Malasakit@Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Anthony Rolando Golez (PPAB)

Malasakit@Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Anthony Rolando Golez Jr. said the lifting of economic restrictions in the 1987 Constitution will lead to a growth in the country's academic health research sector.

In a press conference on Monday, March 18, the lawmaker explained that with the proposed easier access to foreign educational institutions, investments in research in the medical and healthcare fields will soon “flourish”.

Golez, who is a vice chairperson of the House Committee on Health, said that once a research initiative bears fruit, the opportunities will be endless.

“Kung mailagay iyan sa Pilipinas at nag-prosper iyan … lalago ang negosyo na iyan. Mas maraming tao ang maha-hire … mas maraming tao ang pupunta sa doctor para magpagamot, tataas ang suweldo ng nurses, tataas ang suweldo ng doctors and, of course, the research and technology … ay maangat ang ating kaalaman dito sa healthcare sector ng Pilipinas,” he explained.

(If that can be placed in the Philippines and it prospers … that business will grow. More people will be hired ... more people will go to the doctor for treatment, the salary of nurses will increase, the salary of doctors will increase and, of course, the research and technology ... our knowledge here in the healthcare sector of the Philippines will increase.)

The doctor-turned-congressman noted that the medical tourism industry will also benefit from the economic Charter change (Cha-cha)

“Bakit hindi umuunlad ang medical tourism natin eh pag magre-retire ang isang dayuhan pupunta dito, let’s say for example gustong mamahinga dito hanggang mawala siya sa mundong ito, hindi siya puwedeng mag-own ng isang property?” Golez asked.

(Why is our medical tourism not developing, for instance when a foreigner comes here to retire, let's say for example they want to stay here until their passing, but they cannot own a property?)

“Gusto nating umunlad ang medical tourism pero hindi natin binibigyan ng pagkakataon itong mga dayuhan na ito na magkaroon ng property dito eh di parang sinabi mo na, you’re not walking your talk,” he stressed.

(We want medical tourism to develop but we are not giving these foreigners the opportunity to own property here, it's like you said, you're not walking your talk.)

Golez pointed out that this is one concern that should be addressed as it pertains to the healthcare sector.

He also pushed back against the supposed fear-mongering by Cha-cha critics that political provisions will be included in the amendments.

“Fear rather than care ang tingin ko dito. Tanggalin po natin yung pagkatakot,” the solon remarked.

(From what I see, it's fear rather than care. Let's get rid of the fear.)