Concerned officials of the Department of Health (DOH) must hasten the release of benefits to healthcare workers or else risk possible suspension from office, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque has reminded the health officials about the suspension of some personnel over the delayed release of the workers' benefits last year.
"Heads have rolled when the benefits for medical frontliners were in fact delayed. Individuals were suspended by the Ombudsman," Roque said over ANC Television Wednesday, Feb. 10.
"And I think people in the health department should learn by way of example that if they don’t want to suffer the same fate, then they have to pay out soon," he added.
Roque said he has already reached out to the DOH's finance section to verify recent reports of alleged delay in the release of benefits intended for workers. "We’re reminding them that people have been suspended for the delay and that more people might be suspended unless it is forthcoming. But let’s give them time to answer first," he said.
Last October, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered a six-month preventive suspension on five DOH officials over alleged failure to immediately release of benefits of health workers during the pandemic. The health department has promised to find solutions to improve the delivery of services, particularly in the release of COVID-19 hazard pay and other benefits to health workers.