CEBU CITY – Three nominees of a neophyte party-list group admitted that they are facing an uphill climb in their bid to earn a seat in the House of Representatives in next year's elections.
But banking on a solid platform and advocacies that aim to give the Filipinos a better healthcare accessibility, Heal PH party-list is confident it can get the support of the electorate.
DR. Jonathan Flavier (second from left) of Heal PH party-list stresses a point during the MyTVCebu News Forum on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Flavier is joined by fellow nominees Dr. Eric Tayag (left) and retired Gen. Benito Antonio de Leon (right). (Calvin D. Cordova)
And if they are to succeed, retired Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag believes that Cebu will play a big role in their campaign.
Heal PH’s main platform is anchored on a proposed health card program for low-income families that aims to provide free access to essential medical services and specialized treatments.
“Cebu is very important because it represents the whole country. The rich, middle-class, and poor are in Cebu. In fact, we might start with the concept of the health card here, especially that we see that local government units in Cebu are open to new ideas,” said Tayag during the MyTVCebu News Forum on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
Tayag admitted that getting the support of local officials will be critical in their bid.
“It’s difficult because they may be already taking care of some party-lists or there are party-lists that are taking care of them,” said Tayag.
Tayag is Heal PH’s second nominee. The first nominee is Dr. Jonathan Flavier, son of the late Sen. Juan Flavier while retired Gen. Benito Antonio de Leon is the third nominee.
“It’s difficult on our part, because we are just new. Although me and Dr. Flavier are already known, it’s like we are still introducing ourselves. That’s why we came to Cebu first because if there’s a chance that the three of us will be installed in the House, Cebu will carry us,” said Tayag.
Tayag said Heal PH is committed to delivering comprehensive and unlimited healthcare coverage, especially for vulnerable sectors.
He said there is a need to improve healthcare accessibility as low-income Filipinos are forced to seek healthcare due to financial constraints.
Tayag said that through the Heal PH Guaranteed Healthcare Card, an alternative to PhilHealth, Heal PH aims to ensure Filipinos receive the immediate medical attention.
Flavier noted that for healthcare services to improve, the country’s needs not just infrastructure but also specialized care.
"When you say hospital care, it does not have to be an infrastructure, that is very expensive, there are ways to adapt," Flavier said.
Flavier said the country must invest in its healthcare manpower, something that Heal PH can help achieve if given a seat in Congress.