What’s it really like to be poor and sick

By Marilyn Monterola

Living through the hardships of poverty in the Philippines is an intricate dance between resilience and desperation. For those, like me, who have been navigating the challenging terrain of both medical and financial struggles, each day is a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit amid adversity.

Our lifestyle prior to the Covid-19 pandemic was modest, not characterized by extravagance yet comfortably above the poverty threshold. We had the means to engage in routine activities such as grocery shopping, celebrating birthdays, organizing surprises, and allocating some resources for things that’s outside our necessities.

In 2021, my partner and I both contracted the virus, leading to my absence from work for a month. Unfortunately, the hospital refused to release me until I settled the entire bill of ₱557,000. It was disheartening to realize that, during this challenging period, none of the government officials we reached out to, whether local or national, extended assistance. Not surprising, but none of my relatively affluent immediate family members contributed even a small amount toward covering the hospital expenses. Feeling desperate, I reached out to all my Facebook
friends and contacted various Filipino celebrities and vloggers known for helping those in need, but to no avail. It dawned on me that politicians only extend assistance only during elections primarily for their political gain, and bloggers engage only when your story is sensational enough to generate millions of views on YouTube.

What was supposed to be a 10-day hospital stay stretched to 26 days. Although I was free from Covid-19, I remained burdened by debt. With assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), the hospital allowed us to return home with a promissory note, demanding payment of ₱30k+ every 15 days. Despite being fully aware that we couldn’t afford this, we reluctantly agreed due to our desperation. The 26 days without work and pay heightened my anxiety, leading to intrusive thoughts, including contemplating ending it all and other distressing ideas. While confined in the hospital, I had limited resources, making it challenging to seek additional assistance. I anticipated a change once I was discharged, but unfortunately, it never materialized. I experienced a demotion from my position as Customer Service Manager for my Vietnamese client. My $200 monthly allowance was removed, and my hourly rate plummeted to a mere $2.50/hour. Managing my finances with this restricted income became crucial as I needed to support my family of six, including two high school-aged kids, a formula-dependent two-year-old, an unemployed partner, and my ailing mother. The additional burden of a ₱35,000 hospital payment loomed large, significantly exceeding my monthly salary.  

Despite my efforts, I could only afford to pay ₱1,000 to ₱2,000 monthly, ensuring I met this commitment consistently. Regrettably, the hospital lacked consideration and even ridiculed me for my modest payments, disregarding the fact that my outstanding balance was ₱200,000. I pleaded for understanding, emphasizing that the amount I contributed was the maximum I could spare. My priority as the family’s breadwinner was my family’s well-being, a responsibility that I believed should take precedence.

Each day became an unending negotiation over the phone and through texts as I sought the hospital’s acknowledgment of my family responsibilities, hoping they would grant some leniency to my plea. Every time I made such a request, they responded with the threat of filing a case against me in court. I wasn’t shirking my responsibility; I was merely seeking understanding. Unfortunately, the hospital had a different perspective, choosing to file a small claims case against both me and my partner.
 

During our brief court hearing, the presiding judge spent no more than 10 minutes. He inquired whether we could settle the ₱212,000, inclusive of interest, within six months. This would require a monthly payment of ₱35,000. The financial impossibility of this demand weighed heavily on me, considering my salary didn’t even amount to 75 percent of the required sum. Coupled with monthly bills and expenses, even purchasing necessities like underwear felt like a luxury.
 

The judge, seemingly disinterested, didn’t bother to listen to my explanation. It felt
disrespectful as he conversed with his assistant while I spoke. Following this, he declared that since both parties couldn’t reach an agreement, he would take it upon himself to make the decision for us.
 

A month and a half post our court hearing, the verdict was delivered, favoring the hospital. The court mandated the payment of the entire ₱212,000 with a six percent annual interest. While this outcome left me devastated, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. From the outset, I had anticipated an unfavorable decision, recognizing the formidable influence of the powerful figures (investors) in our province against whom we were pitted. As a mere virtual assistant, I understood the inherent challenges.

Seeking assistance once more, we approached local government officials, but our efforts proved futile. Despite promises to reach out, there was no communication. My attempt to contact the Office of the President led to a referral to the PAO, and the Office of the First Lady directed us to DSWD, which declined support, citing prior assistance in 2021. Reaching out to all 24 sitting Senators through email yielded only a generic response. Our municipal Mayor and Councilors convened to discuss our case, offering a meager ₱2,000. Efforts to contact the Office of the Governor and the Congressman were met with silence. It baffled me how politicians in our locality could lavish millions during elections but appear incapable of assisting their constituents in times of need.

I once again sought assistance from friends and former colleagues, and I was pleasantly surprised that some, even those I’m not particularly close to, generously offered financial support. It was disheartening however to observe that some friends, upon seeing my message, chose not to respond. While I acknowledge that it’s not their obligation to assist me, I believe receiving a straightforward no would be preferable to no response at all.
 

What’s even more distressing is the lack of response from aunts and uncles residing in foreign countries, known for indulging in extravagant vacations. Not receiving even a single peso or a response from them is particularly painful—a simple no would be more appreciated than no response.
 

The situation strained relationships further, leading to my partner’s brother in Korea
unfriending me and cutting off communication with his own brother due to the predicament. In the neighborhood, we feel the weight of judgmental gazes, with people looking at me as if I were a criminal when I pass by their group. To add to the challenges, my partner’s other brother proposed to buy our house for a mere
₱50,000. Despite having invested over ₱300k in the property, my partner is considering selling it at a significant loss, stating that it’s just his brother. This amount wouldn’t even cover half of the ₱212,000, yet he’s willing to compromise despite being fully aware of the financial shortfall.

So, on Christmas Day, we’ll officially be without a home, though our debts won’t be cleared. It is painful to part with the house I painstakingly built with my own sweat and blood. The thought of letting it go hurts, especially as I am uncertain about my ability to build a new one. Owning a house has always been my dream, but never did I imagine losing one before my eyes. The loss of our home brings the additional burden of rental expenses, especially with my eldest
daughter graduating from senior high school this academic year. The future looks uncertain, and it appears that my daughter’s aspiration of becoming an accountant, or a flight stewardess might be compromised, all because I’m financially strained due to the inability to afford my medical bills.

I want to end this piece with a call to our Philippine government to earnestly review and reconsider the bills and laws pertaining to the medical challenges that burden its citizens. May this plea be heard, leading to compassionate reforms that ensure accessible, affordable, and dignified healthcare for all, ushering in a brighter, healthier future for our nation. May there be no more Marilyn Monterola and family that will face such ordeal. May all the sick be cured without the fear of future financial and legal burdens.