President Duterte has assured medical frontliners that the government will do its best to protect and incentivize them for their hard work and sacrifice amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Duterte made the statement after several groups of medical professionals particularly from private hospitals complained about the non-release of their special risk allowance (SRA) and the removal of other benefits.
His assurance likewise came as the Department of Health (DOH) is being accused of "mishandling" coronavirus funds based on the report of the Commission on Audit (COA), including supposed non-payment of the health care workers' hazard pay and SRA, among others.
In his speech during the arrival ceremony for the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government, the President recognized the vital role of medical workers during the pandemic.
"I likewise thank all the Filipino frontliners and abroad for their sacrifice since the beginning of this pandemic. We are truly grateful for your selflessness in caring for the sick during these challenging times," he said.
Duterte assured health workers that the government will strive to repay them for their sacrifices and vowed to support them.
"Be assured that we in government will do our best to protect and incentivize you to your hard work," he said.
"We will always be by your side, ready to help in any way we can," he added.
Early this week, President Duterte ordered Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to prioritize the compensation of healthcare workers.
"Itong mga frontliners, unahin mo na lang. If there's enough money, bayaran mo na (Prioritize the frontliners. If there's enough money, pay them already)," he said on August 17.
Duterte had signed Administrative Order (AO) 42 which grants COVID-19 SRA of up to P5,000 per month to private and public health workers with direct contact with coronavirus patients.
The AO was signed to "recognize the heroic and invaluable contribution" of health workers throughout the country, "who bravely and unselfishly risk their lives and health by being at the forefront of national efforts to respond to the pandemic."