The Department of Health (DOH) said that the release of the meals, accommodation, and transportation (MAT) allowance of more than 400,000 health workers is expected to be released by next week.
DOH Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said that the source of fund for the said allowances of healthcare workers come from the contingency fund of the Office of the President.
“Anytime po siguro by next week eh ipamamahagi na ho namin itong makukuha naming (Probably, anytime next week, we will distribute this) repurpose fund or contingency fund from the Office of the President,” said Vega in a public briefing.
Vega said they just need to complete the necessary guidelines before the allowances can be released.
“Kung namin iyong guidelines by next week, maibigay na po namin ito sa 426,000 healthcare workers na hindi pa naka-avail ng meals allowance and transportation (If we could finish the guidelines by next week, we will be able to distribute it to 426,000 healthcare workers who have yet to avail their meals and transportation allowance),” he said.
Last Nov. 28, the DOH said it is "taking the issue of delayed benefits very seriously."
“To our healthcare workers, please let us know which health facilities have not yet released your benefits and file a written complaint to the DOH - Complaints Handling Unit at [email protected] with the name of the concerned health facility, the incident and supporting evidences so we can properly address your concerns,” it then said.