Bongbong Marcos vows release of healthcare workers’ COVID-19 allowance 

Healthcare workers are visiting remote areas, including Aeta communities, in Zambales province to vaccinate more residents against COVID-19. INQUIRER file photo / Joanna Rose Aglibot

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to release the COVID-19 health emergency allowance for healthcare workers (HCWs) who labored during the pandemic.

During his second State of the Nation Address (Sona), Marcos said he wanted to support the country’s HCWs.

“Upang masuklian naman natin ang naging sakripisyo ng mga health workers—pribado at pampubliko na mga ospital—noong nakaraang pandemya, ipapamahagi na sa kanila ang kanilang COVID health emergency allowance at iba pang nabinbin na benepisyo,” said Marcos during his Sona.

(To give thanks for the sacrifices of healthcare workers—private and public hospitals—during the pandemic, they will be provided the COVID health emergency allowance and other benefits that have been withheld.)

Before the Sona, the Department of Health had ordered the release of P1.94 billion worth of allowances to HCWs.

During his Sona, Marcos said that the government could also deploy a doctor to over 200 municipalities across the country, vowing to provide a doctor for the 19 municipalities without one.

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JPV