Senatorial aspirant Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito speaks at a political rally in Dagupan City led by incumbent Mayor Brian Lim amid sorties in the vote-rich province of Pangasinan.
MANILA, Philippines — As the Universal Healthcare Law’s principal sponsor and author, former Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said he is running again for the Senate to ensure its full implementation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ejercito said the pandemic has “exacerbated the weaknesses of the country’s healthcare system” and hindered the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Law.
“I feel that it is my mission and obligation to finish and oversee the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Law, especially in its infancy,” he said.
“Kasi noong napasa siya ng 2019, first year of implementation noong 2020, nagkaroon naman ng pandemic. So, that’s why I decided to run,” he added.
The former senator said the country’s healthcare system suffers from three major problems amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic: inadequate healthcare facilities, delayed benefits and privileges for healthcare workers, and mismanagement of the PhilHealth program.
These problems can be addressed through the full implementation of the Universal Healthcare Law, he added.
“I think that this pandemic will be here to stay. Di pa tapos ang laban natin dito. We really have to fight this pandemic together and yung UHC, I think, will help in this fight against the pandemic,” Ejercito said.
Ejercito said he is in the best position to oversee the implementation of the said law amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“As principal sponsor of the UHC, I feel that the wisdom of the principal sponsor will be very helpful as we implement the first few years. Sana po nandun po ang inyong lingkod,” he said.
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