Various health workers from public and private hospitals in Metro Manila have decried the non-release of their benefits as Bayanihan to Recover as One Act 2 (Bayanihan 2) ended.
According to the Alliance of Health Workers, as of June 30, some health workers from public hospitals only got 30 percent of the funds recalled from the DOH for their meal, accommodation, and transportation (MAT) benefits for the period of September to December 2020.
The other 70 percent of the budget left intended for health workers' accommodation and transportation allowance "were withheld by the DOH," while January to June 2021 MAT benefits "are yet to be released."
“Worse, our fellow health workers from the private and LGUs did not receive their MAT benefit covering the period from September-December 19, 2020. We call on the DOH to stop deceiving and dividing us, release the remaining budget for our accommodation and transportation so as the MAT of private and LGU health workers.” Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center Employees Union-AHW president Cristy Donguines said.
Donguines added that health workers from private hospitals and local government units have yet to receive their Special Risk Allowance.
AHW national president Robert Mendoza called on the DOH and the national government to "be true to their words in calling modern days heroes by resolving ."
"We have been deeply demoralized by the failure and negligence of this government in addressing our just demands. The meager and supposedly an added COVID-19 related benefits that we truly deserve, cannot even provide us equally and morally. These benefits should be continuously provided to us until the state of national emergency persists," Mendoza added.
“We, health workers are committed to continually serve our patients wholeheartedly. And today, we are united with our call to hold DOH Secretary Duque and Duterte administration accountable for their continued neglect and violation of our rights."
The DOH in June said that the hazard pay and special risk allowance for health workers from January to June are still being processed by the Department of Budget and Management.