Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, September 29, co-sponsored a bill that seeks to provide health workers continuing and more inclusive allocation of allowances and benefits during the state of emergency due to the pandemic.
Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized in his co-sponsorship speech for Senate Bill (SB) 2421, the need to ensure the whole health care system remains strong and resilient during the health crisis.
“Almost two years na po silang nakikipaglaban sa pandemyang ito. Alam kong pagod na pagod na sila at hirap na hirap na rin po sila kaya hindi po tayo dapat magkulang sa suporta (They had been fighting this pandemic for almost two years. I know that they are already tired and having difficulties. They need all the support we can give them),” Go said in his speech.
“As healthcare workers continue their lifesaving work, it is incumbent upon the government to show our gratitude by providing them allowances and benefits. Hindi pa po natatapos ang pandemya, kaya dapat tuluy-tuloy lang ang pagbibigay natin sa kanila ng mga benepisyo (The pandemic is not yet over, hence, we should continue providing them benefits),” he added.
The bill seeks the grant of COVID-19 benefits and allowances to public and private health workers during the state of public health emergency.
It specifically proposes the provision of a COVID-19 risk allowance to be given monthly depending on the risk exposure of the healthcare workers.
SB 2421 was sponsored by Senate Committee on Finance chairman Senator Juan Edgardo ‘’Sonny’’ Angara. It takes into consideration SB 2398 which Go authored.
“I thank our chairman of the Committee on Finance, Senator Angara, at sa lahat po ng nag-file ng similar bills (and all those who filed similar bills) for prioritizing this measure,” Go said.
Several senators have also expressed their support for the passage of SB 2421.