAS / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial aspirant and former senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Monday said that if he is elected anew, he will ensure that the Universal Healthcare Law is fully implemented especially as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.
Ejercito, who authored the Universal Healthcare Law, said fully implementing the measure will make crucial healthcare services and facilities accessible to the poor.
“It’s a work in progress. It’s a 10-year program. Kailangan po ang budget mabantayan at ma-oversee natin ang implementation (It’s a work in progress. It’s a 10-year program. We need to monitor its budget and oversee its implementation),” Ejercito said in a statement.
“Kaya nga po na ako’y naglalayon na bumalik sa Senado para po mabantayan ito, lalo na po ngayong panahon ng pandemya. Malaki po ang tulong ng Universal Healthcare Law (We are returning to the Senate so that we can monitor this, especially during this pandemic. Universal Healthcare Law is a big help),” he added.
In addition, Ejercito said he will advocate for the establishment of specialty hospitals in Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
“Sinulong ko ang Universal Healthcare Law para dumating ang panahon na di natin kailangan na hindi na tayo magbebenta ng gamit o magsasangla ng lupa kapag may nagkakasakit. Ang gobyerno na po ang nandiyan para umalalay,”’ Ejercito said.
(I pushed for the Universal Healthcare Law so that there will come a time where we no longer need to sell our belongings and lands when we get sick. The government should be there to assist.)
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Universal Healthcare Law, which seeks to give all Filipinos health care coverage and benefits, in February 2019.
Under the law, Filipinos will be automatically enrolled in the proposed National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) either as direct contributor or indirect contributor.