Duterte seeks understanding from health workers over delayed benefits

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte appealed for understanding from health workers over the delay in the release of their benefits amid the COVID-19 pandemic since it s not the only issue that requires funding from the government.

“Gusto ko rin mapaabot sa ating mga health workers, alam mo sa totoo lang, kung may pera lang talaga, kung may pera lang, hindi namin pigilan, ibigay namin lahat yan. Tutal anuhin naman namin yang pera sa kamay namin?” Duterte said in a taped address aired Wednesday morning.

(To all our health workers, to be honest, if we really have the money, we will give it all to you. Besides, what are we going to do with the money in our hands?)

“Give us time to adjust to the finances because the fluctuation of events hindi natin malaman. Kagaya nito, bigla nalang. Sino ba nag-akala na merong pandemya?” he went on.

Some 200 nurses and other health workers in protective suits stage a “sit-down protest’’ outside the Department of Health main office in Manila on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, the day the Bayanihan 2 stimulus spending law lapsed. The workers are demanding the release of their benefits, including a monthly P3,000 COVID-19 hazard pay. INQUIRER/RICHARD A. REYES

(Give us time to adjust to the finances because the fluctuation of events is uncertain. Just like the pandemic, it was so sudden. Who knew there would be a pandemic?)

Duterte said this is why some government projects were put “on deck” to allocate its funds for the country’s COVID-19 response.

“Biglaan na lang, tapos kayo nagrereklamo. Di ko naman sinasabi na mali yan. Tama yan, kaya lang kaunting pag-unawa po. Kung meron lang talaga, bakit namin hindi ibigay? Anuhin namin ang pera, hindi naman amin?” Duterte said.

(It was so sudden and now you’re complaining. I’m not saying you’re wrong. You’re actually right but I appeal for understanding. If we have funds, why would we withhold it? What would we do with money that’s not ours?)

“You would be first to benefit especially during this time. But the problem is there are other expenses of government other than the health concerns. So yun sana ho maintindihan ninyo kami (I hope you understand).”

Protest staged by health care workers from different hospitals against DOH Secretary Francisco Duque last September 1, 2021.  (Screengrab from Radyo Inquirer)

Despite the release of some P14.3-billion for the special risk allowance (SRA) and hazard pay of health workers, several groups of medical frontliners said they still have not received the benefits promised under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2.

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