DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook)

The "Young Guns" bloc in the House of Representatives has hailed President Marcos and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for releasing the P27.4 billion in unpaid Covid-19 health emergency allowance (HEA) claims owed to healthcare workers during the pandemic. 

Reps. Jay Khonghun of Zambales, Paolo Ortega V of La Union, Rodge Gutierrez of 1-Rider Party-list, Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol Party-list, Mika Suansing of Nueva Ecija, Joel Chua of Manila, Migs Nograles of PBA Party-list, Cheeno Miguel Almario of Davao Oriental, Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, and Inno Dy V of Isabela welcomed the move in a joint statement Sunday, July 7. 

“This decision demonstrates his commitment to supporting those on our healthcare system's front lines. By providing this financial assistance, the government acknowledges the vital contributions of our healthcare workers and helps alleviate some of the burdens they face,” Khonghun, chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion, said. 

Ortega, an assistant majority leader, commended President Marcos for ensuring the release of long-awaited benefits for health care workers during the pandemic. 

"We thank the President for consistently recognizing and reciprocating our health workers' selfless sacrifices and invaluable service. Their contributions during the pandemic were truly invaluable. We must honor their dedication by ensuring they receive the support and appreciation they rightfully deserve," Ortega said 

Gutierrez, an assistant minority leader, expressed relief that the funds were finally released "to compensate our health workers, who have made tremendous sacrifices, including laying down their lives so that others may live. This underscores the President's steadfast commitment to championing the interests and welfare of our healthcare heroes." 

“Kudos to President BBM and DBM Sec. Pangandaman! They just helped families of our frontline health workers cope with the never-ending problem of recurring inflation. Now they can use the money for whatever needs their family members have,” Bongalon, another assistant majoity leader, remarked.  

“We will fully support our hardworking health care workers. Like everyone else, they are facing the same challenges as the rest of the population. It is fortunate that the government has been able to improve their situation with the order of the President to release the allowance,” Suansing, a Harvard graduate, said.

Chua was glad that "the government was able to release the funds." He said, “The financial support will uplift the spirits of health care workers and ensure they can continue making essential contributions during these challenging times." 

Nograles, a deputy majority leader, said, "Our unsung heroes during the two-year pandemic can now finally breathe a sigh of relief with the release of their allowances. The release is very significant in alleviating the burdens faced by our dedicated health care workers, whose relentless efforts have been crucial in battling the challenges of the pandemic.” 

Almario, for his part, said "The allowance will significantly boost their morale and enable them to sustain their vital services to the community. We owe our health workers a lot in terms of taking care of our COVID-stricken fellow kababayans. And they fully deserve all this remuneration." 

Adiong, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation, emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive assistance to healthcare workers who have demonstrated unwavering commitment and sacrifice in serving the nation. 

"Our health workers deserve all the support they can receive, particularly from the government, to whom they have diligently paid taxes and gone beyond the call of duty," stated Adiong. 

Dy, anothed deputy majority leader, highlighted the significance of the fund release, saying, “This support is crucial for our health workers who can now address various needs. I hope this will be given immediately to the beneficiaries so that they can allocate these resources to ensure their children are ready for the upcoming school term by purchasing essential school supplies."