Trillanes ‘deeply saddened’ by Aquino veto of nurses bill

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said he was “deeply saddened” by President Benigno Aquino III’s reported decision to veto a bill that he said could help stop the “mass exodus” of nurses to other countries.

Trillanes was referring to the Comprehensive Nursing Bill, which seeks to upgrade the country’s nursing profession and raise the minimum salary of nurses.

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“As the principal sponsor, I am deeply saddened that the comprehensive nursing bill, which seeks to uplift the welfare of our nurses and professionalize the nursing practice in the country, was vetoed by the President,” he said in a statement.

“This could have been the measure that would improve our healthcare sector and help stop the mass exodus of our nurses to other countries. Regardless, be assured that we will re-file the bill and continue to push for its passage in the next Congress,” the senator added.

The 17th Congress will open on July 25. JE/rga